Which campsite should you choose to visit Issoire?
To discover Issoire and its region, choose a campsite in Issoire and nearby or a campsite in Puy-de-Dôme.
Check out the following campsites in particular:
Le Camping Municipal du Mas (Issoire)
Located on the edge of the lake and close to the town centre, the Le Mas Municipal Campsite*** offers spacious pitches and a few rental accommodations. It is a convenient location, ideal for a stopover on the A75 motorway or for a short stay. Its proximity to the Coulée Verte, which connects directly to the centre of Issoire, allows you to combine relaxation in the open air with exploring the town on foot or by bike.
Les Loges campsite (Nonette-Orsonnette)
Just 5 kilometres from Issoire, on the banks of the Allier, Les Loges*** campsite offers a green setting and family facilities, including a swimming pool with a slide. With its modern mobile homes and safari lodges, it appeals to those looking for more comfort and summer entertainment. A good choice for combining nature, water sports and cultural discovery.
What to see in Issoire?
The Abbey Church of Saint-Austremoine in Issoire
This is the undisputed jewel of Issoire. Built in the 12th century, the Abbey Church of Saint-Austremoine is a masterpiece of Auvergne Romanesque art. Its polychrome arkose exterior is impressive in itself, but it is inside that the magic happens: colourful frescoes, a crypt, sculpted capitals... The church attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The Clock Tower
In the heart of the historic centre, the Clock Tower dates back to the 15th century. Renovated, it now hosts temporary exhibitions and offers a superb panorama of the city and the surrounding hills from its summit. An essential stop after visiting the abbey church.
René Cassin Park and the Coulée Verte
Close to the Couze Pavin, René Cassin Park is the perfect place for a family walk or a picnic in the shade. Children will enjoy the playgrounds, while adults can take in the pleasant view of the abbey church. From the park, you can take the Coulée Verte, a footpath and cycle path connecting the centre of Issoire to the Mas lake and the municipal campsite. A gentle stroll in nature, just a stone's throw from the town.
The Biefs and Lavoirs
As you stroll through the narrow streets of Issoire, you will discover the millstreams (old canals) and wash houses that recall everyday life in days gone by. These little detours offer a picturesque view of the town, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
What to do around Issoire? (less than 30 minutes away)
Issoire's central location makes it easy to explore the entire region. Here are a few ideas for nearby excursions:
Parentignat Castle (3 km, 5 mins)
Nicknamed the "little Versailles of Auvergne", this 18th-century château houses one of the finest private collections of ancient paintings in France. Its gardens and elegant salons offer a refined immersion in history.
The Château de Villeneuve-Lembron (9 km, 10 mins)
Built between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, this château charms visitors with its composite architecture and remarkable frescoes. A visit here perfectly complements that of Parentignat.
The Auvergne Animal Park (15 km, 20 mins)
In Ardes-sur-Couze, this 25-hectare park is home to more than 400 rare animals, including endangered species. Located on the slopes of a volcano, it offers an exceptional natural setting for a family outing.
The Maison de l'Améthyste (15 km, 20 mins)
The Pays d'Issoire is famous for its amethyst deposits. In Vernet-Chaméane, the Maison de l'Amethyst offers exhibitions, workshops and geological walks to discover this precious stone typical of the region.
The Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park (25 km, 30 mins)
Less than half an hour's drive away, you can enter France's largest regional nature park, the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, with its spectacular landscapes: puys, lakes, forests, volcanic plateaus... Hiking, mountain biking and wildlife watching are all on the agenda.
Conclusion
Camping in Issoire means enjoying remarkable heritage, abundant nature and a strategic location in the heart of Auvergne. Whether you opt for the simplicity of the Municipal du Mas campsite or the lively comfort of Les Loges campsite, you will be ideally placed to explore the treasures of the town and its surroundings. With its Romanesque art, castles, volcanoes and nature walks, Issoire offers the promise of a rich and varied stay, perfect for discovering another side of Auvergne.