Tourist information

It’s time to go
travelling again
www.auvergne-tourism.com
8 steps to the heart of Auvergne
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P. 4/7Volcanoes
P. 8/15On the go
P. 16/17Winter
P. 18/21Energy-giving
P. 22/23Conviviality
P. 24/27Splendour
P. 28/31Stimulation
P. 32/34Enchantment
Step
1
Volcanoes
A new world full of promise
All journeys start with a natural wonder. In geological terms Auvergne’s volcanoes are still young,
but they are overflowing with vitality and generosity.
They are benevolent features with extraordinary biodiversity,
filtering water from the sky into pure mineral water. But they are also fragile,
and worthy of our respect. So put on those walking boots, fill up those flasks
and get out those binoculars: Auvergne’s volcanoes are one of nature’s great sights.
A whole new world is about to be discovered; one that is full of promise.
La brèche de Roland et le puy Griou
Europe’s largest volcano
Chaîne des Puys
Monts du Cantal
the innocence of our planet’s beginnings
probably resembled this.
Le Puy de Dôme
listed as a Grand Site de France
for as far as the eye can see,
a whole new world opens up before you
/5
1
Volcanoes
Volcanoes
1
La Chaîne des Puys
more than 80 volcanoes stretching from north to south
PROTECTED
SHARP
NATURE PARKS AND RESERVES
LE MASSIF DU SANCY
ROUNDED
LA CHAÎNE DES PUYS
PYRAMID
OUTLINE
LE PUY MARY
Welcome to the Cantal Massif,
with its superb glacial valleys and
breathtaking views.
In the middle of the Cantal
Mountains lies the pyramid
outline of Le Puy Mary. This is
Europe’s largest strato volcano,
with a circumference of 220 km,
just a fraction bigger than Etna’s.
When at its highest, it is
estimated that this volcano
was above 3,000 m in height,
though this is currently recorded
as 1,855 m, at Le Plomb du Cantal.
And this all goes to explain why
Le Puy Mary has initiated
a process towards obtaining
Grand Site de France® status.
Le Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans
d’Auvergne, which is one of Europe’s
largest and oldest nature parks, is an area
of wonderful landscapes, as well as having
a fascinating and vibrant rural culture.
Due east of it is Le Parc Naturel Régional
Livradois-Forez, which is home, among other
natural treasures, to Les Hautes Chaumes
du Forez. Other natural resources include
the glacial cirque of La Vallée de Chaudefour
and the extraordinary peat bog called
Les Sagnes de la Godivelle.
www.parc-volcans-auvergne.com
www.parc-livradois-forez.org
BORDERS
MONTS DU VELAY AND MONT MÉZENC
And when it comes to summits,
here’s a proper one.
From the top of Le Puy de Sancy,
the highest point of the Massif
Central at 1,886 metres, the view
is stupendous, and on a really
clear day can stretch as far as
the Alps. Le Sancy is itself also
a massif with an Alpine look,
with its steep slopes and jagged
ridges, which is best seen by
cable car from Le Mont-Dore.
And when you reach the top,
there are wonderful walks
to enjoy, with the chance of
coming across some of its local
wildlife if you’re lucky.
Have your binoculars ready.
www.sancy.com
Le Mézenc is a fine and highly-impressive
mountain which is located at the crossroads
of the Ardèche and Haute-Loire, on the
south-east side of which is the source
of the Loire itself. It is also an area of
exceptional botanical interest, with no
fewer than 80 recorded rare plant species.
Further north, Les Monts du Velay are
home to fantastic landscapes scattered
with eroded volcanic peaks.
/6
In front of you, spread out over an area of
around 60 kilometres, you’ll see more than
eighty volcanoes stretching from north to
south, as if on parade. And these are youngsters
compared with the Earth’s 4.5 billion years.
Indeed the eruptions that formed these cones,
domes and maars(1) took place between
95,000 and 8,500 years ago. At the northern
end is Le Gour(2) de Tazenat, a beautiful and
completely circular lake; at the southern
end is Le Puy de Montenard.
And the highest point is Le Puy de Dôme at
1,465 metres, which is listed as a Grand Site
de France®, and which you can reach via a
rack railway(3) called the Panoramique des
Dômes. You might think that this many
beautiful features would warrant inclusion
as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and you’d
be right, as the process is underway. La Chaîne
des Puys and La Faille de la Limagne are to
join the religious edifices that are already
UNESCO World Heritage Sites comprising
part of the Way of St. James pilgrimage route.
Vallée de la Jordanne
www.chainedespuys.com
www.panoramiquedesdomes.fr
A maar is a crater formed by an explosion. It is in the
form of a basin and often filled by a lake.
A gour is a defunct word meaning a pit or artificial
fishery in a river.
(3)
Due to open in June 2012.
(1)
Le Panoramique des Dômes
www.puymary.fr
You really do need to take a little time to enjoy
a show like this one. But instead of a red curtain,
you’ve got green domes. And no numbered seating
either, but grassland, paths and craters from
which to sit and take everything in.
