Adventure in the Auvergne
The Auvergne is one of the very few undiscovered regions of France. Volcanic activity that took place 30 million years ago shaped the area, leaving behind a raw and rugged landscape. The region is characterised by green mountains and the wild gorges of the Massif Central.
The capital of the region is Clermont-Ferrand; however, it is less well known than Vichy, which is recognised worldwide as one of the largest and most famous spa towns in the country. Built along natural thermal springs, Vichy is well known for its excellent health and treatment centres. It also has parks, an opera house, and a racecourse to offer its residents, as well as visitors to the region. The area is well served by motorways; however, most people pass Auvergne by on their way to the south of France. If you're looking for wild and stunning landscapes away from the more touristy regions, this could well be the hidden part of France you're looking for.
Food and Drink
Auvergne is a remote and rural region, a fact reflected in its traditional cuisine. Dishes often feature a combination of hearty ingredients, such as pork and cabbage. Regional dishes include the La Potee Auvergnate (a hearty pork stew) and Pork with Le Puy Lentils. The Le Puy (green) lentils are considered to be the worlds finest, and grow particularly well in the area's rich volcanic soils. These are the only lentils to obtain the AOC label (Appelation d'Origine Controlee), a label which guarantees authenticity, quality and product origin. Truffade, which is potatoes mashed with cheese and fried with bacon and garlic, is popular accompaniment to meat dishes.
The area is also renowned for its cheeses, such as Bleu d'Auvergne, which is a sharp-tasting, firm blue cheese. Other widely available selections include Fourme d'Ambert, as well as Cantal, Salers, and St-Nectaire.
The mineral water of the area is probably better known than the local wines, including the waters of Volvic and Vichy. If you are looking for local wines, the red Codes d'Auvergne and the wines of Saint-Pourcain are the best known of the regional wines.
Things to Do
www.vulcania.com
Vulcania is a volcano theme and leisure park located in the Parc Naturel Regional des Volcans d'Auvergne (Regional Nature Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergn) about fifteen kilometres from the centre of Clermont-Ferrand. There area variety of discovery trails and adventure rides including the Grand Geyser a 20-metre fountain in the heart of Vulcania. Check out the website and you might find some special offers for entry.
Le Puy-en-Velay
Is famous for two things, Puy lentils and is one of the main departure points for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela (Via Podiensis) a 1600 kilometre walk. You'll find the steps of the town well worn by seven Popes, fourteen kings and millions of pilgrims that have gone before you, many pilgrims still depart from the steps of Cathedrale Notre-Dame. If you are on holiday in the area on August 15 you can see the black virgin being escorted through the street, otherwise she is in residence in the cathedral. The other main attraction is St. Michel Aiguilhe, next to the town, an enormous 88 meter high rock is part of the volcanic chimney. It is well worth the 264 steep step climb to the top - 264 steep steps, there are hand-rail and several benches. It's about a 5 minute walk from the cathedral to the bottom of the rock and 8 minutes to the top. The cathedral in Le Puy en Velay is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the town is listed as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire.
National Parks
www.parc-livradois-forez.org
www.parc-volcans-auvergne.com
For nature lovers, Auvergne is home to two large Nature Parks: the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park (Parc Naturel Regional des Volcans d'Auvergne) and the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park (Parc Naturel Regional des Livradois-Forez). Both have stunning hiking trails, and offer fantastic opportunities for rock and mountain climbing. The landscape offers a wealth of sightseeing and fans of outdoor sports you'll be spoilt for choice, from paragliding and white water rafting, to winter activities at the region's ski resorts. For those seeking something a little more sedate, the region has hundreds of churches, chateaux and museums to enjoy. Throughout the summer there are many markets and country fetes.
Places to stay
Use our holiday search form to find a beautiful holiday home.
An example of holiday properties in the Auvergne:
Holiday home for rent in the Auvergne a relaxed 'Slow Holiday in the Auvergne', with the concept of 'slow living' - Slow is not about doing everything at a snail's pace; it's about working, playing and living better by doing everything at the right speed. Something the French understand very well.
Climate
The area is known for its long warm summers, with short heavy thunderstorms, and autumn comes late in the Massif Central. Further upland the days are cooler and snow can often be found until May at altitudes of over 1000m.
Travel
Flights:
There are no direct flights to Clermont-Ferrand; however, it is possible to get indirect flights as there is an international airport.
Car:
From Calais To Clermont-Ferrand
Distance: 438 miles
Travelling Time: 7hrs14mins
Rail:
There is no direct route, but you can get a connection from Paris.
Eurostar to Paris
Eurostar trains run from London or Ashford International to Paris Gare du Nord. Eurostar runs from London to Paris in approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. Check in for all Eurostar destinations is 30 minutes before departure. You will need a passport for travel, and a visa where necessary.
Paris to Clermont-Ferrand
Via Paris Gare de Lyon there are 8 trains a day taking between 3 hours 10 mins and 4 hours.
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