The Auvergne was once a remote, inaccessible area, by-passed by travellers due to it's mountainous and wild countryside. However, access is now easy and it has retained its unspoilt character. It has a largely volcanic landscape and is a haven for outdoor pursuits enthusiasts and nature lovers. This region, set in the heart of the Massif Central, has over 500 churches dating from Roman times and over 50 castles. There are ten Spa towns in Auvergne, with Vichy being the most famous. It has retained the elegance and charm from the twenties, when it was at its' most fashionable. Activities on offer in this spectacular region include ski-ing at any of the eight ski resorts, golfing, hiking, cycling and horse riding. The region is justly famous for its' superb cheeses and fine cuisine. The capital of the Auvergne is Clermont Ferrand, which is a lively university city with churches, museums, extensive shopping and all the restaurants and bars you could want!
Accommodation is easily available throughout the region, ranging from city centre hotels to country auberges and simple bed and breakfast establishments. There are also many gites and farmhouses to be rented.
The DepartmentsThe department of Allier lies on the northern rim of the Massif Central. Here, on the banks of the river that gives the department it's name, is the elegant town of Vichy where there are parks, restaurants, an opera house, horse racing and a vast lake. The north of the department is mainly given to the raising of livestock, whilst the southern area is more fertile and is cultivated with a variety of crops.
The Puy-de-Dome is the central department of Auvergne and has spectacular volcanic landscapes and is home to the ski resorts of Le Mont Dore and Super Besse. It is a haven for walkers and wild life enthusiasts as well as offering more sedate passtimes. Clermont-Ferrand, the region's capital, is in this department and is a lively city with many shops, hotels, bars, cafes and restaurants. Also worth a visit is the cathedral and museums.
The Cantal is at the south west of the region and is a high, beautiful department. Many rivers, including the Dordogne river, have their source here and the department produces a significant amount of hydro-electric power. In the high country the economy is alpine pastoral. The cattle graze the high mountain pastures in summer, being brought down to the valleys in the winter months. The famous Cantal cheeses are made here, still using traditional methods, and a visit to the area is a must.
The department Haute-Loire is in the south west of Auvergne and contains some of the highest mountains in the Massif Central. The mighty river Loire has its source here, flowing north and then west into it's famous valley. The crater lake of Le Bouchet, the gorges of the Loire and Allier rivers and the many medieval villages and churches of the department make this a superb destination for a holiday away from the crowds. The capital, Le Puy en Valey, is built from volcanic rock in various colours. This is a lively town with good shopping and cafes and many restaurants at which to sample the local cuisine.