(2)
Le Mézenc
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Step
2
On the go
Breathe deeply
As soon as you’ve unpacked your bags you’ll be ready to launch yourself
into a world of sensations and experiences your whole body is crying out for!
In Auvergne, you can walk, swim, jump, slide, fly, dive, gallop, fish,
swing and more; the list goes on, for you to fill in as you wish.
Give yourself a kick start in the white waters
of Europe’s last remaining wild river
Being at one with our surroundings
by letting our worries vanish with the current
So what really matters?
The end of the trip?
Chaîne des Puys
why pay more when you can devote
your energy to something more worthwhile?
/9
2
On the go
On the go
2
Hiking to Lac Chauvet,
in the Massif du Sancy
Viaduc de Garabit
GEAR RATIOS
BICYCLE TOURING
What would you say to dipping
your bike wheels into an area
steeped in cycling history? The
bends winding round the village
of Mandailles at Le Col du Puy
Mary in Cantal are part of the
history of the Tour de France.
Your bike will love its big moment
and the fantastic vistas that
will reward your efforts.
www.auvergne-velo.fr
A MUST
HIKING
Rounded mountain tops, perched craters, hidden valleys, waterfalls, lakes and rivers all around you,
mouflons, kites, salmon, daffodils, heather, oak trees etc.
So many good reasons to tie up your boots and fill up your knapsack to go and discover
this new world. So come and give it a go: there’s something for everybody, from the most
demanding hikes to a variety of easier routes. From trips that leave you exhausted but
exhilarated to ones you can easily do with your children, even if they’re still in the push chair.
And if you’re still not sure and think you might need some advice - maybe you’d rather go
with a professional guide who will be able to supply interesting information about your
route? – then you should have a look round our website. There, you’ll find more than
20 hiking holidays with full details and with geolocations. From Les Chemins de Stevenson
to the lakes and volcanoes of Auvergne, from the heart of Le Sancy to the beauties of
Cantal, from the heights of Le Forez to the banks of La Sioule, Auvergne is criss-crossed
by 11 of France’s “Grande Randonnée” paths, including the famous GR30, which goes from
the north to the south of the region, and the GR4, which connects the Atlantic ocean
to Provence via Le Puy-de-Dôme and Cantal.
www.auvergne-tourism.com
/10
TRANQUILLITY
LONG JOURNEYS
WAY OF ST. JAMES
There’s no need to don the scallop
shell pilgrim’s hat as you set off on the
Way of St. James via Le Puy-en-Velay,
but you should still prepare your trip
properly and make sure you bring
suitable equipment.
With parts of its route listed as
World Heritage Sites, the Via
Podiensis is the most well-trodden
of France’s four routes to
Santiago de Compostela. With
some breathtaking views, unusual
encounters and extraordinary
heritage, the way of St. James
gives generously. And the
nuggets it gives, from Le Puy
Cathedral to your arrival in
Saugues, mean you’re in for
a rare treat.
“VOIES VERTES” CYCLE PATHS
Chemin des crêtes du puy Mary
Cascade des Veyrines
LEGENDARY
UNBRIDLED
THE GREAT CROSSING
OF THE MASSIF CENTRAL
Just think of it: a journey of
666 km taking you from
Clermont-Ferrand to Sète via
Saint-Flour and Mende. From
the feet of the volcanoes to the
wide open sea, through huge
areas of wilderness: this great
journey is part of a wonderful
human adventure.
HORSE RIDING
Perfect for cycle rides with
your family, there are five voies
vertes in Auvergne, two in
Haute-Loire, two in Allier and
one in Cantal.
With such huge areas, you’re really going
to want to give yourself free rein!
From north to south, Auvergne lives and
breathes horse riding and has all sorts of
structures in place to welcome, assist and
enchant you. Whether you’re a beginner or
an experienced horse rider, you can come
and enjoy the pleasure of horse riding among
the volcanoes and wandering beneath the
forest canopies. It’s a truly wonderful thing
to do, and for your littlest children, there’s
the pleasure of family pony trekking.
www.tourisme-equestre-auvergne.com
AMI. Adrenaline Measurement Index
/11
2
On the go
On the go
2
BIKING
MOTORBIKES
People have been coming to
Auvergne for the biking for years.
A firm favourite comprising lovely
bends, exhilarating straights,
a top-quality road surface and
dazzling panoramas.
A set of road-books has been
published by and for bikers.
This practical collection (the
routes can be kept on top of
the fuel tank) has recently
been added to through the
publication of the Grande
Boucle d’Auvergne: 1,100 kilometres
driven over 4 to 7 days,
downloadable free of charge.
SWIRLING WATERS
HAUT-ALLIER
www.auvergne-moto.fr
Chaîne des Puys
Must-have accessory
SKY
AERIAL SPORTS
Auvergne’s skies are as beautiful as they are perfect for flights. What would you say to admiring them
from a hot air balloon or suspended beneath a hang glider?
Rapace
Designers at Rapace have been
supplying riders with kites since
they set up the first snowkiting
school in Auvergne.
