Travel In The Auvergne Region France

There aren't many places to go in France that have not been overrun with tourists. It has been a vacation destination since the English Victorians made the south coast popular, and started the modern tourist industry in Nice.

The Auvergne region in the heart of France is not only sparsely populated, but also a haven for nature lovers and hikers, or those just looking to get away from it all.

It is made up of four departments, Puy de Dome, Allier, Haute Loire and Cantal. Three of the main rivers in France have their headwaters here, the Dordogne, the Allier and the Loire. The mountainous peaks rise over 7000 feet, and are part of France's Massif Central.

Why Visit The Auvergne Region?

What's nice about the Auvergne region is that it almost has that undiscovered quality, the feeling of being in French France, not touristy France, where you really have to speak some of the language to get by.

There are few places on earth more beautiful. Being an area filled with ancient volcanoes, no longer active, thank goodness, makes it very unique. The lush greenery and thick forests are abundant, and narrow roads that snake through tiny silent villages, makes you wonder if anyone lives here.

What To Do In The Auvergne

That all changes though if you come across one of the larger towns or cities. Instantly you are thrust into elegance and class reminiscent of Paris. Clermont Ferrand in the heart of the region is one of these. Right in the centre of this city is a huge dark grey, almost black, cathedral. The unusual and striking colour is from the volcanic rock that it is built from, and against the azure blue of the sky, it really stands out. As with any large town in France there is an array of restaurants to choose from. Near the cathedral is a quaint little creperie complete with nautical theme, that looks like it has floated straight down from Brittany. Come lunch time in good weather, all the outdoor seating is filled with cigarette toting impeccably dressed men and women, ready to take their daily two hour lunch break, relaxing with friends over a good meal, and glass of wine or two.

What to See In The Auvergne

Once you get out of the city though and into the countryside, the choice of what to do is vast. The region offers skiing in the winter, hiking all year, swimming in rivers and lakes, canoeing and fishing. If you are the outdoors type this is a wonderful place to come.

One of the most beautiful lakes in the area is Lac Pavin. It is completely circular, as it is the site of an extinct volcano. The deep blue of the lake contrasts perfectly with the green forest that surrounds it. You can walk all the way around the lake and stop for a picnic on the way. A baguette, some ham, cheese and a tomato picked up from the supermarket at nearby Besse is all you need. Oh, and not forgetting a bottle of red, no picnic is complete in France without a bottle of wine!

There are plenty of castles and dungeons to visit, as well as some of the best examples of Romanesque churches in Europe.

Ambert a small town in the Puy de Dome, was at one time the center for paper making in France. It now has a museum to commemorate this and a working paper mill that tourists are welcome to visit.

For one of the best views over the region visit Murol and climb to the top of the 12th century Chateau de Murol. The vista from the top is breathtaking and well worth the energy expended on the trek up. One of the best descriptions of the castle is from Guy de Maupassant who wrote in 1885:

"It astonishes the eye more than any other ruin by its simple mass, its majesty, its grave and imposing air of antiquity. It stands there, alone, high as a mountain, a dead queen, but still the queen of the valleys stretched out beneath it. You go up by a slope planted with firs, then you enter a narrow gate, and stop at the foot of the walls, in the first enclosure, in full view of the entire country."

Nearby Lac Chambon is perfect for swimming and picnics or just for a quick cool off after your climb.

There is so much to do in this region, whether it is sightseeing, walking and hiking, fishing, kayaking or just relaxing with a good book. The easiest way to discover the best places around where you are staying, is to ask the locals. They are more than happy to help, especially if you are able to do it in French.

Sources: The ruins of the Château de Murol were described by Guy de Maupassant in his short story Humble Drame from "Contes du jour at de la nuit" (1885)

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The Auvergne Region Of France

Fishing Along The Allier River

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