Auvergne
Auvergne: Where volcanic landscapes and quaint villages unfold, explore the rugged beauty of this central French region.
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Auvergne
The Auvergne region south of central France consists for a large part of the Massif Central, with eighty overgrown volcanoes. In the theme park Vulcania you can find out more about the origins of this volcanic area.
In the department of Puy-de-Dôme, on the eponymous mountain, you can walk along the crater lakes Lac Chambon, Lac Pavin and the Gour Tazenat. The highest volcano in the entire Auvergne is the Puy de Sancy. The vast, forested park Livradois-Forez offers many sporting opportunities such as hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and winter skiing and cross country skiing.
After a long trek you might want to visit one of the many hot springs, for example, in Saint-Nectaire, Mont-Dore or Vichy – a blessing for your muscles. Also visit the villages of Saint-Saturnin, Montpeyroux, Usson, Saint-Floret, Issoire and Orcival. In the regional capital Clermont-Ferrand you can find in l'Aventure Michelin an explanation of the company that was founded in 1889.
A must in the Allier are the villages Charroux, wine town of Saint Pourçain sur Sioule and the Medieval Ebreuil. The Tronçais, one of the most beautiful oak forests in Europe is a wonderful area for cycling.
In the Monts du Cantal standing on the Puy Mary volcano you can enjoy stunning views over the vast nature. In winter you can enjoy the snow in the ski resorts Le Lioran (Super Lioran), Murat and Prat-de-Bouc. In Le Puy-en-Velay the converging pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela provide nice walks. Also the trails along the wild river Allier, where in the season the salmon from the Atlantic Ocean comes to breed, and the Loire, are well worth a hike. Also worth a visit are the villages Blesle, Pradelles, Arlempdes and Lavaudieu. After all those outdoors activities you can enjoy the potato dish truffade, the stew Potée auvergnate and dishes with river fish and mushrooms. To conclude with cheeses such as Bleu d'Auvergne, Fourme d'Ambert, Saint-Nectaire and Salers, and desserts with apples and chestnuts.