Country volcanoes and mountains: 15 reasons to fall in love with Auvergne

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If you have long dreamed of resting from the fussy rhythm and noise of modern cities — go to Auvergne. Here you will find the green of the valleys, extinct volcanoes, inaccessible mountains, beautiful lakes and well-tended villages, carefully cherishing the spirit of old France.

The first reason to visit Auvergne — A fantastic nature, in which it is impossible not to fall in love. Her main raisins — a spectacular volcanic landscape created by more than 450 formations, and numerous thermal baths.

Photo: photos.tourisme-en-france.com

One of the most famous volcanoes of Auvergne — Puy-de-D & ocirc; me, before the greatness of which the ancient Gauls and Romans worshiped. The path to the top of the volcano is 14 km. You can overcome the distance on foot or by cog railway (works from May to September).

Photo: pole-implantation.org

There are several natural parks in Auvergne. The largest and most interesting — Regional natural park of volcanoes. His main star, attracting the most attention of tourists, — the extinct volcano Puy Mary, the largest volcano in Europe.

Photo : puymary.fr

Also worth a visit is Plomb du Cantal — The second highest point of the Central Massif, whose peaks rise above sea level at 1855 m. You can climb upwards on foot or by rolling on a cable car. And in winter the local slopes — a great place for skiing.

Photos: commons. wikimedia.org

As we have already said, apart from the volcanoes Auvergne is famous for its thermal baths. It is believed that when passing through volcanic strata, water is cleared of all harmful and saturated with useful trace elements. Perhaps the most famous balneological resort in the region — Vichy. In addition to healing springs, this city is interesting for mansions of the XVII-XIX centuries.

Photo: ville-vichy.fr

More one region pride — cheese from the milk of cows grazing on mountain slopes: Bleu d & rsquo; Auvergne, Cantal, Fourme d & amp; Ambert and Saint-Nectaire.

Photos: guide-circuit-les-monts-du-cantal-auvergne.locaguide-tourisme.com

By the way, did you know that Auvergne — the homeland of French blue cheeses?

Lovers of history and medieval architecture will find in Auvergne more than 200 religious buildings dating from the 11th-13th centuries. For example, this magnificent Gothic cathedral can be seen in the capital of the Clermont-Ferrand region.

Photo: en.wikipedia.org

The Auvergne boasts the most beautiful villages in France (11 of them are on the Plus Beaux Villages de France list). One of the prettiest and most interesting to visit — Salers, with neat volcanic stone houses.

Photo: maisondelasalers.fr

Photos: youtube.com

Photos: toeuropeandbeyond.com

And here they also produce delicious flavored cheese with the same name.

Another fantastic village, also included in the list of the most beautiful villages in France, — Arlempdes. A tiny town is sheltered on a steep volcanic peak, from which chic views of the surroundings open.

Photo: gite-haute-loire.fr

What about Le Puy-en-Velay? Sure, the local landscapes will make you delight!

Photo: marcdozier.com

In addition to Vichy in Auvergne, there are more than a dozen balneological resorts, where you can have a great time and improve your health. For example, with skin ailments and respiratory diseases can easily cope with Mont-Dore and La Bourboule.

< peter = "imageCaption">Photo: chainethermale.fr

The inhabitants of Auvergne are so fond of blue cheeses that they even invented sausage, which includes the famous Bleu d & rsquo; Auvergne. Be sure to try it — it's very tasty!

Photo: regardsetviedauvergne.fr

Ask, what else can you eat in the Land of Volcanoes? Find a decent cafe and order a truffade, which is prepared from roasted potatoes and cantalou cheese. Taste the dish very neatly — try not to swallow your fingers of pleasure!

Photo: ondinecheznanou. blogspot.com

Whatever it was, and one truffad at the hospitable hospice of Auvergne you will not be full. So discover the fine taste of another masterpiece of regional cuisine — le petit sal & eacute; aux lentilles vertes du Puy. Sure, the green lentil dupuy in the company with the boiled salted pork will be to your liking.

Photo: the-hobbits-kitchen.blogspot.com

Summer in Auvergne — excellent time for practicing mountaineering, rafting and paragliding, as well as flights in a balloon.

Photo: france-balloons.com

In the winter, some entertainments become inaccessible, but they are replaced by walks on snowshoes and skiing on snow-covered mountain slopes or sledding.

Photo: lescamelias.eu

In addition to the ancient villages and the churches in Auvergne have many medieval castles. There is even a special route Route Historique des Châteux, teaux d'Auvergne, through which you can get to know the most beautiful and outstanding ones.