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The Auvergne: Windsurfing - Horse-Riding - Volcanos - Hot Springs And Medieval Jousting

The Auvergne comprises the dpartements of Allier (03), Cantal (15), Haute-Loire (43) and Puy-de-Dme (63) at the heart of the aptly named Massif Central area of central France. The region is made up of many different types of landscape, with breathtaking scenery - mountains, precipitous gorges, tumbling streams, many lakes and extensive wild forests ... and many extinct volcanoes, up to heights of 1,885m (6,180ft) around Clermont-Ferrand, the capital city of the region.

Vulcania

The Vulcania theme park celebrates the many volcanos of the Auvergne with a guided tour which descends towards the centre of the earth within an extinct volcano crater. With simulations of volcanic eruptions, and lava flows, the origins of our solar system and science of the earth and of the univers are explored.

Les chemins St Jacques de Compostelle

The most well-known and impressive of the volcanic cones ("puys") is the Puy de Dme close to Clermont-Ferrand, one of the departure points for pilgims joining the Chemin St Jacques "Via Podiensis" route to the shrine of St James at Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain.

The pilgrim route passes through the the Parc Naturel Rgional des Volcans d'Auvergne, visiting several shrines of the enigmatic Black Madonnas en route - at Besse en Chandesse, Orcival, Murat, Mauriac, Aurillac for example.

Jousting and Troubadours

The history of the Auvergne is rich in legends of medieval times. In the towns of Besse en Chandesse and Salers as we walk through the narrow cobbled streets we seem far from the 21st century. At the breathtaking chateau de Murol medieval re-enactments take place several times a week from March to October.

Cheese Tasting

Auvergne cheeses such as Cantal, St Nectaire, Tme d'Auvergne and Bleu d'Auvergne are renowned worldwide, with the well-signposted "route des fromages d'Auvergne" offering the possibility of comparing the produce of different producers throughout the region.

Festivals and Ftes Throughout the season from Easter to November it is difficult to make choices between the many ftes and festivals, as each town and village celebrates it's local specialities and culture.

Many villages host a "march de pays" one evening each weekend through the summer months (July/August). Here local producers set up stalls selling their produce, prepared ready to eat: aligot, truffade, charcuterie, meat dishes, cheeses, deserts, wines... so that all may compose a meal of their choice and dine in convivial company with neighbours, friends and visitors at trestle tables set up for the occasion in and around the village hall.

Larger festivals not-to-be-missed include the "Hautes Terres" (High Lands) traditional music Festival at St Flour in early July and the Festival du Theatre de Rue (Street Theatre) at St Flour in mid September.

Thermal spas Patients from all parts of Europe are referred by their physicians to take the cure at the thermal spas. La Bourboule and Mont Dore are at the foot of the Puy de Sancy, famed for it's ski resorts. At Chaudes Aigues, further south in the haute Auvergne, the water flows at 82C, and is also used for heating and hot water by the inhabitants of the town. The favoured season for taking the "cure" is from February until October, the climate of the winter months being considered too damp.

Water Sports

Water is an important element in the region - the mighty Dordogne river rises at le Mont Dore, to feed many lakes as it winds it's way seaward, forming the boundary between the departments of Correze and Cantal, and the regions of Limousin and Auvergne. At Bort les Orgues the barrage which was built in the 1940s created an immense reservoir, overlooked by the fairytale Chateau de Val. Here it is possible to take a boat trip or practise any number of water sports, including water skiing and windsurfing.

The Lac de la Crgut lake is the largest natural glacial lake of the Massif Central, close to the lac de Lastioulles where the Centre Nautique also offers wind surfing as well as sailing, canoes, kayaks, surf bikes and swimming.

Walking, Hiking and Skiing Several ski resorts, including those at Super Besse and Super Lioran cater for all kinds of skiing. Cross-country skiing is particularly good. Most snow falls between January and March.

The many footpaths for walking and mountain biking ("VTT" in french), and long-distance routes for horse-riding through the mountains and forests are well way-marked, some including accomodation. Puy Mary is a favourite with walkers hikers alike, being easily accessible for all abilities, and also with stunning views of the Auvergne and Limousin.

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