Exploring Auvergne A natural beauty, this is an immense green land. Volcanic eruptions have left their mark, and lakes and rivers abound. The Puy de Dôme, is an extinct volcano which is a natural monument with breathtaking views of the Puy mountain chain and the green plains below.
Water comes in all forms: quiet lakes are formed over deep craters. Rivers, streams, waterfalls and springs are everywhere to be seen and naturally add to the beauty of this highly regarded region.
Since Roman times, this is the self-proclaimed “Land of good health”, Auvergne’s water is rich in minerals, and there are eleven thermal stations ready to soak away your aches and pains.
Auvergne has kept its special habitats intact, providing true wild sanctuaries for flora and wildlife, and you can find rare, protected species throughout the region. There are several Nature Reserves and two Regional Nature Parks – Volcanoes of Auvergne and Le Livradois-Forez.
A visit to either or both of these parks is highly recommended. They provide visitors with a perspective of natural France, a country so wealthy in food and wine, but also in birds, animals, and dramatic and peaceful landscapes. | Adventure Sports in Auvergne The area is a paradise for outdoor activities, including skiing, rafting, biking, golfing, hiking, and hang-gliding. Lakes Guéry, Aydat, Pavin, and Chambon provide excellent opportunities for water sports such as canoeing, fishing, swimming, and sailing.
It comes as no surprise to find opportunities for hiking and rock climbing enthusiasts, and there are many centres both for the experienced and those who need instruction. You can even go bungee jumping in the La Recoumène Viaduct at a height of 70m.
A bird’s eye view of this beautiful land is to be recommended, and you have many options. If you like the idea, but have no experience, you may want to try a hot air balloon to start, with five stations to choose from.
For the more experienced, there is gliding, parachuting, ULM and hang gliding. Your choice of activity is limited only by your imagination and energy. Many stations exist with specialty programmes for kids, ranging from education in nature subjects, ski and horseback, to slides and water parks, mini-golf and bikes. |
 Food in AuvergneAuvergne is the camera’s best friend. Incredible vistas and picturesque towns and villages cry out to be memorialised. Centuries old chateaux, fortified villages perched on ridges, towns on mountainsides display historic architecture, as well as the distinctive colours of black lava used in many of the buildings.
The rugged terrain leads to hearty dishes from the region’s kitchens. Auvergne is renowned for salt pork products; delicious Auvergne ham and sausages. The “potée auvergnate” (boiled dinner), the truffade (a potato and cheese dish), potato pâté and pounti (pork and prune meatloaf) are the best examples. Freshwater fish (brook trout, char, salmon) is also available and delicious!
The region boasts the five AOC cheeses (Saint-Nectaire, Cantal, Salers, Fourme d’Ambert and Bleu d’Auvergne), as well as good wines. Apple cake and a glass of Velay Pagès verbena liqueur bring up the rear.
A gite in Auvergne will make a lovely home for you to return to after a day of exploring this magnificent region. Seeing the volcanoes in Auvergne while relaxing in an Auvergne thermal spa is a great way to let time slip by. Many visitors enjoy a fresh catch by fishing in Auvergne. To get your heart rate up try canoeing on Lake Guery. The region caters to children with many family activities in Auvergne. In addition to day classes on the region’s flora and fauna, water parks in Auvergne are a lot of fun for all! For a dynamic and all encompassing experience, your holiday in Auvergne will be perfect! We hope you enjoyed the Auvergne Tourist Information Guide. Bon Voyage! |
