Auvergne Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > AuvergneThe Auvergne - a diverse and beautiful region
The Auvergne is one of France's forgotten regions, at least when it comes to attracting tourists. Yet there is little reason for this, as it is a diverse and beautiful region, perfect for "Green Tourism", offering outdoor pursuits, unspoilt vistas, a fascinating natural and cultural heritage in addition to lovely historic towns and a bustling capital city. The region has an abundance of castles and wonderful Romanesque churches to discover, in addition to historic towns such as Le Puy.Top 5 things to see and do in Auvergne
1. Indulge in spa treatments
The mountainous and volcanic geographical nature of the Auvergne makes it an ideal spot for spa tourism. Hot springs and unpolluted rivers give rise to wonderful mineral waters and no less than ten spa towns where you can relax and treat yourself.2. Enjoy "green tourism"
The Auvergne is a rural and sparsely populated region, making it perfect for the newly popular "green tourism". Lovers of the countryside can enjoy the bounty of nature in the form of hills, mountains, volcanoes (although none recently active!) forests and rivers, following walking and nature trails untouched by traffic or pollution.3. Discover volcanoes
Volcanoes have long been a source of fascination (and sometimes of fear, although those of the Auvergne have not been active for many years) for man, and the Auvergne offers a variety of ways to learn more about these fire breathing mountains. Climb to the top of the Puy de Dome, experience the naturally hot water of volcanic springs, or take the kids on the educational trip of a lifetime to the volcano based theme park Vulcania.4. Try adventure sports
The Auvergne, with its mountains and rivers is a giant playground for lovers of adventure sports. White water rafting, canyoning, skiing, rock climbing and mountain biking are all available.5. Trace the history of the region
With its rich heritage, the Auvergne has a wealth of castles, Romanesque churches, museums, historical towns and monuments to explore, allowing you to trace the history of this intriguing and lesser known region.Top 5 towns and cities in Auvergne
1. Clermont Ferrand
The capital city of the region, Clermont Ferrand is a dynamic, industrial city. Its main claim to economic success is the tyre company Michelin, whose headquarters have been in the city since the early days of the 20th century. More than just an industrial centre, the city is surprisingly attractive and full of interesting places to go and things to see and do.2. Vichy
Vichy has shaken off its wartime infamy, and is now elegant and charming. Take the famous waters, go to the opera, wander through the museums and take in the scenic surroundings.3. Saint Flour
This beautiful mediaeval city is a treasure chest of architectural goodies, maze-like streets and monuments. Just on the edge of town is the Viaduct de Garabit.4. Le Puy en Valey
Noted for its religious heritage, Le Puy en Valey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a traditional place of pilgrimage and home to the fabulous Notre Dame Cathedral.5. Aurillac
Experience the atmosphere and culture of the mountains in unspoilt Aurillac. Attend the Theatre Festival or just settle down to a plate of smooth Cantal cheese in the land where it is made.Food and drink in Auvergne
The richly fertile volcanic soil of the Auvergne makes this one of the heartlands of farming, and the region sees an abundance of local produce which gives rise to some of the most celebrated delicacies in French gastronomy. Cheeses such as Cantal are eaten and revered throughout the country, but are always at their best in their home region. Other famous cheeses include the tasty Saint Nectaire le Fermier, and the creamy Auvergne Blue.The Auvergne is also rightly renowned for its Puy lentils, the best lentils you can buy, and the basis of many classic French dishes. In spite of not having any AOC wines, the region nevertheless produces some very good quality wines.
Weather in Auvergne
In spite of a relatively southerly location, the Auvergne is not noted for hot weather, and it does tend to receive a fairly high annual rainfall. The climate does, however, vary according to altitude, with the mountainous areas being wetter and colder then the plains.How to get to Auvergne
There is an airport at Clermont Ferrand, currently offering seasonal flights with Flybe. However, the region is also accessible from nearby Limoges, Rodez, Brive Vallée de la Dordogne or Lyon Airports, all of which offer direct flights to/from the UK. Trains run into Clermont Ferrand, and drivers will find the journey takes around four hours from Paris.Holiday Guides to the Departments of Auvergne
Allier Holiday Guide
The department of Allier lies in the Auvergne region of central France. It offers a wealth of castles and other heritage buildings, a gorgeous countryside comprising vineyards, lakes, forests and gorges, endless opportunities for outdoor sports and fascinating towns and picturesque villages.
Cantal Holiday Guide
The Cantal department of central France is part of the region of Auvergne. Known for its fertile volcanic earth, its mountain range and for the delicious Cantal cheese produced there, the department is rural and unspoilt, an idyllic country retreat or perfect location for pursuing outdoor sports.
Haute-Loire Holiday Guide
The Haute-Loire department of central France is part of the volcanic region of Auvergne. Perhaps one of the lesser known departments to holiday makers, the Haute-Loire is a rural paradise, perfect for those "get away from it all" breaks and for outdoor pursuits.
Puy-de-Dôme Holiday Guide
The Puy-de-Dôme department is probably the best known of the Auvergne region, as it is home to the capital city of Clermont Ferrand. The terrain is volcanic and dramatic, with a strongly agricultural feel except with respect to the capital city, which is an international hive of industry.
