AUVERGNE

GENERAL INFORMATION

Auvergne is a Region in Central France with four departments: Allier, Cantal, Haute-Loire and Puy-de Dôme.

The Auvergne Mountains, a chain of extinct volcanoes, run north to south forming unusual and beautiful scenery. There are also hot mineral springs, deep river gorges, and rolling pastureland in the region. Auvergne is largely agricultural (cattle, wheat, and grapes), with cheese and many wine manufactures.

The area is a paradise of outdoor activities, including skiing, rafting, biking, golfing, hiking, and hang-gliding. Lakes Guéry, Aydat, Pavin, and Chambon provide excellent opportunities for water sports such as canoeing, fishing, swimming, and sailing.

HISTORY

Inhabited since prehistoric times, regional artifacts suggest that the Celts lived here as early as 400 BC. Today, the Auvergne boasts some of France's most beautiful Romanesque churches, medieval castles, and Renaissance palaces. The first cathedral to be built in present-day Clermont-Ferrand was erected by Saint Namace in 450 AD, and rebuilt in the Gothic style beginning in the thirteenth century. In the medieval town of Montpeyroux, one of the most beautiful villages in France, artisans can be found practicing their ancient crafts in the fortress tower.

Auvergne is Arvernia, the country of the Arvernes, Vercingétorix's tribe.
In 507, Clovis expelled Alaric and the Wisigoths from Auvergne after the battle of Vouillé (near Poitiers). In the Xth century, Auvergne was a possession of the duke of Aquitaine, later divided into four parts:

• the county of Auvergne, with Vic-le-Comte as capital city
• the dauphiné of Auvergne, which remained in the family of duke Guillaume d'Aquitaine
• the Temporal (possession) of the Bishopric of Clermont, confiscated by queen Catherine de Medicis (1519-1589), who was also countess of Auvergne
• the Land (Terre) of Auvergne.

The Land of Auvergne, except the county of Clermont, was conquered by king of France Philippe-Auguste in 1213 and granted as his apanage to Alphonse de Poitou, brother of Louis IX (Saint Louis). In 1360, king Jean II le Bon transformed the county into a duchy-peerage, which he granted to his son Jean, duke of Berry, who transferred it to his son-in-law, the duke of Bourbon. In 1531, King François I confiscated all the domains owned by the constable of Bourbon, who had betrayed France for Austria. The counties of Auvergne and Clermont were incorporated to the royal domain in 1610, as was the dauphiné of Auvergne in 1693.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

From Upper Auvergne to the Land of the Bourbons, from the green plains to the summits of the volcanoes, Auvergne encompasses six complementary areas that lie harmoniously side by side.

In Southeast Auvergne, water splashes and sprays in the Gorges de l’Allier and on Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc, the flora and fauna are at home in a “chlorophyll” garden to the delight of all lovers of sports in the great outdoors.  History can be found in the villages, Romanesque churches and châteaux. Faith follows in the footsteps of the pilgrims headed for Santiago de Compostela.

To the Southwest, in Upper Auvergne, the noble Salers cow reigns with its red coat.

The Monts de la Margeride look out over the landscapes of granite, moors and dense woods. The infamous Beast of Gévaudan once terrorised the area.  Saint-Flour and Aurillac have kept the traces of their rich history.

In the West of the region, the Volcanoes rise up to meet you. The Massif Cantalien, the Monts Dore and the Chaîne des Puys form the most imposing volcanic group in Europe.
The Chaîne des Puys is a spine studded with 80 dormant volcanoes, the Monts Dore have dizzying sheer cliffs and the Massif Cantalien gives you an idea of what infinity may be like.

In Eastern Auvergne, in Livradois and Forez, nature shows many facets (pine forests on the Monts du Forez and granite plateaux in the Livradois area).   Man’s talents have given rise to a wide range of arts and crafts, such as the cutlery works in Thiers.

To the Northeast, Auvergne becomes noble and precious.  The land of the Dukes of Bourbon tells its story through its rich historical heritage, in Moulins and in Bourbon-l’Archambault.  Water is in all its grandeur here. Its virtues attract many “curistes” to take the waters at the thermal spas, including the most famous of them all, Vichy.