auvergne - Massif du Sancy

Carte anglais_Mise en page 1 25/02/11 10:26 Page1
The Polignac fortress (Haute-Loire)
The Puy-de-Dôme volcano
Le Puy-en-Velay lentils (Haute-Loire)
Breakfast at the farm
AUVERGNE
If you are looking for a new world, then
Auvergne is where you’ll find it!
In Auvergne, we uphold the idea that our
land revitalises the mind and body.
Come and discover one of the largest protected
areas of Europe where you can enjoy a whole
array of activities, make the most of fulfilling
cultural outings and indulge in the fine
gastronomy.
The volcanoes
Nature lovers will be blown away by the quality of our
environment: lakes, volcanoes, valleys, forests, ponds,
outstanding fauna and flora.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice when it
comes to choosing between rambling, mounting biking,
road cycling, hang gliding, swimming, fishing, etc.
You can hike along the top of a volcano, go kayaking
down the Allier river, one of the most unspoiled rivers of
Europe, go fishing at sun rise and take in all the beauty
of the nature and its many hidden treasures along the
way, as far as the eye can see.
www.auvergne-tourism.com
Lavaudieu (Haute-Loire)
Sancy Massif (Puy-de-Dôme)
The Puys range (Puy-de-Dôme)
The Issoire Romanesque church (Puy-de-Dôme)
The volcanoes of Auvergne are a unique natural treasure in Europe. Dormant for centuries they remain one of the major curiosities in the region.
The Puy de Dôme, the most famous, classified “Grand site de France®”,
has an altitude of 1,465 metres (4,800 feet). It offers a matchless viewing
point on to the Puys range and surrounding landscapes: a breath-taking
panorama! From June 2012 it will be accessible in both summer and winter by rack train - an unforgettable climb!
The Puys range, a volcanic landscape extending over more than 30 km,
aligns 80 domes and craters. It is located in the vastest Regional Nature
Park of Europe: the Parc Naturel des Volcans d’Auvergne.
The natural crater lakes are another geographical particularity and a
sight-seeing must!
The volcano called Plomb du Cantal is the biggest in Europe, with a diameter superior to Etna (in Italy). The Puy Mary, another “Grand Site de
France” (1,758 metres – 5,750 feet) is also another high point in France’s
natural heritage.
Over the centuries little villages and then ski resorts developed on the slopes
or at the feet of the volcanoes. Visiting these enchanting villages will delight lovers of authenticity and unspoilt nature. A good chance too to discover the French countryside while indulging in green tourism.
In addition, the park dedicated to volcanism and the adventure of the Earth
– Vulcania – will enable both novices and buffs to increase their understanding of these witnesses to the planet’s history - the volcanoes.
Guery lake (Puy-de-Dôme)
Moulins historical quarter (Allier)
Saint Nectaire Romanesque church (Puy-de-Dôme)
The Cordes mansion (Puy-de-Dôme)
“The most beautiful
villages of France”
The Romanesque
churches route
Art and history
towns or districts
The historic road of
the Auvergne châteaux
In the Haute-Loire: Arlempdes (G9), Blesle (E7),
Lavaudieu (F8), Pradelles
(G10), in the Allier: Charroux (E3), not forgetting in
the Cantal: Tournemire
(B8), Salers (C8) and Puyde-Dôme: Montpeyroux
(E6), Saint-Floret (D6),
Saint-Saturnin (D6) and
Usson (E6).
They are all brimming with
heritage, history, sites and
monuments to discover.
Wander along the narrow
streets, stop in the squares.
Be charmed by the light
bouncing off the slate
roofs, admire a renaissance postern, a washhouse or a simple window
sill.