Because these sorts of adventure are all possible here. With the highest possible safety
procedures, professional training and a smile on your face, just let yourself go! Whether
it’s a balloon flight over La Chaîne des Puys, a flight among the birds or an introduction
to the joys of paragliding, wouldn’t you like to be up there for a while?
This is undoubtedly the best whitewater spot in Auvergne.
The Gorges de l’Allier are dazzlingly beautiful, forming a deep gash
between Le Velay and La Margeride, where you will find one of
Europe’s last remaining wild rivers.
The best way of enjoying this natural sanctuary involves (carefully!)
getting on board a canoe or raft. Some sections of the river are
especially fast-running during the spring. So you need to keep
one eye on the river and the other on the river banks and the sky
so you don’t miss a thing.
So pick up those paddles!
SAILING, CANOEING, KAYAKING,
RAFTING AND MORE!
www.pro-sport-nature-auvergne.fr
The infinite variety of its lights, its wide range of contours and the quality of its winds
make this region the perfect place to take off from!
www.rapace.co
GG. Greenness Guaranteed
/12
POTENTIAL
Given the number of lakes and
rivers you will come across on
your journey, don’t be surprised
when you find a number of leisure
activity centres that will enable
you to do your sailing, canoeing,
kayaking, rafting or tubing in
superb locations. You’ll find it
really reinvigorating!
/13
2
On the go
On the go
2
La Sioule
Golf des Volcans
PUTTING
GOLF CLUBS
“British-style” golf can be
enjoyed on the greens of the
oldest of Auvergne’s golf clubs,
in Vichy, while the club in
Orcines provides a spectacular
setting in the shadow of Le Puy
de Dôme. Or why not opt for
the trees and valleys of the
club at Le Chambon-sur-Lignon,
where golfers melt into
the scenery. Or the total peace
of the Haute-Auvergne course
with its magnificent setting.
In all, Auvergne has ten 18-hole
courses you really should try.
At the start of the 20th century,
the golf club at the Sporting
Club de Vichy reflected the
city’s image: terribly fashionable.
Its reputation drew the bigwigs
from all over Europe and beyond
to its manicured, straight-lined
turf: the Queen of Yugoslavia,
the Aga Khan, the Emperor
of Annam, the Duchess of
Westminster and the Pacha of
Marrakesh were just some of
the celebrities who honoured
the club with their presence,
making it a fashionable tradition
that continues to this day.
www.ligolf-auvergne.org
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Must-have accessories
Dozorme
OAK GROVE
FORÊT DE TRONCAIS
In the heart of the Bourbon farmland, you’ll find yourself on the edge of a wonderful forest, Europe’s
finest oak grove, the timber from which is highly sought for its fine grain. One of France’s exceptional
natural locations, the Forêt de Tronçais covers an area of no less than 10,500 hectares.
Walking or cycling through it is a wonderful thing to do, with the different lights produced
by the sun shining through the branches. And you’ll carry on down well-marked bridleways,
with the monumental oaks of the Futaie Colbert, which were listed in 1900 and which are
well signposted. These huge trees are all more than 300 years old. The oldest of them,
such as the chêne Saint-Louis and the Sentinelle, are slightly more than 400 years old,
with a circumference of six metres.
There are also various lakes in the forest where you can stop off for a picnic and a dip.
And when autumn comes, you may even be lucky enough to hear the bellowing noise
made by the lord of these woods: the stag.
When you need a quick bite to eat,
just slip a Claude Dozorme knife into
your bag. Fully manufactured in Thiers
and hand-finished, it combines
elegance and strength.
Fishing on the Plateau du Cézallier
TEEMING
WITH FISH
www.dozorme-claude.fr
FISHING
Artpente
Whether you’re doing it from the club house
with a terrace overlooking the lake, with a boat
and guide, or whether you’re doing it solo, there
are all sorts of fishing possibilities in Auvergne.
www.artpente.com
Courses, special accommodation and
wonderful landscapes are all part of the
pleasure of a spot of fishing for one of the
40 species swimming around in the numerous
different kinds of lakes, canals and rivers.
And queen among them, of course, is the trout.
Parts and accessories designed for
people who abuse their mountain bikes
on the steepest slopes! Designed by
Biso, stems, seat posts, seat clamps,
chain guides and handlebar extenders
that will stand up to the most acrobatic
courses.
Picture
You can opt to go 100% recycled without
sacrificing style. Sensitive to environmental
problems but uncompromising when
it comes to quality, Picture is proof of
this. A clothing range in tune with both
yourself and with nature.
www.picture-organic-clothing.com
/15
Winter
3
Step
3
Winter
Le Lioran
ESSENTIALS
Whatever you want
Auvergne’s ski resorts are easy to get to, authentic, family-friendly and pleasant,
and provide a more natural and relaxed way of enjoying the mountains.
The landscapes are truly beautiful, and you’ll be right up close to nature whilst able
to take advantage of the plethora of activities on offer. Skiing, in all shapes and forms,
takes pride of place of course, but you could also learn to snowkite, go dog sledding,
ice hole fishing, put on your snowshoes for a night time trip beneath the stars
to an isolated buron (cheese-making workshop), do some ice wall climbing and more.
