The Auvergne, along with the Massif Central, forms the wild, green heart of France. Away from tourist crowds and main roads, this mountainous region, which has already established three large nature parks, has managed to retain its original character. In the north, the extinct volcanic cones of the Monts Dôme and Monts Dore stand side by side like gentle giants, while in southern Auvergne, the volcanic massif of the Cantal volcano marks the highest elevations. The popular Camino de Santiago leads from Le Puy-en-Velay through the diverse and charming southern Massif Central, across the rugged and uninhabited plateaus of Margeride and the Aubrac massif, and along the lovely Lot Valley towards the Pyrenees. Nestled in this magnificent landscape, castles, palaces, monasteries, Romanesque churches, and medieval towns line the hiking trails.