Each village will leave you
Charroux (Allier)
with a special souvenir of
your visit: a medieval
church here, a romanesque church there or ramparts taking you way back
in time.
www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org
Auvergne is teeming with nearly two
hundred and fifty religious buildings,
built between the 11th and 13th centuries. They form part of its remarkably
pure and coherent outstanding cultural
heritage. The romanesque style of Auvergne is best represented by five major
buildings: Notre Dame du Port in Clermont-Ferrand (E5), UNESCO world
heritage site as part of the Pilgrimage
Route of Santiago de Compostela, SaintSaturnin (D6), Saint-Austremoine in
Issoire (E6), Notre Dame du Mont-Cornadore in Saint-Nectaire (D6) and Notre
Dame d’Orcival (D6).
The area surrounding Clermont-Ferrand
is not alone when it comes to flagship examples of Auvergne romanesque art.
In the Allier: the churches of Châtel-Montagne (F4) and Saint-Menoux (E2),
in the Cantal: Notre Dame des Miracles in Mauriac (B8), Saint-Georges in
Riom-ès-Montagnes (C7), are well worth the detour. Other musts to visit:
in Haute-Loire, the basilica of Saint-Julien at Brioude (E7) magnificently
renovated in 2009 and with contemporary stained-glass made by the
artist Kim en Joong, and in Puy-en-Velay (G9) the Cathedral of NotreDame (listed as a World Heritage Site owing to the Routes of Santiago de
Compostela) – famous starting point for the via Podiensis.
www.art-roman.net/auvergne/auvergne.htm
The "Art and history towns
or districts" denomination
awarded by the French ministry of culture and communication, classifies a
location with a proactive policy aimed at enhancing
and bringing its heritage to
life. In Auvergne, Moulins
(E2), Riom (D5), Issoire
(E6), Le Puy-en-Velay (G9),
and the districts of Haut-Allier (E7) and Saint-Flour
(D9) can boast this label.
Heritage-briefed guide-lecturers and presenters will
help you discover the main
attractions of the land or
towns and learn about their
background and identity.
Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
Theme trips are designed
for you to discover unusual
sites and get to know a famous character that comes to life before your very
eyes.
Evening walks, punctuated by shows with musicians, storytellers or actors
will add to the magic of your travels through the time.
In the heart of Europe, Auvergne is the land of castles, the majority of
which are lived in and all living proof of its historical, artistic and architectural heritage.
Visit them and steep yourself in the history of Auvergne and history itself.
Special days are also earmarked for exhibitions, concerts, shows, receptions and also offer bed and breakfast.
Visit the website to get a glimpse of each castle and all the different activities on offer (nature, special dates, opening times, photos, etc).
www.route-chateaux-auvergne.org
Notre-Dame du Port
Romanesque church
(Puy-de-Dôme)
The Lavoûte-Polignac mansion (Haute-Loire)
Active holidays
close to nature
Auvergne invites you to recharge
the batteries of your body and
mind.
Thanks to the suitability of its
relief for every kind of leisure
activity it is a real playground
that will fully satisfy lovers of
fun or sports in harmony with
nature.
You can’t stay indifferent to the
simple and genuine charms of
the rounded volcanoes, the rivers’ clear waters, and the varied nature of the greenery.
Here everything is an irresistible invitation for activity in the
great outdoors.
Allier gorges (Haute-Loire)
Royatonic spa fun centre (Puy-de-Dôme)
Thiers cutlery (Puy-de-Dôme)
The spa towns route
There are ten of these: Bourbon-l’Archambault (D2), Vichy (E4), Nérisles-Bains (C3), Chaudes-Aigues (D9), La Bourboule (C6), Le Mont-Dore
(C6), Saint-Nectaire (D6), Châteauneuf-les-Bains (D4), Châtel-Guyon
(D5), Royat-Chamalières (D5).
They make up the spa towns route and seduce visitors by the charm of
their splendid historical and architectural heritage, sometimes dating back
to Roman times.
In addition to the special medieval features of each town, they are places
where rest and a real change await you. Nestled in a natural setting that
goes hand-in-hand with
relaxation, they offer
stays with your health
and well-being mind.