TOP RESORTS
TRACKS
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
SNOWSHOEING
There are two main reasons why
you should go cross-country skiing
in Auvergne: its landscape and
its accessibility.
It feels so good to get out there in the morning
and even better to get back in the evening
Get up there and ski.
There’s nothing to hold you back
Leave your own tracks in the sparkling blanket of snow
/16
With its wide open spaces, its
high plateaux and its wide variety
of landscapes topped off by
360° views, there’s nothing
monotonous about it. Here, in a
single day, you can be in a conifer
forest at one moment and in a
broad-leaved wood the next;
by the side of a frozen lake and
then at an isolated buron. And
you can move from one side of
the ski fields to another via
the plentiful, well-maintained
trails. A further advantage is
that the ski fields are very easy
to get to, so you can get onto the
slopes as soon as you’ve parked
the car and without wasting
time. All this makes Auvergne
for many people and of whatever
level, the perfect destination to
get away from it all and reinvigorate
yourself with some cross-country
skiing or snowshoeing.
MALAMUTES
Four resorts are especially
worth a visit: Super-Besse and
Le Mont-Dore in the Massif
du Sancy not far from
Clermont-Ferrand; Le Lioran
in Cantal; Les Estables in
Le Mézenc (Haute-Loire). The
first two are “Famille Plus
montagne” accredited.
DOG SLEDDING
Pulled by a team of dogs, you’ll get a
chance to appreciate the true beauty
of Auvergne in winter, as well as get to
know and love the malamutes and huskies,
whose strength matches their gentle
nature, and which do not seem to
understand the meaning of fatigue.
ICE AXES
MOUNTAINEERING
Three major locations are there for you
to pit yourself against the ice walls: the
northern side of Le Sancy, at Le Mont-Dore,
La Vallée de Chaudefour and Le Puy Mary.
And traditional mountaineering is possible
at various locations in the massifs
of Auvergne.
FREE
NEW SPORTS
Are you familiar with snowkites,
freestyle, speed riding, freeride and
snowscoots? In other words, do you
know about all the winter sports
available? We do here.
This is demonstrated by
the existence of three snow
parks at Super-Besse, Le Lioran
and Le Mont-Dore.
Le Sancy was one of the first
places in France to introduce
speed riding, an unlikely
combination of skiing, paragliding
and parachuting. Les Estables,
meanwhile, was one of the first
resorts to introduce snowkites.
Information available at
www.auvergne-snow.com
CAG. Clean Air Guaranteed
/17
Step
4
Energy-giving
Dive into a rejuvenating bath
Whether it’s thermal springs or rapids, water is everywhere in Auvergne. And everywhere,
it does a power of good. In Vichy, Europe’s largest spa, you’ll be pampered
by the experts who will help you get back into shape. Hammams, showers, spa baths,
massages, exfoliations and body wraps are there to help you relax
and make you beautiful again. People always want to go back!
Lac de la Crégut
the waters of Auvergne owe their reputation
to their quality and purity
In the peace of the booths, bodycare
is becoming increasingly associated with men
Caleden
hot tubs, fountains, waterjets,
swan neck taps, thermoludism
Royatonic in Royat
toned up, firmed up, revitalised:
here, shaping up comes naturally
/19
4
Energy-giving
Energy-giving
4
L’Institut Vichy
Caleden
VITALITY
MINERAL WATERS
Auvergne is the richest mineral
water area in Europe. Some
of these are well-known: Volvic,
Vichy-Célestins and Saint-Yorre
as well as all the others that
are worth finding out about:
Arvie, Mont-Dore, Chateldon,
Châteauneuf, Rozana,
Saint-Diéry, Saint-Géron,
Laqueuille and more.
Royatonic
BATHS
LA ROUTE DES VILLES D’EAUX
Ten resorts that’ll pull out all the stops for you.
Auvergne’s ten resorts along the Route des Villes
d’Eaux that crosses the Massif Central provide
you with all the benefits of thermal springs.
As far as wellness goes, this means relaxing
massages, aromatic exfoliations, slimming
showers, thermo-massage tables, swimming
pool gymnastics, body and face care
and low-fat menus.
Already feeling better? Get your bathrobes
ready, as theme-based stays are on offer:
wellness, sport and wellness or wellness
combined with nature and heritage discovery.
And between these sessions, don’t forget
to enjoy the flamboyant architecture of
these thermal spas. Certainly worth a look!
PI. Plenitude Index
/20
BUBBLES
ROYAL
VICHY
THERMAL BATHS
Royatonic in Royat and Caleden
in Chaudes-Aigues: the benefits
of the thermal springs are achieved
with fun.
For treatments involving
fitness and radiance, these
two centres invite you to come
and enjoy the bubble recliners,
or relax in a Jacuzzi or a scented
bath. Lights, fountains, swan
neck taps and waterfalls all
provide you with wonderfully
relaxing and restorative
moments.
www.royatonic.com
www.caleden.com
This is the benchmark of its type. A city that
has been dedicated to fitness for 2,000 years.
