Prolong your stay in Auvergne:

Viaducts
and special trains

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:

With more than 50 castles to visit, the Auvergne has a particularly rich heritage. Built in the Middle Ages and then under the influence of the Dukes of Bourbon and their vassals, these sentinels perched on volcanic outcrops or delightful residences snuggling into the Bourbonnais groves, testify to a glorious past.

- Roman churches:

Perfect proportions, purity of line, harmonious use of different coloured stone….

Built by the Auvergne school (11th and 12th centuries), they constitute some of the most beautiful roman remains in Europe. Three edifices are registered as World Heritage of Humanity sites (the cathedral and Hôtel-Dieu of Puy-en-Velay and Notre-Dame-du-Port de Clermont-Ferrand).

- 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….

 - Historic Buildings :

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….

In their architecture and décor the 10 spa towns have conserved the charm, elegance and atmosphere of the good old days. Their thermal installations and their well-equipped hotels will reveal the virtues of getting into shape. In most you will also find the green baize of casinos, guaranteed shivers of pleasure!

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.

Vulcania
S.E.M. Volcans
Road of Mazayes
63230 ST-OURS-LES-ROCHES (France)
Tel.. 04 73 19 70 00 - Fax 04 73 19 70 99
E-mail: bienvenue@vulcania.com

Don't hesitate to contact the following organisations in order
to prepare your visit to the Auvergne :

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