Auvergne holiday apartments, homes and villas

Why choose a holiday home in Auvergne?

Calm down. You're in Auvergne now. Relaxation is an art form here in France's undiscovered country. You are invited to travel back in time to the fabled volcanic mountains of central France.

Famous spring waters, 80 ancient volcanoes, and 11 thermal water spa towns share a connection to the land with Roman churches, historic châteaux's and vibrant villages. Ski resorts, superb cross-country skiing, climbing, cycling, bungee jumping, and fishing lure many travelers to this spacious land.

After you tromp the oak forests and vineyard laden landscapes of Allier, you can change the tempo by walking the streets of Clermont-Ferrand. A vivacious university population is a sharp change from the Sioule gorges in the south and the heaving Bourbonnaise Mountains to the southeast.

Many students can be found decorating the sky over the dramatic Puy-de-Dome where majestic views are filled with dozens of graceful hang gliders. The Celts worshiped their God of War on what they considered a royal mountain.

The Dukes of Bourbon enjoyed the therapeutic spa waters at Vichy which became a destination for wealthy Parisians and finally the middle class when rail service arrived in the early 20th century.

In Thiers, daggers to table knives made here provide 70 percent of the severing needs in France. Haute-Loire' showcases walnut carved Madonna's in many Renaissance churches.

You will be fascinated by Vulcania, a significant scientific center and major theme park in Auvergne. Here you will learn why volvic stone is used in sculptures and construction.

Delicious Fourme and Bleu d'Auvergne cheese, savory pork with stuffed cabbage, extraordinary green lentils, along with dried sausages and salted ham should not be missed in this region.

Contribution post: 26 June 2010