Must-have accessories
Three internationally-recognised
establishments are a must: the Spa
Les Célestins, Le Centre Thermal des
Dômes and Les Thermes Callou.
Next to the Allier, Vichy is also THE place
to go for sport and fitness, with a 120 hectare
omni-sport centre, a lake, an aquatic
centre, two 18-hole golf courses and more.
With so many different facilities, it is home
to a number of high-level events
and sportspeople..
www.vichy-tourisme.com
Organic bodycare treatments
Soaps
La Savonnerie, in the pretty village of
Charroux, makes artisanal soaps. Seaweed,
shea, almonds, verbena and bay, there’s
something for every skin type.
www.savonnerie.net
A wide range of organic produce is also
available in the “Fleurs de Montagnes”
range, based on yellow gentian.
These include an anti-ageing cream,
a nutri-regenerating solution and
an invigorating mask.
www.auberge-des-montagnes.com
www.villesdeaux.com
/21
Conviviality
Step
VINO
5
AUVERGNE AOC
Conviviality
The little-known wines of
Auvergne are delightful and
distinctive and not to be
overlooked. Two of them have
been granted AOC status:
Saint-Pourçain and Côtes
d’Auvergne.
Relaxing steps to a holiday with a difference
www.vin-saint-pourcain.fr
www.fedeviti-puydedome.com
The art of travel is knowing where to stay. With our fabulous choice of destinations,
you can be confident of a carefree and relaxing stay. Nattitude:
settle in to accommodation with a difference, where nature lovers embrace the warm welcome.
Sample the authentic flavours of local produce, discover a range of fresh talent
and savour a cuisine that is rooted in tradition yet open to world influences. Now that’s living!
LIP-SMACKING
THE CHEESE ROUTE
MINDSET
NATTITUDE
More than just a name, a state of mind.
Don’t be caught napping:
adopt the Nattitude mindset
Discover a new world of sensory pleasures
Nattitude is a selection of
unusual and ecologically
responsible hotels, gîtes, guest
houses and campsites.
Remarkable locations,
high-quality accommodation
and a host of activities on offer:
the Nattitude network is the
finest way to immerse yourself
in Auvergne.
www.auvergne-nattitude.fr
Restaurant Régis et Jacques Marcon
ambassadors of local cuisine
PHI. Personal Happiness Index
/22
5
CHEFS
FINE DINING
Foodies welcome. With some
40 steps to choose from,
discover the wonderful and
diverse world of Auvergne’s five
“AOP” protected cheeses: Bleu
d’Auvergne, Cantal, Fourme
d’Ambert, Saint-Nectaire and
Salers. Delightful encounters
in store: meet with producers
and refiners, visit dairies, etc.
www.fromages-aoc-auvergne.com
This is a cuisine that knows what it’s about.
A cuisine passed from generation to generation,
but challenging tradition along the way to hone
the region’s classic dishes.
Hard work is rewarded, and the media and
astute observers take a close interest in
what’s happening here. And with just cause.
In rural taverns you can find authentic and
traditional cuisine that showcases the
quality of local produce. Elsewhere more
contemporary gastronomic delights are on
offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants
to those accredited with the Bib Gourmand
or Toques d’Auvergne labels, there is a
process of innovation, experimentation and
reinterpretation occurring. The pioneers
of this process include Régis Marcon in
Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid, Serge Vieira in
Chaudes-Aigues, Jacques Decoret in Vichy
and François Gagnaire in Le Puy-en-Velay.
Must-have accessorY
Brum’
An innovative product range to enliven
dishes with the aromas of a gentle and
organic mist made from essential oils.
Ingenious and delicious.
www.brum.fr
www.toques-auvergne.com
/23
Step
6
Splendour
Journey through time
With an unrivalled Romanesque heritage, an exceptional number
and variety of châteaux (more than 500 sites in the Bourbonnais area alone),
and unique thermal architecture, wherever you travel in Auvergne
you will feel like you are journeying through time.
Saint-Julien basilica (Brioude)
Stained glass by Korean artist Kim En Joong
Bourbon-l’Archambault thermal baths
a fine example of thermal architecture
A vibrant Loire flows past Château de Lavoûte-Polignac
Chapelle Saint-Michel-d’Aiguilhe,
Le Puy-en-Velay
A historic focal point for local
communities and an unmissable
tourist attraction
/25
6
Splendour
Splendour
6
Charroux
NUGGETS
RESTORATION
FRANCE’S
“MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES”
HôTEL-DIEU
Domaine royal de Randan
Several villages in Auvergne
have been ranked among
France’s most beautiful
for their charm, history and
quality as tourist destinations:
Lavaudieu, Blesle, Arlempdes
and Pradelles in Haute-Loire;
Salers and Tournemire in
Cantal; Usson, Saint-Floret and
Montpeyroux in Puy-de-Dôme;
and Charroux in Allier.