They are therefore excellent starting points to
discover the nature, culture and gastronomy of
Auvergne…
www.villesdeaux.com
Bourbon-l'Archambault spa (Allier)
Tourist
tour
Auvergne products
The Michelin Adventure,
(Puy-de-Dôme)
PDO cheeses
Puy Mary (Cantal)
Hiking, bathing, rafting, mountain-biking… The possibilities are endless
and adapted to everyone’s wishes: children and pensioners and teenagers.
All lovers of fresh air will find their heart’s desire!
On foot, bicycle, or horseback, both small rides and great treks will provide
genuine moments of evasion
Para-gliding, deltaplaning, or flights in a hot-air balloon can offer you a
bird’s eye view to admire – in an original way – the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
For anglers loving quiet spots Auvergne with its lakes and rivers is a little
corner of paradise where trout, carp, and pike abound.
Skills, craftsmanship,
and artistic trades
Auvergne is a perpetual invitation to learn craft techniques, such as woodworking, pottery, lava- and stone-working … A visit to the workshops is an indispensable step!
Auvergne has preserved numerous ancestral skills intact - trades of art and
tradition charged with history. The authenticity and passion of the craftsmen
working in Auvergne will let you into the region’s identity.
At the foot of the Puys range, Clermont-Ferrand (D5) proposes excursions
into the heart of nature – while offering all a city’s interesting aspects. As
you stroll through the pedestrian streets lined with curiosity shops, art galleries, and Volvic stone fountains do not hesitate to push open the doors to the
workshops!
Cutlery connoisseurs will visit Thiers (F5) and its cutlery museum and house
of cutlers. Pottery experts or lovers will not miss the “musée de la céramique”
(pottery museum) at Lezoux (E5). Take the “Route des metiers” (route of the
crafts) in the Parc Naturel régional Livradois-Forez (Livradois-Forez Regional
Natural Park), where you will discover time-honoured crafts, such as the manufacture of braiding and of dried flower paper at the Richard de Bas mill, near
Ambert.
Some sites bring back to life yesterday’s world - such as the “ferme des bois
noirs”, at Saint-Eloy-la Glacière (F6), where the bread oven, the pendulum
clock, cabinet beds, the salting room are revived ….
The town of Le Puy-en-Velay (G9) in addition to being classified world heritage
by UNESCO is the cradle of bone-lace – a tradition that is still very much alive.
Lava-stone becomes an elegant work of art when it is enamelled at Volvic (D5).
The “Aurillac” umbrella is made in the capital of Cantal, (B9). It appears in
many haute couture fashion parades and is still manufactured following the
age-old methods.
Tourist
tour
The Roi de l'Oiseau festival at Le Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
Cantal mounts (Cantal)
Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme)
The flavours
The cheese route
Sights not-to-be-missed!
Festivals and entertainments
In the heart of the volcanoes
Culture and heritage
Here is where vines grow
along the river banks, liqueurs are made from
medicinal plants, the local
cheeses are the stars of
the cheeseboard, the meat
and green lentils boast
PDO status and the garlic
too and the water comes
straight from the volcanoes. Fruits, vegetables,
confectionery,
fishes,
mushrooms thrive…
Discover the five Auvergne PDO cheeses (bleu d’Auvergne, cantal, saintnectaire, fourme d’Ambert and salers), as well as thirty other specialities
(bleu de Laqueuille, carré d’Aurillac, galette de la Chaise-Dieu, etc).
Why not wash these down (with moderation) with one of the five grand
cru wines of the côtes d’Auvergne or the Saint-Pourçain PDO.
For the more moderate, the many mineral waters straight from the volcanoes such as Volvic, Mont-Dore, or the sparkling Vichy Célestins, Rozana,
Chateldon, are bound to meet with your utmost appreciation.
A fine Auvergne meal can be had relishing in fish from the local rivers and
lakes (trout, salmon, char, etc). Meat lovers will not be disappointed by the
choice of Allier Charolais, Cantal salers or Haute-Loire fin gras meats. Or
how about the green Puy-en-Velay lentils, forest mushrooms, followed by
tasty red berries or some blueberry tart? And to help the digestion along,
the famous Vichy pastilles or a Velay verbena liqueur (with moderation of
course) are not to be missed.
