Prolong
your stay in Auvergne:
The Auvergne is composed of four departments: Allier, Cantal, Haute-Loire and Puy-de-Dôme. The Auvergne is a land of wide open spaces, a region where nature rhymes with volcanoes. A veritable life-sized exhibition (lava flows, crater lakes…), the Auvergne represents the largest volcanic area in Europe, composed of the 80 craters of the chain of Puys, the Monts Dore, the Monts du Cantal and the Monts du Velay. The two Regional Natural Parks of the Auvergne and of Livradois-Forez manage the appearance and development of the natural and cultural heritage. Enthusiasts of activities such as long-distance hikes and excursions will feel at home here. Canoe and rafting centres, supervised swimming and water sports as well as flying and climbing schools permit a variety of activities. In winter, the Auvernge
mountains become a favourite place for downhill skiing, (3 classified
ski centres: Le Lioran, Le Mont-Dore, Super-Besse) long distance skiing
and many other activities. The Auvergne also offers art and history: -The
Auvergne Castle Route: Perfect proportions, purity of line, harmonious use of different coloured stone….
- museums : The 130 museums of the Auvergne will fascinate you with their important collections, with their diversity and richness in the arts, popular traditions, crafts, the environment, archaeology, geology…. Eleven Auvergne villages have received awards as some of the "most beautiful French villages". Many other villages of character also reveal the quality of regional architecture. The Auvergne, a land very much alive, a witness to skills whose techniques
and origins are lost in the mists of time, will demonstrate to you the
savoir-faire of its craftsmen,
who make traditional and contempory products; cutlery at Thiers, lace
at Le Puy-en-Velay, enamelled lava and stone sculpture at Volvic, hand-made
paper, clogs…. Garden lovers can stroll through the Jardin-Verger de Malicorne (reg.t.m.) and discover one of the oldest and biggest collections of fruit trees and roses. As for Auvergnat gastronomy, linger among the 32 toques (chef's hat symbol of good eating) and the 6 Michelin star restaurants and discover amongst other treasures the 5 cheeses which have been awarded the AOC (Salers, Cantal, Fourme d'Ambert, Saint Nectaire and Bleu d'Auvergne) and the many local specialities. Live at the same rhythm as the local people and you will find yourself in the heart of the festivals, fairs and events which guide the lives of Auvergnats throughout the year.
Don't hesitate to contact the following
organisations in order
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