Major Cities: Clermont Ferrand, Vichy, Moulins, Aurillac Beautiful natural scenery with non-active volcanoes, lakes rivers and forests with great hiking opportunities. Nature for all the family. Skiing and hiking, motorbike and Mountain Bike racing for the pleasure seeker be you expert or a novice.

Thermal Spas, mineral waters and hot springs abound as does wild life and friendly, open people.

Outstanding sites of Romanesque sites and very reasonable priced accommodations

Description

This region of France is safe on the budget as the dollar falls and provides one with great outdoor opportunities for both summer and spring trips.

Auvergne's exceptional natural setting, with its awe-inspiring non-active volcanoes, lakes, rivers and forests makes it a wonderful destination for the lover of nature. The Regional Park of Auvergne Volcanoes, the largest natural park in France is a protected environment for exceptional flora and fauna.

Auvergne's mountains also provide three classified downhill ski resorts and excellent cross-country skiing. Its ancient volcanoes have created ten thermal spa areas, five of which are among the leading thermal resorts in France. Natural parks, wildlife and nature reserves abound for your pleasure.

12th-century architecture and sculpture in Auvergne show one of the most original and important schools of Romanesque art in France. Today, the capital, Clermont-Ferrand is an important industrial center. YOUR FRENCH CONNEXION provides farm stays and nature walks in this inexpensive destination.

Cuisine

Auvergne is known for its excellent cheeses such as Cantal, St. Nectaire and cabecou goat cheese. Ham and andouille sausages, stuffed cabbage, and bacon with lentils are also local specialties, as well as crêpes mushrooms and fresh river fish such as trout and pike. Saint Pourçain rosé and Cotes d'Auvergne, Cotes Roannaises, and Cotes du Forez red wines accompany meals, and of course the local bottled mineral waters of Vichy, St.-Yorre, Badoit, Vals-Les-Bains, and Volvic.

Aurillac Old town, wax museum, archeology museum.

Clermont-Ferrand Old city center, 11th and 12th century Notre Dame du Port Basilica, 13th century Cathedral, Hotel deFontfreyde, Ranquet Museum.

Montlucon 15th and 16th century chateau with Vieux Chateau museum.

Mozac Church with 12th century Reliquaryof Saint Calmin.

Riom Remains of Duc du Berry's chateau, remarkable stained-glass windows, regional Auvergne museum.

Souvigny Saint Pierre church, tomb of Louis II of Bourbon.

Troncais Forest Forest of ancient oak trees protected by Colbert.

Volvic Lava quarry, Volvic springs.

We are pleased to share some highlights of cities from www.francetourism.com.  You will also find us on their site under Washington State.

Enjoy Auvergne This Year!