Puy-de-Dôme is a picturesque department in the heart of France, within the
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is unique among departments as it was named after a mountain rather than a river. The department was created during the French Revolution on March 4th, 1790, and has its main administrative centre in the vibrant city of Clermont-Ferrand. In addition to Clermont-Ferrand, the department has four sub-prefectures: Ambert, Issoire, Riom, and Thiers. Puy-de-Dôme borders several other departments, including Loire, Haute-Loire, Cantal, Corrèze, Allier, and Creuse, and some parts of the department are part of the Parc naturel régional Livradois-Forez, a protected natural area known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.
The department is located in the Massif Central, a mountainous region in central France. It boasts over 80 volcanic craters, including the famous Puy de Dôme volcano, which stands at an impressive 1,465 meters above sea level. The department is easily accessible by highways A71 and A89, which connect it to major cities such as
Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux. The A75, also known as "La Méridienne", runs through the department and connects it to the Mediterranean coast, making it an excellent destination for tourists who want to explore the beauty of central France.
Search, Save and Review