Happy dining!
Auvergne is one of the
major PDO cheese making regions with nearly
one quarter of the French
production and no less
than five PDO cheeses:
bleu d’Auvergne, cantal,
saint-nectaire, fourme
d’Ambert and salers. If
you fancy tasting them
and discovering the secrets of how they are
made, then go and meet
the cheese makers along
the thirty-six stops of the
cheese route. They will
open the doors to their
cheese-making tradition
in strict keeping with
their quality charter.
These cheeses will be the
delight of all gourmets
who can enjoy them
Auvergne blue cheese
with potatoes (truffade),
a Charolais or salers meat, coated in an Auvergne blue cheese sauce.
www.fromages-aop-auvergne.com
For entertaining and cultural excursions think about Auvergne’s theme
parks and major tourist attractions!
The programme? Fauna, flora, volcanism, the story of the Michelin epic,
stage costumes... but above all bursts of laughter and enriching experiences!
For your family days out go to the animal and fun park, the PAL, with
its 25 attractions right in the countryside (F2), the Parcs zoologiques du
Cézallier (Zoos of Cézallier) (E7) and of the Bouy (G6).
To get to know the volcanoes and terrestrial phenomena while having
fun - direction Vulcania (D5) for an immersion underground, Lemptégy
(D5) to be in the heart of a volcano’s crater, and to the Puy de Sancy
(D6), the Puy Mary (C8), or the Mont Mézenc (H9) to discover superb
panoramas. Sensations and amazement guaranteed!
For those passionate about history and culture - do not miss the Centre
National du Costume de Scène (CNCS [National Stage Costume Centre])
at Moulins (E2), the Aventure Michelin (Michelin Adventure) (D5) and the
musée d’Art Moderne Roger Quilliot (Roger Quilliot Modern Art Museum),
at Clermont-Ferrand (D5), the musée de la Résistance (Resistance
Museum) at Mont Mouchet (E9), the château-musée du général
Lafayette (General Lafayette château-museum) at Chavaniac (F8), the
theme routes (spas, Romanesque churches, “most beautiful villages of
France”) …
For more unusual visits enter a scénomusée (theme museum): the Mystères de Farges (D6), the Toinette et Julien (D6), the Manoir de Veygoux
(D4), the Maison de la Salers (C8)…, a troglodytic site: the caves of Jonas
(D6), a mediaeval fortress on the Historic road of the Auvergne châteaux:
château of Murol (D6), the Volvic water bottling factory (D5) or the
Maison du saumon et de la rivière (Salmon and River House) at Brioude
(E7).
Between internationally renowned events and those of a more intimate nature the Auvergnat cultural calendar is marked by numerous festivals and
fêtes: classical music, jazz, street theatre, or cinema …
From Clermont-Ferrand, the regional
capital, visit Vulcania (1) in the heart
of the Puys range:
the Park dedicated
to the Adventure of
the Earth before
seeing the life-size
volcano of LempVulcania (Puy-de-Dôme)
tégy (2).
The following morning set off to discover the mythical Puy de Dôme (3) (count 45 minutes’
walk) and the 80 volcanoes that surround it. At Clermont-Ferrand (4) you
can stroll in the heart of the pedestrian streets of the historic centre with its
Romanesque church Notre-Dame du Port, classified world heritage by
UNESCO. Continue your visit to the “Adventure Michelin” (5) museum at
Montferrand to know all about the epic of the enterprise, the flagship of the
region’s industry.
After a stop at the Basilica Notre-Dame of Orcival (6) the next stage will take
you to the massif of Sancy and its highest summit, the Puy de Sancy (7)
(1,886 metres -6,180 feet – access by cable-car) where you can go for walks
– which in winter gives way to downhill and cross-country skiing.
