French regions - Auvergne

Intriguing Auvergne, in the very centre of France between Vichy and Le Puy, is vast and unique and has a fantastic history from the 13th century. Webbed with little-travelled roads, it is dotted with castles, historic ruins and walled villages.

A land of amazing geological diversity and shaped by the volcanic activity that took place 30 million years ago, the landscape is green mountains and wild gorges, nature in the raw. The amazing chain of 80 volcanoes, known as puys, dominates the land. At Vulcania, the journey goes to the centre of the earth, whereas Clermont-Ferrand can be viewed from on high at the 1,465 m of the Puy-de-Dôme.

Discovering the local trades is a joy, with Thiers and its cutlers, Le Velay and its lacemakers or Mozac and its lava enamellers. For lovers of fine food there are specialist cheeses, truffade (potato dish) or pounti (meat and vegetable tart) to experience.

The four departments which constitute Auvergne - Haute-Loire, Cantal, Puy-de-Dome and Allier - form a striking province of sharp-peaked extinct volcanic mountains and sparkling crater lakes.

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