Blog · Holidays in Auvergne
Camping near Le Mont-Dore: your nature destination in Auvergne
Discover the best activities around Camping Les Vernières for unforgettable nature holidays in Le Mont-Dore, among the volcanoes of the Sancy massif.
- ✍️ Célia & Christophe
- ⏱ 3 min read
- 📍 From La Bourboule
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🌲 Why choose Le Mont-Dore for your nature holidays
Nature holidays in Le Mont-Dore, Auvergne appeal to families and lovers of wide open spaces. In the heart of the Sancy massif, you enjoy volcanic panoramas, soothing forests, waterfalls and trails accessible to all. The neighbouring resort of La Bourboule offers a friendly spa atmosphere, parks and walks, perfect for a gentle-paced stay. To frame your outings and make the most of your time, start by locating the points of interest in La Bourboule and plan your activities using our Activities page. You can then adjust your programme according to the weather and your wishes, while always returning peacefully to the campsite.
👉 To complete your research, the Sancy Tourist Office publishes a detailed events calendar.
Stay at Camping Les Vernières for your nature holidays in Le Mont-Dore, Auvergne
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🏕 Staying at Camping Les Vernières – close to Le Mont-Dore
Camping Les Vernières is ideally located for exploring Le Mont-Dore without constraints. Comfortable bungalows, spacious chalets, shady pitches: each type of accommodation is designed for rest after an active day. A few minutes from the thermal baths and the centre of La Bourboule, you have easy access to shops, parks and the starting points of walks.
- Choose your accommodation: browse the Accommodation page.
- Book at the right time: go to Bookings.
- Practical info: find all the details under Contact & Access.
- Local inspiration: add La Bourboule to your plans.
- Latest news: see News.
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🚶 Outdoor activities and family discoveries
In Le Mont-Dore, nature holidays mean active relaxation. Alternate panoramic hikes towards the Sancy, bike rides along the Dordogne and cooling breaks at the waterfalls. Children love the leisure park in La Bourboule, while parents appreciate the variety of trails and the fresh air.
- Hikes for everyone: find routes on Activities.
- Parc Fenestre: practical info on Activities.
- Family cycling: combine it with a visit to La Bourboule.
- Back to calm: recharge in the evening at Camping Les Vernières.
👉 For detailed routes, see the Volcans d’Auvergne Regional Nature Park.
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💧 Wellness and spa in Le Mont-Dore and La Bourboule
Le Mont-Dore and La Bourboule are famous for their thermal waters. After the effort, treat yourself to a wellness break: treatments, relaxation, walks in town, then a cosy evening at the campsite. To organise your time slots without stress, check the practical information under Contact & Access, and add a walk through the parks and riverbanks listed under La Bourboule.
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🍴 Food and local traditions
Nature holidays in Le Mont-Dore are also a treat for food lovers: truffade, PDO cheeses (Saint-Nectaire, Bleu d’Auvergne, Cantal), artisan charcuterie, local pastries. Plan a stop at the market, taste as a family and end the day with a convivial dinner.
- Foodie tips: find our favourites in News.
- Evenings at the campsite: see Activities.
- Local discovery: combine tastings and a walk in town via La Bourboule.
- Products and ideas (external): get inspired on Auvergne Tourism.
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📅 3-day family itinerary
- Day 1 – Warm-up and games
- Morning: stroll around La Bourboule.
- Afternoon: Parc Fenestre (see Activities).
- Evening: rest at Camping Les Vernières.
- Day 2 – Volcanoes and views
- Morning: hike towards the Sancy (ideas on Activities).
- Afternoon: spa break in Le Mont-Dore, back to the campsite.
- Logistics: check access under Contact & Access.
- Day 3 – The Dordogne and good food
- Morning: cycling along the Dordogne (see Activities).
- Lunch: local tastings, inspiration in News.
- Afternoon: gentle walk in La Bourboule, then extend your stay via Bookings.
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🧭 Practical tips for a successful stay
- Equipment: windproof jacket, light layers, walking shoes.
- Smart timing: hikes in the morning, campsite leisure in the afternoon.
- Book ahead: secure your dates under Bookings and choose your accommodation under Accommodation.
- Access and directions: all the info under Contact & Access.
- Adapt the programme: pick flexible ideas from Activities.
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🏰 Culture and heritage around Le Mont-Dore
Your nature holidays in Le Mont-Dore can include a touch of culture: medieval castles, Romanesque churches, family museums, characterful villages. The Sancy communes organise markets and local festivals that pleasantly punctuate your stay.
- Stay informed: follow News.
- Base: use La Bourboule.
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🌐 Book your nature holidays in Le Mont-Dore
Ready for your nature holidays in Le Mont-Dore, Auvergne? Camping Les Vernières welcomes you in a warm setting, ideal for families. Explore our Activities, discover La Bourboule and book online.
In pictures
Le Mont-Dore in pictures
The town, the Capucin funicular and the Grande Cascade: three visits 10 minutes from the campsite.
Travel times
Getting to Le Mont-Dore from the campsite
Le Mont-Dore is 6 km from La Bourboule. From Camping Les Vernières, allow:
- Mont-Dore thermal baths: ≈ 10 min
- Puy de Sancy cable car (Le Mont-Dore): ≈ 20 min
- Lake Guéry: ≈ 15 min
- Lake Chambon, via the Col de la Croix-Morand: ≈ 30 min
Approximate driving times from Camping Les Vernières, excluding traffic and weather conditions. Camping Les Vernières is a 6-hectare, flat and shady 5-star campsite on the banks of the Dordogne, a 10-minute walk from the centre of La Bourboule and 800 m from the Grands Thermes. It is open from 5 May to 19 September 2027, with a 15 × 7 m indoor pool heated to 28 °C all season.
Frequently asked questions
Le Mont-Dore: your questions
What is the Capucin funicular?
Opened in 1898, it is the oldest electric funicular in France. It links the town of Le Mont-Dore to the Salon du Capucin, the starting point for lovely walks.
Your 5-star campsite in the heart of the Sancy
Heated indoor pool, fully equipped accommodation and nature on the banks of the Dordogne, in La Bourboule.
See also: The campsite · The blog · See 2027 rates