Continue your stay by the river Dordogne and discover the thermal heritage
of Mont-Dore and La Bourboule (8) without forgetting to visit the Romanesque church of Saint-Nectaire and the mediaeval castle of Murol (9). Head
next for the Cantal massif with its vast volcano, around the Puy Mary (10).
In the valley, Salers – a “Most Beautiful Village of France” – will share its authenticity with you (11) before you enjoy the historic centre of Aurillac (12).
This tour is also ideal for getting to know numerous volcanic lakes - Tazenat,
Guéry, Servières, Pavin, Montcineyre…)
1- Moulins (E2): town of Art
and History and National
Stage Costume Centre
2- Souvigny: (E2): priory
church
3- Bourbon-l’Archambault
(D2): spa, cradle of the Dukes
of Bourbon, ancestors of the
CNCS (Allier)
Kings of France
4- Montluçon (C3) : town of Art and History and Néris-les-Bains (C3):
charming spa
5- Charroux (E3): Most Beautiful Village of France
6- Lapalisse (F3): the Historic route of the Auvergne châteaux
7-Vichy (E4): famous spa resort
8- Randan (E4): The royal domain
9- Riom(D5): town of Art and History and Châtel-Guyon (D5): spa
10-Clermont-Ferrand (E5): regional capital and Notre-Dame du Port church,
UNESCO World Heritage
11- Montpeyroux (E6): Most Beautiful Village of France
12- Issoire (E6): town of Art and History
13- Brioude (E7): town of Art and History, Blesle (E7) and Lavaudieu (F8):
Most Beautiful Village of France
14- Saint-Flour (D9): town of Art and History
15- Pradelles (G10) et Arlempdes (G9): Most Beautiful Village of France
16- Le Puy-en-Velay (G9): town of Art and History and cathedral classified
UNESCO World Heritage
17- Chavaniac-Lafayette (F8): château of the Marquis de Lafayette
18- La Chaise-Dieu (F7): Abbey Saint-Robert
19 - Ambert (F6): Richard de Bas Mill
20-Thiers (F5): mediaeval town and cutlery industry
Aurvergne specialties
Get your diaries ready!
• End January/early February: short film international
festival at Clermont-Ferrand (D5)
• Pentecost Week-end: contemporary music European
festival, Europavox, at Clermont-Ferrand (D5)
• Early July: street music festival, La Pamparina,
at Thiers (F5)
• Mid-July: World cultures festival at Gannat (E4)
• End July: country music festival at Craponne-sur-Arzon (G7);
Gallic fête on the oppidum of Gergovia, les Arverniales (E6)
• 3rd week of August: street theatre international
festival at Aurillac (B9),
classical and religious music European festival at
La Chaise-Dieu (F7)
• September: fêtes médiévales du roi de l’Oiseau
(mediaeval fêtes) at Le Puy-en-Velay (G9)
• Early October: international festival, Jazz en Tête
at Clermont-Ferrand (D5)
• And all year long events that can be found on our internet site
in French: www.auvergne-tourisme.info (heading agenda).
Issue financed with the assistance of the Auvergne Regional Council
For more information…
www.auvergne-tourism.com
www.auvergne-tourism.com
documentation@crdt-auvergne.fr
7, allée Pierre-de-Fermat - CS 50 502
63178 Aubière cedex France
Phone: +33 (0) 473 294 999
Comité Régional de
Développement Touristique d'Auvergne
How to come to Auvergne
By car:
A71 motorway: Paris – Clermont-Ferrand: 3 hours 30 min.
A89 motorway: Bordeaux - Clermont-Ferrand: 3 hours
A75 motorway: Montpellier - Clermont-Ferrand: (by the Millau Viaduct): 3 hours
www.viamichelin.fr
By train:
Paris – Clermont-Ferrand: 3 hours 30 min.
Lyon – Clermont-Ferrand: 2 hours 15 min.
www.voyages-sncf.com
Nattitude Lodgings
Is your attitude rather for nature?
Choose Nattitude lodgings!
Here, respect for the natural heritage is a tradition,
its preservation a naturally civic attitude.
