Located in the very heart of France, the Auvergne is a unique area with a well preserved natural environment, offering its visitors a real treat for both body and mind.
It is one of the largest protected natural reserves in Europe, with 109 hot springs (including Volvic), almost a hundred volcanoes, and more than 20,000 kilometers of waterways. The Regional Natural Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne calls hikers onto the slopes of Plomb du Cantal, the Puy de Dôme, or the Puy de Sancy. The Livradois Forez Regional Natural Park possesses several thousand kilometers of walking trails between forests, massifs and glacial valleys. The Auvergne ski stations also offer a whole range of winter sports: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, snowboarding, and more. In summer, whitewater rafting, paragliding or climbing delight thrill seekers.
Auvergne is the second-most-important spa area in France, and takes care of guests with natural spring water baths, but also in the region’s many spas or hammams. After tackling the slopes, gourmands can savor the cheeses platters: Auvergne Blue Cheese, the Fourme d'Ambert and Saint-Nectaire cheeses, the Cantal or the Salers cheese make for a proper feast. Auvergnard cooking transforms simple products into the best comfort food: the mouthwatering aromas of the traditional petit salé made with green lentils from Puy, stuffed cabbages, the Auvergnard hotpot, or the truffade potato cakes, waft from the the kitchens of the 30 or so restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide. Saint-Pourçain, Côtes d'Auvergne or rosés from Chanturgue are among the enological treasures of the Auvergne.
The Saint-Pierre de Saint-Flour Cathedral and the Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica bear marks inscribed in their very stones of pilgrims making their way to Compostelle. Take the opportunity also to learn about Vercingétorix, chief of the Arverni and brave warrior in the Gallic Wars, at the Gergovie House (situated on the presumed site of the battle of the same name). The Medieval Ducal Fortress evokes the Bourbon dynasty. In Clermont-Ferrand, in the Michelin headquarters, find out all about the epic tales of the company’s history accompanied by its friendly mascot Bibendum. Sharpen your mind at the Museum of Cutlery in Thiers.
Art and culture come out onto the streets during the Aurillac International Festival of Street Theater, or in the Pamparina in Thiers. Movie buffs are drawn to the International Short Film Festival, and fans of classical music for love the Festival of the Chaise-Dieu. The International Hot Air Balloon Concourse ass color to the skies and the Auvergnard countryside.
The PAL – amusement and wildlife park, Vulcania, the Lemptégy Volcano, and the Electrodrome also single Auvergne out as a destination for family holidays.
Holidays in the Auvergne revitalize the body and the mind!
By France.fr
The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…
