Auvergne | French Holiday Travel Guide

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With its vast and green patchwork of volcanic remnants, lush fields, forests and mountains, you might call the Auvergne the lungs of France.

This is the ideal place to take a deep breath, open your eyes wide and marvel at the natural surroundings before embracing the real heart of rustic France.


Yes it has its cultural appeal with its Romanesque architectural trails and vibrant cities like Clermont-Ferrand, but it's the wild expanses of French countryside that really draws visitors of all ages keen to fire up their adrenaline and their imagination.

If you're looking for a corner of France to inspire you through its natural beauty, head to Auvergne.

You eat well here, of course, with all kinds of hearty rustic cuisine and a vast array of fine cheeses to devour, and thanks to increasing interest from visitors, there are new flights springing up into the region, the latest of which is Southampton to Clermont-Ferrand.

More information available on the Auvergne Tourist board website

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The food of Auvergne is all about two key watchwords: local and authentic.

It has a proud regional culinary heritage that manifests itself not only in the produce to be found in markets but in the dishes created by chefs all around the region.

Given the outdoorsy appeal of the region, it's no surprise that most of the rustic cuisine is of the sturdy, warming variety - perfect after a day's hiking or biking in her lush landscapes.

 

Auvergne is heaven for those with a fondness for fromage!

The region produces no less than 26% of France's PDO-rated cheeses (Protected Designation of Origin, which means all production is strictly regulated), with major names such as Cantal, Salers, Fourme d'Ambert, blue classic Bleu d'Auvergne and St Nectaire among the very finest cheeses produced in the whole country.

One name familiar to food lovers around the world is puy lentils, blue-green lentils from the region of the same name served up in stews and as a side dish with all kinds of meats or fish.

Another popular dish straight from the book of peasant classics is potee Auvergnate, a simple cabbage stew recipe, using local vegetables and streaky bacon, pork loin and sausages, slowly cooked, similar to 'Pot au feu' this is a classic of country food.

For dessert you may wish to try a blueberry tarte, another Auvergne favourite that makes great use of the fruits of the land.

To wash all that down, check out Auvergne's own wines and spirits.

For centuries now, her vineyards have produced increasingly well respected wines including the PDO-listed Saint-Pourcain.

Fruit and plant-based liquors are also to the fore for anyone seeking a nice pre- or post-dinner tipple.

Search  for more information on the Auvergne Gastronomy on the Auvergne Tourist board website

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Being in the wide open spaces and sucking up the fresh air of Auvergne is perhaps a key starting point for anyone planning a visit to the region.

So if it's the volcanic slopes, forests, or endless lush paysage that you fancy exploring, don't forget your hiking boots or even hire a mountain bike or horse for the day!

Or perhaps the rivers and lakes will tempt you into some more energetic activities such as rafting down the Haut-Allier gorges. The region is blessed with natural lakes, wild rivers, ponds and waterfalls, not to mention spa towns such as Vichy. So take to the water for leisure or well-being pleasure!




For those who love to combine a holiday with a spot of learning, why not head to Auvergne for a themed break. There are some great cookery classes available, no to mention themed hikes with food as the focus!

The Auvergne prides itself as a year-round destination, and it's little known that the region is perfect for a winter sports break.

It's cheaper than the Alps and there is plenty of choice, from guided snowshoeing in Cantal to downhill thrills in Sancy.

Or head to Lioran, a resort nestled amongst the fir trees, with 42 trails and 60 km of fun. There are lots of special packages available in Auvergne for winter breaks.

One other innovation to keep an eye out for is the Nattitude series of rustic breaks.

The idea is that to take a trip off the beaten track in Auvergne, you can stay in unusual or environmentally-friendly accommodation that are closely linked to the land and local natural heritage. As a back-to-nature means of relaxation, these are hard to beat.

Auvergne's social diary is packed with fabulous events and festivals.

Among the highlights are Land Art, a contemporary art show in Sancy with a focus on sustainable development; the Gannat world cultures festival - a global gathering and meeting of minds in the spirit of togetherness and understanding.

In August the Aurillac's popular street theatre festival sees more than 500 companies come to town to perform; the Chaise-Dieu classical and sacred music festival and finally the medieval celebration in Le Puy en Velay, Les Fetes du Roi de l'Oiseau.

The National Stage Costume Centre in Moulins, which opened in 2006, is the world’s first site entirely dedicated to performing arts heritage and it celebrates various fields of creative endeavour such as theatre, opera and dance. Boasting around 9,000 costumes, it is housed in the Quartier Villars, a cavalry barracks built during the reign of Louis XV.

More information  available on Things to see and do in the Auvergne on the Auvergne tourist board website

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Given that the dominant visual motif of the Auvergne is its volcanic topography, a visit to the various Puys around the region is a must.

Perhaps the most inviting and essential is the Puy du Dôme, which reaches an altitude of 1,485 metres and offers fabulous views out onto the Chaine des Puys mountain range, which offers a unique series of 80 domes and craters.


For a super day out with the family, head to Vulcania, the volcano-themed park with films and educational insights into the region's natural history.

On the cultural front, there's plenty of heritage to marvel at in Auvergne.

Key to this is the Romanesque trail, a themed collection of 250 buildings constructed in the Middle Ages.

There are five buildings in particular that carry the most impressive traits of the Auvergnat Romanesque style.

These are Notre Dame du Port in Clermont-Ferrand, St Saturnin, Saint-Austremoine in Issoire, Notre Dame du Mont-Cornadore in Saint-Nectaire and Notre Dame d'Orcival.


A must-see in Haute-Loire is the Saint-Michel-d'Aiguilhe chapel in Le-Puy-en-Velay, a UNESCO world heritage listed site on the St Jacques de Compostelle trail for pilgrims.

