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Cournon-d'Auvergne

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City
—°3612
Cournon-d'Auvergne (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Cournon-d'Auvergne

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The banks of the Allier river offer a great escape. Visit in the early morning for the best light.
  • Take the bus from Clermont-Ferrand to avoid parking issues.
  • Hike up the Puy d'Anzelle for a panoramic view of the Auvergne volcanoes.
  • Check the event schedule at the Zénith d'Auvergne if you enjoy live music.

🍽 Food

🍽
Truffade

Try this comforting potato and cheese dish in a traditional Auvergne restaurant.

🍽
Saint-Nectaire

Buy a slice of this local cheese from a fromagerie in the town center.

🍽
Regional Cured Meats

Find excellent regional sausages at the weekly market.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Weekly Market

Visit the local market for fresh regional produce and authentic atmosphere.

🛍
Côtes d'Auvergne Wine

Pick up a bottle of local volcanic wine at a specialized wine shop.

🧘
Plan d'eau de Cournon

A serene recreational lake excellent for a quiet walk.

🧘
Rives de l'Allier

A peaceful riverside path well-suited for nature spotting.

🧘
Puy de Bane

A natural volcanic hill offering a quiet hike.

Highlights of 2026

3

Situated just southeast of Clermont-Ferrand, Cournon-d'Auvergne serves as an animated gateway to the volcanic landscapes of the Puy-de-Dôme department. Hugging the banks of the Allier River, the city has a wonderful balance between urban convenience and immediate access to nature. The beloved Plan d'eau de Cournon is a popular recreational lake where locals gather for leisurely walks, water sports, and picnicking, with the striking silhouette of the Chaîne des Puys volcanoes in the distance. In the historic heart of the town, the Romanesque Saint-Martin Church, dating back to the 11th century, stands as a testament to the region's rich architectural heritage. The town's lively weekly markets showcase the best of Auvergnat gastronomy, including the famous local cheeses like Saint-Nectaire and Cantal. Nature enthusiasts can easily set out to explore the UNESCO-listed volcanic domes, while those seeking a more relaxed pace can enjoy the shaded promenades along the Allier, one of Europe's last wild rivers. Cournon-d'Auvergne perfectly captures the authentic spirit of the Auvergne region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C014811161818141051
Rain mm503850678372687261706955

Geography

Population
18,848
Coordinates
45.74110, 3.19640

Facts

  • Population: 20,533 (2021 census)
  • Postal code: 63800
  • Home to the Zénith d'Auvergne arena
  • Max elevation: 542 meters
  • Part of the Puy-de-Dôme department
  • Total area: 18.58 square km

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cournon-d'Auvergne (6)

Saint-Martin Church⛪ religious

A fine Romanesque church with later Gothic additions, featuring notable carved capitals and historic stonework.

Cournon Lake (Plan d'Eau)🎡 recreation

A popular leisure area by the Allier river, providing facilities for swimming, fishing, and outdoor sports.

Château de Sarlièves🏰 castle

Château de Sarlièves is a historic castle located in Cournon-d'Auvergne.

Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Lac⛪ religious

Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Lac is a peaceful chapel and place of worship in Cournon-d'Auvergne.

Le Cornonet🌿 nature

Le Cornonet provides a wonderful viewpoint to oversee the surroundings of Cournon-d'Auvergne.

La Baie des Singes🎭 culture

La Baie des Singes is a local theatre hosting various performances in Cournon-d'Auvergne.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Zénith d'Auvergne?
It is one of France's largest concert halls, located in Cournon, hosting major concerts and trade fairs.
Is there a lake for recreation in Cournon?
Yes, the Plan d'eau de Cournon is a popular leisure center with a beach, walking paths, and play areas for families.
How far is it to the Auvergne volcanoes?
The Chaîne des Puys (UNESCO heritage) is only about a 30-minute drive away. Puy de Dôme is the most famous nearby destination.
Which local cheese should I try in Cournon?
Be sure to try Saint-Nectaire or Cantal, two famous Auvergne cheeses sold at local markets.
Is Cournon well connected to Clermont-Ferrand?
Yes, the city is just 10 km southeast of Clermont-Ferrand and is easily accessible via bus lines (T2C) and expressways.
Cournon-d'Auvergne: where is it located?
Cournon-d'Auvergne is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Cournon-d'Auvergne: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Martin Church, Cournon Lake (Plan d'Eau), Château de Sarlièves.
Cournon-d'Auvergne: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Cournon-d'Auvergne: why is it worth visiting?
Situated just southeast of Clermont-Ferrand, Cournon-d'Auvergne serves as an animated gateway to the volcanic landscapes of the Puy-de-Dôme department.
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