Lodging to build up your internal resources
Living very close to nature...
Holiday cottages, hotels, guest rooms or campsite in the heart of Natural
Parks… Nattitude is a collection of out of the ordinary, ecologically
sensitive and 100 % Auvergne lodgings.
Yet not forgetting modern conveniences, with quality outfitting, broadband
connection, top-range materials, a “made in Auvergne” quality at the heart
of an authentic environment, with reasonable and measured prices and, very
often, the best products of the region.
For who are the Nattitude lodgings intended?
For our guests, attached to nature, looking for a real experience in
Auvergne, going beyond a single night at the hotel, an encounter with the
heart of the destination: building up internal resources, well-being,
character, harmony, human warmth, originality, etc.
Living in an Nattitude lodging, you are sure to find:
• A unique site at the heart of the natural landscapes in
Auvergne,
• A calm place and an atmosphere suitable for building up your
internal resources,.
• An ecological approach to your tourist stay,
With Nattitude, good living is shared, the spirit of nature is everywhere and
the well-being of simplicity is understood as something obvious.
www.auvergne-nattitude.fr
By plane:
All the timings and cities connected are available on:
www.clermont-aeroport.com
What is the weather like in Auvergne?
The region, particularly in the mountains, shows large contrasts according to
the seasons: the winters are cold and the summers rather short, but with
high temperatures.
Clermont-Ferrand is one of the hottest cities in France in summer. It also has
the lowest rainfall after Marseille. The coldest areas in Auvergne are the
mountain areas with temperatures below 3°C in winder on the high plateaux.
The hottest temperatures are in the plains and the basins.
These are ideal temperatures for skiing in winter and bathing in the lakes in
summer! The end of autumn and the beginning of spring are often mild.
Card printed on paper adhering to the
ISO 14001 environment management standards.
Publisher: Auvergne Regional Tourist
Board +33 (0)4 73 29 49 99
Director editor:
André CHAPAVEIRE
Chief editor:
Jean PINARD
+33 (0) 473 294 949.
• Well-being activities around nature and water,
Map design: Actual
+33 (0)3 25 71 20 20
• High-tech outfitting,
Layout: Grain de Vue
+33 (0)4 73 60 46 80
• Creative leisure activities.
Printer:
Edips
7 allée Pierre de Fermat - CS 50502
63178 Aubière Cedex - France
+33 (0) 473 294 999
documentation@crdt-auvergne.fr
www.auvergne-tourism.com
Auvergne regional tourist board
(Comité Régional de Développement Touristique d’Auvergne)
Photo credits:
Comité Régional de Développement
Touristique d'Auvergne, CAMUS,
CAVAILLES Gérard, CHABANNE
Jérôme, DAMASE Joël, DARBELET
Christophe, FAYET Gérard, FOURNIER
Philippe, FRICH Arnaud, FROBERT
David, GONON Sébastien, GRUDET
Denis, LACROIX Rémy, LATTES
Emmanuel, MARSILHAC Thierry,
OLIVIER Luc, Route des fromages
d'Auvergne, SOISSONS Pierre,
VIDAL Hervé
Dépôt légal : février 2011
Auvergne
Tourist map
Carte anglais_Mise en page 1 25/02/11 10:26 Page2
www.auvergne-tourism.com
Moulins historical quarter
N
, the largest oak
The Tronçais forest
e
forest in Europ
Assembly hall, Vichy opera
The Puys range and its 80 volcanoes
Clermont-Ferrand
, regional capita
l
The Sancy massif,
to go hiking
or skiing on a volcano
!
Saint-Nectaire, one
of the five major
Romanesque churche
s of Auvergne
La Chaise-Dieu
Salers, one of the eleven
“most beautiful
villages of France”
in Auvergne
Sports on the
Allier gorges
rapids in the Haut-
Le Puy-en-Velay, world heritage of the
Monts du Cant
al, largest volca
no in Europe
The Garabit viaduct, Gustave Eiffel’s other
masterpiece
UNESCO