Meanwhile the Auvergne Castles History trail sees some of the region's finest buildings brought to life with a serie of exhibitions, events and artistic endeavours.

More information available on the Natural wonders of the Auvergne on the Auvergne Toursit board website.
 
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Aurillac

The capital of the Cantal department, Aurillac is perhaps one of the most charming cities of this department and certainly worth a visit.

It is also surprisingly known as the capital of the umbrella, due to the fact that half of France’s umbrella production is based here. For a perfectly crafted brolly you might want to push the doors of the one of the oldest factories in the town Piganiol.

A good way of exploring the town is with an official guide on the theme of 'one hundred years old business' which reveals the manufacturing heritage of the town. Also worth noting are churches such as Eglise Saint Géraud and Eglise Notre Dame aux Neiges.

Among the cultural highlights in Aurillac are museums, the “Maison de la Salers” dedicated to the famous local cow pedigree; the art and archaeology museum set in a former Visitandines convent (XVIIth century) and everything you might want to know about Le Puy Mary, the largest volcano in Europe at the Musee des Volcans.

Also not to be missed are the cheese market, old houses on the River Jordanne and many 17th century mansions.

Meanwhile beyond the city walls, the Aurillac region is waiting to be explored. Take in the breathtaking sights of the The Jordanne Valley with the path of the Gorges de Jordanne as well as Le Puy Mary, the emblematic volcano of the region.


Clermont-Ferrand

The capital of Auvergne is Clermont-Ferrand, a city blessed with both exceptional views over the Puy de Dôme, just 10kms from the city and a widely admired cultural vigour.

Here you can enjoy a huge range of stimulation, from rock shows to a celebrated annual short film festival (Festival du Court Metrage de Clermont-Ferrand).




The vibrancy of local life manifests itself in the buzzing cafes and restaurants of the town centre, while those with an eye for splendid architecture will admire the impressive heritage sites such as the Notre Dame du Port, a 12th century Romanesque gem of a cathedral.

Or admire the elegant grey stone sourced in Volvic and used to construct many more of the buildings.

Another key part of the town's heritage is its association with the Michelin tyre company. To get a grip on this story head to the huge Aventure Michelin museum that traces the life and work of the two founding brothers of the company.

The city also acts as a great base for exploration of the surrounding Les Puys mountains by foot or bicycle, while sports watchers will want to head to the incredible atmosphere at the stadium on rugby match day.

Moulins

In the heart of Bourbon country, the town of Moulins has real cultural pedigree.

Several main draws bring visitors: such as the triptych of the Madonna and Child by the Master of Moulins, the ancient 'Mal Coiffee' castle of the Dukes and Anne of France's Italian Renaissance pavilion.

Also worth exploring is the old town with its old houses fashioned in polychrome brick and the Jacquemart clock tower.

And don't forget to pop into the Serady chocolate makers, where Gabrielle Chanel is said to have been given her nickname 'Coco'.

Plus beaux village de France

Auvergne boast  no less than eleven officially listed finest villages in France, each of them being recognized for their unique style and identity and their rich cultural and historical heritage.



With its dozen or so listed historical monuments and splendid medieval centre, Montluçon sits by the River Cher and is the largest commune in the Allier department.

Overlooking the town is the castle rebuilt by Louis II, Duke of Bourbon, and for an unusual visual treat head to the La Louviere Castel, a copy of the Petit Trianon in Versailles.

It has some lovely parks and gardens and sits within the Bourbonnais countryside - perfect for outdoor exploration.

Thiers

The medieval city of Thiers, built upon a hillside along the Durolle river valley in the Puy de Dôme department, is known for its historic half-timbered houses (found in the upper town) with the craft of cutlery making.

No visit is complete without a visit to the cutlery museum, which celebrates Thiers' illustrious industrial heritage.

 

Classic architecture in Thiers©Damase

Puy-en-Velay

Puy-en-Velay is an attractive town in the Haute-Loire department of Auvergne with significant historical importance as a medieval bishopric. Its original altar site and then cathedral became a starting point for pilgrims heading to St Jacques de Compostelle and its most striking site today is the Notre-Dame du Puy cathedral which dates mainly from the 12th century

Other pointers to the past include the extraordinary chapel dedicated to Saint-Michael at Aiguilhe as well as the gorgeous townhouses that line its narrow streets.

As for cultural artefacts, head for the national academy of lace making, while gastronomy fans will have heard of Puy lentils.

 
Vichy

Vichy in Allier is a noted spa town on the banks of the river of the same name.

Its thermal baths were visited by the daughters of Louis XV in the 18th century and today visitors flock for the curative and well-being effects of various water therapies.

Other towns that should be part of any trip to Auvergne include Ambert with its gothic church and Renaissance style bell tower, and cheese museum!

Search for more information on Town & Cities in Auvergne on the Auvergne Tourist board website.

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The main theme park to consider taking the kids to in Auvergne is Vulcania.

With a huge range of activities, exhibitions and interactive educational fun, it's a great way for youngsters to learn about natural history in a state-of-the-art  multi-media setting.

As well as the very impressive spectacles and films like The Magical Odyssey and The Awakening of Auvergne Giants, there are also walking trails around the park where you can learn more.

The Pal Safari park in Allier is another great escape for those with little ones in tow, as are Cezallier Park, the Trailus nature reserve and the Bouy Zoological Park.


In addition to theme parks, the main draw for families in Auvergne is the huge array of fun outdoor activities for the children to get stuck into, from watersports on lakes and rivers to cycling.

Summer sledging runs make use of gravity when the snow's gone, while there is also tree climbing and adventure trails to get involved with.

For older children and adults who are young at heart, there is even bungee jumping and via ferrata to try.

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