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Regions à la carte
Central France
Region at a glance |
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 Major city:
Clermont-Ferrand
Beautiful natural scenery with
non-active volcanoes, lakes rivers and forests.
Skiing and hiking Thermal Spas 12th century architecture
Auvergne's exceptional natural setting,
with its awe-inspiring non-active volcanoes, lakes, rivers and forests
makes it a wonderful destination for the lover of nature.
The Regional Park of Auvergne
Volcanoes, the largest natural park in France is a protected environment
for exceptional flora and fauna. Auvergne's mountains also provide three
classified downhill ski resorts and excellent cross-country skiing. Its
ancient volcanoes have created ten thermal spa areas, five of which are
among the leading thermal resorts in France.
12th-century architecture and sculpture
in Auvergne show one of the most original and important schools of
Romanesque art in France. Today, the capital, Clermont-Ferrand is an
important industrial center, famous for its tire manufacturing.
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Places of interest |
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Aurillac |
Old town, wax museum, archeology museum |
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Briourde |
St-Julien
Romanesque Basilica (largest Roman building in the Auvergne),
lace-making centre, salmon fishing |
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La Chaise-Dieu |
14th century
abbey St Robert, medieval houses, festival of Classical Music
(during August) |
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Clermont-Ferrand |
Old city center, 11th and 12th century Notre Dame
du Port Basilica, 13th century Cathedral, Hotel de Fontfreyde,
Ranquet Museum |
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Mont Dore |
Spa and winter
sports, panoramic view |
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Montluçon
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15th and 16th century chateau with Vieux Chateau
museum |
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Moulins |
Notre Dame Cathedral with 15th century "triptyque"
painting, remains of Dukes of Bourbon's chateau, Art and
Archeology museum |
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Mozac |
Church with 12th century Reliquary of Saint
Calmin |
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Le Puy-en-Velay |
Most
extraordinary site in France, 12th century romanesque Chapel,
medieval houses and famous lace Route of St Jacques de
Compostelle |
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Puy-de-Dome
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Gallo-Roman site, television tower and
observatory |
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Riom |
Remains of Duc du Berry's chateau, remarkable
stained-glass windows, regional Auvergne museum |
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Royat |
Spa, Saint Leger church |
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Souvigny |
Saint Pierre church, tomb of Louis II of Bourbon |
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Thiers
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15th-17th century houses, knife factories |
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Tronçais Forest |
Forest of ancient oak trees protected by Colbert |
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Vichy
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Spa, natural spring park, casinos, Church of
Saint Blaise |
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Volvic |
Lava quarry, Volvic springs |
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Technical
tourism and sports |
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Mineral water springs, handicrafts: lace
and weaving Biking, hiking, horseback riding, skiing, rafting,
canoeing. |
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Cuisine |
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Auvergne is known for its
excellent cheeses such as Cantal, St. Nectaire and cabecou
goat cheese. Ham and andouille sausages, stuffed cabbage, and
bacon with lentil are also local specialties, as well as Cêpes
mushrooms and fresh river fishes such as trout and pike.
Saint Pourçain rosé and Cotes d'Auvergne, Cotes Roannaises,
and Cotes du Forez red wines accompany meals,
and of course the local bottled mineral waters of
Vichy, St.-Yorre, Badoit, Vals- Les- Bains, and Volvic.
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