Forteresse de Polignac
Saint-Austremoine abbey church, Issoire
www.les-plus-beaux-villagesde-france.org
ROMANESQUE
TREASURE TROVE
REMARKABLE
SITES OF ARTISTIC
AND HISTORIC HERITAGE
Château de Murol
A total of seven sites in
Auvergne have been awarded
this description in recognition
of their efforts to highlight
and preserve their remarkable
heritage: Moulins (Allier),
the former capital of the Dukes
of Bourbon; Riom, the former
capital of the Duchy
of Auvergne; Issoire Val d’Allier;
Pays de Saint-Flour; Pays
du Haut-Allier; Pays de Billom;
and the exceptional Pays
du Puy-en-Velay.
AWAKENING
MAISON MANTIN
Having lain dormant for a century, this
beautiful Moulins residence has finally
awakened, opening its doors to the public.
As stated in the owner’s will & testament,
it is “an example of 19th-century bourgeois
living” and boasts a collection that is as
exotic as it is unusual.
VARIETY
CHâTEAUX
Did you know that after the
Paris region, Auvergne boasts
the most châteaux in France?
They also have an astonishing
range, from medieval military
fortresses to elegant
Renaissance residences.
Many of them provide fun and
entertainment aimed
at children.
www.route-chateauxauvergne.org
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Romanesque art reached its pinnacle in the 11th and 12th centuries, at which time churches, basilicas,
abbeys and cloisters began to spring up in Auvergne. Many of these have been beautifully preserved.
The Romanesque style, with its modest proportions and elegant lines, is mainly embodied
in religious architecture. The beauty and historical interest of some of the structures
along the St James pilgrimage route make them UNESCO world heritage sites.
Examples are the Notre-Dame-du-Port basilica in Clermont-Ferrand, which was rebuilt
in pale yellow arkose during the 11th and 12th centuries, and the Notre-Dame cathedral
in Le Puy-en-Velay, with its beautiful multicoloured facade. Other significant structures
include the Saint-Nectaire and Saint-Saturnin churches, the basilica in Orcival,
the Saint-Austremoine abbey church in Issoire and the Saint-Julien basilica in Brioude,
which has superb modern stained glass.
The Hôtel-Dieu in Le Puy-en-Velay,
a recently restored UNESCO
world heritage site that used to
provide shelter for pilgrims and
offer support to the needy, now
houses an interactive museum
with temporary exhibitions, a
café-restaurant and conference
centre. “Heritage workshops”
are organised to provide
children with some fascinating
insights into the town’s past.
www.hoteldieu.info
SHARP
THIERS CUTLERY-WORKS
Here on the banks of the river
Durolle, whose water is used
to turn the mill, generations
of artisans from Thiers have
sharpened their skills,
producing almost two-thirds
of all French knives!
USINE DU MAY
At the heart of “factory valley”,
the old Usine du May is a superb
location to find out all about the
Thiers basin’s industrial past.
WFG. Wow Factor Guaranteed
/27
Stimulation
7
Massif du Sancy
Step
7
Stimulation
Day and night: never a dull moment
Feel like a bit of culture after all that fresh air? You could catch an exhibition,
a movie, a play or a concert - there’s always something on nearby.
From electro to sacred music, from land art to the Michelin collection,
and from the national centre for stage costumes to the fancy dress
of the “Roi de l’Oiseau” festival, you won’t be left wanting. Take your pick…
La Chaise-Dieu
Renaissance
Europavox Festival, Clermont-Ferrand
welcome to France’s most rockin’ city
International street theatre festival, Aurillac
a driving force in the world of live entertainment
National centre for stage costumes
a unique collection on display in a listed building
“ROI DE L’OISEAU” FESTIVAL
LAND ART
SACRED
LA CHAISE-DIEU
NATURE MEETS ART
On the 3rd weekend of September
each year, this joyous hullabaloo
transports Le Puy-en-Velay
back to the Renaissance period
in search of the town’s finest
archer - and generally to let
loose!
www.roideloiseau.com
Every summer the Massif du Sancy plays host
to a marvellous spectacle fusing art and nature.
The central theme of these intriguing
encounters between an artist, an artwork
and a location is man’s relationship
with the natural world. An environmental
approach is therefore a must.
Every year this sacred festival
attracts some 25,000 music
lovers, who flock here to enjoy
a winning combination: a heady
mix of styles performed
in a sublime setting.
www.chaise-dieu.com
www.horizons-sancy.com
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/29
7
Stimulation
Stimulation
7
MICHELIN MAN
AN EVENTFUL HISTORY
The Michelin adventure is recounted
in a 2,000 m² museum located
in a former workshop in
Clermont-Ferrand. With over
100 years of history to draw
from, the museum includes
old cars, interactive models,
projections and animations, all
set up around a giant Michelin
Man. This is the story of the
human and technical endeavours
behind the famous tyre
manufacturer.
Rendez-vous
www.aventure-michelin.com
SHORT FILMS & EUROPAVOX
ARCHAEOLOGY
Two major events mark the calendar each
year in Clermont-Ferrand.
