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The Auvergne
is a mountainous region in the southern-central part of France that
shares part of the Massif Centrale made up of a number of extinct
volcanoes. The most famous peak Puy
de Dôme overlooks the regional capital Clermont-Ferrand.
Historically, Auvergne’s greatest claim to fame is that it
here that Julius
Caesar was nearly defeated. Caesar met his match in the young
chief Vercingetorix
who united the Gauls and waged a successful campaign against the
then Roman general. Eventually Caesar prevailed, Auvergne was Romanised
and Vercingetorix publicly executed in Rome. The Auvergne is beautiful
region with large tracts of unspoilt alpine wilderness and more
than its quota castles and quaint villages. Due to its volcanic
make up there is no shortage of thermal activity and the region
has a large number of spa towns offering cures for every imaginable
ailment. There are a few ski fields in the Massif Central that less
glamourous that some of the resorts in the Alpes. They are also
less expensive with fewer posers. The regional capital is the twin
city of Clermont-Ferrand, which among other things is headquarters
to the French tyre and travel book giant Michelin.
Clermont-Ferrand | Puy-de-Dome | Auvergne | 63000
Clermont-Ferrand is twin city consisting of Clermont and Montferrand
located in the Auvergne region of central-southern France. It sits
on a plain in the Massif Central (a large volcanic plateau) area
and is surrounded by extinct volcanoes. The site of Clermont-Ferrand
was where Julius Caesar suffered a rare defeat at the hands of Vercingetorix.
Eventually the Romans prevailed and it became an important Roman
colony. Clermont-Ferrand is the headquarters of the giant Michelin
tyre corporation that has branched out into mapping, travel and
food publications. AS Montferrand competes in the French rugby first
division. There is an international short film festival held in
Clermont-Ferrand every February.
Vichy | Allier | Auvergne | 03200
Vichy is an elegant spa town on the River Allier that was originally
founded by the Romans. Vichy’s thermal waters have brought
it prosperity over the centuries which, is evident in its architecture,
parks and gardens. In 1940 Vichy was chosen as the seat for the
French puppet regime (known as the Vichy Government) after the Nazis
conquered France. This is thought of by many residents as a stain
on their city’s honour. Vichy of today remains one of the
leading spa centres in Europe and has prospered in the bottled water
business. By some peculiarity of French law, only spa towns are
permitted to have casinos which, makes Vichy a popular gambling
destination. In addition to the casinos Vichy has one of the leading
horse racing tracks in France and some of the best golf courses.
Getting there
By road with Viamichelin.com
routeplanner
By air via Clermont-Ferrand
or Lyon
By rail from Paris
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