Central France: Auvergne

Region at a glance

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.

Places of interest

Aurillac

Old town, wax museum, archeology museum

Briourde

St-Julien Romanesque Basilica (largest Roman building in the Auvergne), lace-making centre, salmon fishing

La Chaise-Dieu

14th century abbey St Robert, medieval houses, festival of Classical Music (during August)

Clermont-Ferrand

Old city center, 11th and 12th century Notre Dame du Port Basilica, 13th century Cathedral, Hotel de Fontfreyde, Ranquet Museum

Mont Dore

Spa and winter sports, panoramic view

Montluçon

15th and 16th century chateau with Vieux Chateau museum

Moulins

Notre Dame Cathedral with 15th century "triptyque" painting, remains of Dukes of Bourbon's chateau, Art and Archeology museum

Mozac

Church with 12th century Reliquary of Saint Calmin

Le Puy-en-Velay

Most extraordinary site in France, 12th century romanesque Chapel, medieval houses and famous lace Route of St Jacques de Compostelle

Puy-de-Dome

Gallo-Roman site, television tower and observatory

Riom

Remains of Duc du Berry's chateau, remarkable stained-glass windows, regional Auvergne museum

Royat

Spa, Saint Leger church

Souvigny

Saint Pierre church, tomb of Louis II of Bourbon

Thiers

15th-17th century houses, knife factories

Tronçais Forest

Forest of ancient oak trees protected by Colbert

Vichy

Spa, natural spring park, casinos, Church of Saint Blaise

Volvic

Lava quarry, Volvic springs

Technical tourism and sports

Mineral water springs, handicrafts: lace and weaving Biking, hiking, horseback riding, skiing, rafting, canoeing.

Cuisine

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.