CERAMICS MUSEUM
Located in a 19th century pottery
workshop in Lezoux, this
museum houses a collection
of items found on the town’s
archaeological site and offers
great insights into the history
and various uses of ceramics.
Unique
CENTRE NATIONAL
DU COSTUME DE SCENE
This national centre for stage costume
and stage design has a unique collection
on display in a beautiful building in the
Villars district of Moulins. This part of
town, which housed cavalry units in
the 18th century, is now ranked among
France’s historic monuments.
SMI. Shared Memories Index
/30
www.cncs.fr
HUBBUB
STREET THEATRE
It is in large part thanks to Aurillac
that street theatre has become
such a well-known art form.
Since 1986 this town has been
a pioneer, inviting theatre
troupes and artists from all
over the world to transform the
capital of the Cantal department
into a major location for live
entertainment and clean fun.
www.aurillac.net
Must-have accessories
The first is the world’s biggest short-film
festival, attracting masses of film buffs
and professionals, who come to discover
emerging talent, ply their cinematic wares
or present their latest work. Screenings
are hosted in various locations around
the city, and the bustling night-time
entertainment gives the festival an
atmosphere of stardom and excitement.
Every year, late January.
If you are a music lover, Clermont-Ferrand
is the place for you at the end of May, when
the Europavox festival comes to town to
showcase Europe’s emerging musicians. In
the city’s bars, in the small streets on the
plateau around the cathedral, and at the
Coopérative de Mai, where most performances
are held, the entertainment and socialising
continue into the small hours.
www.europavox.com
www.clermont-filmfest.com
Gombag
Charming bags and accessories made
from recycled tyre tubes. Won’t leave
you feeling deflated. Ecological
and chic!
www.gombag.com
Wild Customs
If you’re looking for a guitar with a
difference, Wild Customs will make or
transform your instrument for you any
way you please: sculpted tables,
veneering, new grain or varnish,
customised paintwork, modified
electronics, etc.
www.wildcustoms.fr
Dédale
This workshop in Clermont-Ferrand
carries out careful and harmonious
remodelling of items with a history.
From industrial objects to bric-à-brac...
designer items for the whole house!
www.dedale-suite.com
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Enchantment
8
Step
8
Enchantment
Putting dreams and children first
ENCHANTED
Ever wanted to see a dragon fly over a lake buried deep in a volcano?
Now’s your chance. Have you ever dreamt of witnessing the birth of a baby calf?
No problem! Or caring for elephants? Consider it done! Feel like jumping from
the top of the tree attached to a zip line? Or how about donkey trekking?
Anything’s possible in this world full of surprises, wonder and exciting experiences.
This is a holiday you’ll hope will never end.
GORGES DE LA JORDANNE
Gorges de l’Allier tourist train
CHOO-CHOO
TOURIST TRAINS
FRESH
ENCOUNTERS
The Gorges de la Jordanne
in the Cantal department are
a mysterious and beautiful
feature which for centuries has
been carved out of volcanic
breccias. They have been
remarkably well managed and
are easily accessible to visitors
of all ages.
Must-have accessorY
HOLIDAY ON A FARM
Where the car cannot venture,
the train ploughs on. This is not
just any old train journey:
welcome to the Gorges de
l’Allier, home to one of France’s
most beautiful railway lines.
Another journey worth the
detour is the Livradois-Forez
line, the last surviving
panoramic rail-car in circulation.
Children dream of it... Auvergne has made it a reality.
What could be more exciting for urban-dwelling
children than to discover life on a farm up
close and personal? They can learn to milk
a cow (and see that it doesn’t come from a
carton), gather freshly laid eggs, or climb
up on a horse’s back for an unforgettable
ride. There’s always something happening
on the farm!
A holiday like no other, full of surprises and
new experiences in the company of farmers
keen to share their passion.
Poisson Soluble
This delightfully named (a “poisson
soluble” is a soluble fish!) and atypical
publisher defends a very particular type
of freedom of expression. It has been
publishing richly narrated and inventive
children’s books for 20 years - although
adults needn’t hold back!
www.poissonsoluble.com
Just try and say no
ICI. Intense Curiosity Index
/32
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8
How to get there
Enchantment
By car
DINOSAURS
• Motorway A 71
• Motorway A 89
• Motorway A 75
Free between Clermont-Ferrand and Béziers via the Millau Viaduct
Paléopolis
By train
• www.voyages-sncf.com
Dinosaurs-a-plenty. Gigantic,
fascinating dinosaurs. Paléopolis
invites you on a journey through
4 billion years of evolution,
giving you a new perspective on
the world as you discover the
palaeontology and biodiversity
of our planet’s past.
And from April 2012, Paléopolis
has a new adventure on offer:
discover what it’s like to be a
researcher or an explorer. Over
an area of more than 500 m2,
apprentice palaeontologists
will get the chance to enjoy
an unforgettable experience
working on actual size dig sites.
Just like in real life, Paléopolis
itself will be transformed and
will evolve over time. Each
year the 700 m2 park runs
theme-based events like
nothing you’ve ever seen.
By plane
CLERMONT-FERRAND
• Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne airport
www.clermont-aeroport.com
• Aurillac airport
www.aeroport.fr/les-aeroports-de-l-uaf/aurillac.php
• Le Puy-en-Velay airport
www.aeroportlepuyenvelay.com
AURILLAC
LE PUY-EN-VELAY
A75
All about Auvergne
www.auvergne-tourism.com
A website that will help you plan your trip: practical info,
addresses, customer reviews, etc...
www.auvergne-snow.com
What’s new, snow cover updates and more: a special website
dedicated to winter sports - all you need to know about the resorts.
www.auvergne-velo.fr
Itineraries, holiday breaks, and accommodation suitable for your
needs. Discover the magnificent landscape of Auvergne by bike!
www.paleopolis-parc.com
www.auvergne-moto.fr
A website dedicated to visiting Auvergne by motorbike. Road
books to download free of charge, as well as accommodation
and inside info.
CURIOSITY
LemptÉgy
There’s much to see & learn at this site,
which you can visit on foot or by train.
The Lemptégy volcano is like
an open book when it comes to
understanding and deciphering
the history of volcanoes in
Auvergne. Our guides will show
you a geological wonder up
close, and you can take volcanic
rock samples and compare their
shapes and colours. Do you
have what it takes to enter the
belly of the explosive mine?
This real-life adventure, complete
with a night show during
summertime, will reveal all the
mysteries of the volcanic world.
www.auvergne-volcan.com
ADVENTURE
VULCANIA
To help us understand the life of volcanoes
and the science behind them, Vulcania
plays with our emotions. Just 20 minutes
from Clermont-Ferrand, in a superb setting
surrounded by volcanoes, Vulcania invites
you on an unforgettable journey to discover
the Earth and its natural phenomena.
Inside you’ll find cinema theatres with
surround screens, earthquake simulators,
exploration shuttles, a devilishly difficult
dragon pursuit, 4D films and more.
A whole series of adventures that will give
you an insight into the force of volcanoes
and help you understand the mechanisms
that make them tick.
Attractions
Le PAL
For a change of pace head to
Le PAL, where you get two theme
parks for the price of one:
1 amusement park and 1 animal
park. A combination made to succeed! In one visit you can hurtle
down the slopes of the Twist in a
gravity-defying ride, and become
an apprentice animal carer for
a day, helping the professionals
to clean, feed and train their
animals. Birds of prey, elephants,
monkeys and sea lions are
all residents here.
Life-long memories guaranteed.
Reservations a must.
www.vulcania.com
www.lepal.com
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This guide is printed on paper in compliance with environmental standards by Colorteam: +33 (0)4 73 90 29 17 - www.colorteam.fr
Published by: Comité Régional de Développement Touristique d’Auvergne - 7, allée Pierre-de-Fermat - CS 50 502 - 63178 Aubière cedex - +33 (0)4 73 29 49 99
Fax: +33 (0)4 73 34 11 11 - www.auvergne-tourisme.info - documentation@crdt-auvergne.fr
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Cover photo: Ludovic Combe.
Photo credits (inside pages): J. Chabanne ; L. Combe ; J. Damase ; C. Darbelet ; E. Dubost ; G. Fayet ; D. Frobert ; S. Gonon ; J.Y Gucia ; E. Lattes ; T. Marsilhac ; S. Martin ; J. Mondière ;
V. Muteau ; L. Olivier ; B. Pichène ; D. Pourcher ; P. Soissons ; H. Vidal ; L. Di Orio/Instants d’Absolu ; Hôtel Régis & Jacques Marcon ; Domaine du Puech Fleury ; TC Dômes ; Le PAL ;
Lauren Burke / Getty Images. Accessoires essentiels : Rapace ; Biso/Artpente ; Coutellerie Claude Dozorme ; JC Belmont/Picture ; J. Damase ; Auberge des Montagnes ; Wild Custom ;
Gombag ; Dédale ; L’Atelier du Poisson Soluble. The partial or total reproduction of the articles, photos or illustrations appearing in this guide is prohibited without written permission from Comité Régional de Développement Touristique d’Auvergne, which disclaims
any responsibility concerning the accuracy of the information in this document. Photos are non-contractual. Copyright August 2011. The Auvergne Regional Tourism Development Board may later send you
tourist information about Auvergne. It agrees to comply with the law on “Information Technology and Freedom”. Its files have been declared with the C.N.I.L. Every physical person is entitled to access to the
information recorded and to correct it. The Auvergne Regional Tourism Development Board may rent or sell your contact details unless you file an objection in writing (art. 27 of law no. 78-17 of 6 January 1978).
Paris
ClermontFerrand
Comité Régional de Développement Touristique d’Auvergne
7, allée Pierre de Fermat - CS 50502
63178 Aubière Cedex - France
Tel. + 33 (0) 473 294 999
documentation@crdt-auvergne.fr
www.auvergne-tourism.com