auvergne - Massif du Sancy
Transcription
Carte anglais_Mise en page 1 25/02/11 10:26 Page1 The Polignac fortress (Haute-Loire) The Puy-de-Dôme volcano Le Puy-en-Velay lentils (Haute-Loire) Breakfast at the farm AUVERGNE If you are looking for a new world, then Auvergne is where you’ll find it! In Auvergne, we uphold the idea that our land revitalises the mind and body. Come and discover one of the largest protected areas of Europe where you can enjoy a whole array of activities, make the most of fulfilling cultural outings and indulge in the fine gastronomy. The volcanoes Nature lovers will be blown away by the quality of our environment: lakes, volcanoes, valleys, forests, ponds, outstanding fauna and flora. Outdoor enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing between rambling, mounting biking, road cycling, hang gliding, swimming, fishing, etc. You can hike along the top of a volcano, go kayaking down the Allier river, one of the most unspoiled rivers of Europe, go fishing at sun rise and take in all the beauty of the nature and its many hidden treasures along the way, as far as the eye can see. www.auvergne-tourism.com Lavaudieu (Haute-Loire) Sancy Massif (Puy-de-Dôme) The Puys range (Puy-de-Dôme) The Issoire Romanesque church (Puy-de-Dôme) The volcanoes of Auvergne are a unique natural treasure in Europe. Dormant for centuries they remain one of the major curiosities in the region. The Puy de Dôme, the most famous, classified “Grand site de France®”, has an altitude of 1,465 metres (4,800 feet). It offers a matchless viewing point on to the Puys range and surrounding landscapes: a breath-taking panorama! From June 2012 it will be accessible in both summer and winter by rack train - an unforgettable climb! The Puys range, a volcanic landscape extending over more than 30 km, aligns 80 domes and craters. It is located in the vastest Regional Nature Park of Europe: the Parc Naturel des Volcans d’Auvergne. The natural crater lakes are another geographical particularity and a sight-seeing must! The volcano called Plomb du Cantal is the biggest in Europe, with a diameter superior to Etna (in Italy). The Puy Mary, another “Grand Site de France” (1,758 metres – 5,750 feet) is also another high point in France’s natural heritage. Over the centuries little villages and then ski resorts developed on the slopes or at the feet of the volcanoes. Visiting these enchanting villages will delight lovers of authenticity and unspoilt nature. A good chance too to discover the French countryside while indulging in green tourism. In addition, the park dedicated to volcanism and the adventure of the Earth – Vulcania – will enable both novices and buffs to increase their understanding of these witnesses to the planet’s history - the volcanoes. Guery lake (Puy-de-Dôme) Moulins historical quarter (Allier) Saint Nectaire Romanesque church (Puy-de-Dôme) The Cordes mansion (Puy-de-Dôme) “The most beautiful villages of France” The Romanesque churches route Art and history towns or districts The historic road of the Auvergne châteaux In the Haute-Loire: Arlempdes (G9), Blesle (E7), Lavaudieu (F8), Pradelles (G10), in the Allier: Charroux (E3), not forgetting in the Cantal: Tournemire (B8), Salers (C8) and Puyde-Dôme: Montpeyroux (E6), Saint-Floret (D6), Saint-Saturnin (D6) and Usson (E6). They are all brimming with heritage, history, sites and monuments to discover. Wander along the narrow streets, stop in the squares. Be charmed by the light bouncing off the slate roofs, admire a renaissance postern, a washhouse or a simple window sill. Each village will leave you Charroux (Allier) with a special souvenir of your visit: a medieval church here, a romanesque church there or ramparts taking you way back in time. www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org Auvergne is teeming with nearly two hundred and fifty religious buildings, built between the 11th and 13th centuries. They form part of its remarkably pure and coherent outstanding cultural heritage. The romanesque style of Auvergne is best represented by five major buildings: Notre Dame du Port in Clermont-Ferrand (E5), UNESCO world heritage site as part of the Pilgrimage Route of Santiago de Compostela, SaintSaturnin (D6), Saint-Austremoine in Issoire (E6), Notre Dame du Mont-Cornadore in Saint-Nectaire (D6) and Notre Dame d’Orcival (D6). The area surrounding Clermont-Ferrand is not alone when it comes to flagship examples of Auvergne romanesque art. In the Allier: the churches of Châtel-Montagne (F4) and Saint-Menoux (E2), in the Cantal: Notre Dame des Miracles in Mauriac (B8), Saint-Georges in Riom-ès-Montagnes (C7), are well worth the detour. Other musts to visit: in Haute-Loire, the basilica of Saint-Julien at Brioude (E7) magnificently renovated in 2009 and with contemporary stained-glass made by the artist Kim en Joong, and in Puy-en-Velay (G9) the Cathedral of NotreDame (listed as a World Heritage Site owing to the Routes of Santiago de Compostela) – famous starting point for the via Podiensis. www.art-roman.net/auvergne/auvergne.htm The "Art and history towns or districts" denomination awarded by the French ministry of culture and communication, classifies a location with a proactive policy aimed at enhancing and bringing its heritage to life. In Auvergne, Moulins (E2), Riom (D5), Issoire (E6), Le Puy-en-Velay (G9), and the districts of Haut-Allier (E7) and Saint-Flour (D9) can boast this label. Heritage-briefed guide-lecturers and presenters will help you discover the main attractions of the land or towns and learn about their background and identity. Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire) Theme trips are designed for you to discover unusual sites and get to know a famous character that comes to life before your very eyes. Evening walks, punctuated by shows with musicians, storytellers or actors will add to the magic of your travels through the time. In the heart of Europe, Auvergne is the land of castles, the majority of which are lived in and all living proof of its historical, artistic and architectural heritage. Visit them and steep yourself in the history of Auvergne and history itself. Special days are also earmarked for exhibitions, concerts, shows, receptions and also offer bed and breakfast. Visit the website to get a glimpse of each castle and all the different activities on offer (nature, special dates, opening times, photos, etc). www.route-chateaux-auvergne.org Notre-Dame du Port Romanesque church (Puy-de-Dôme) The Lavoûte-Polignac mansion (Haute-Loire) Active holidays close to nature Auvergne invites you to recharge the batteries of your body and mind. Thanks to the suitability of its relief for every kind of leisure activity it is a real playground that will fully satisfy lovers of fun or sports in harmony with nature. You can’t stay indifferent to the simple and genuine charms of the rounded volcanoes, the rivers’ clear waters, and the varied nature of the greenery. Here everything is an irresistible invitation for activity in the great outdoors. Allier gorges (Haute-Loire) Royatonic spa fun centre (Puy-de-Dôme) Thiers cutlery (Puy-de-Dôme) The spa towns route There are ten of these: Bourbon-l’Archambault (D2), Vichy (E4), Nérisles-Bains (C3), Chaudes-Aigues (D9), La Bourboule (C6), Le Mont-Dore (C6), Saint-Nectaire (D6), Châteauneuf-les-Bains (D4), Châtel-Guyon (D5), Royat-Chamalières (D5). They make up the spa towns route and seduce visitors by the charm of their splendid historical and architectural heritage, sometimes dating back to Roman times. In addition to the special medieval features of each town, they are places where rest and a real change await you. Nestled in a natural setting that goes hand-in-hand with relaxation, they offer stays with your health and well-being mind. They are therefore excellent starting points to discover the nature, culture and gastronomy of Auvergne… www.villesdeaux.com Bourbon-l'Archambault spa (Allier) Tourist tour Auvergne products The Michelin Adventure, (Puy-de-Dôme) PDO cheeses Puy Mary (Cantal) Hiking, bathing, rafting, mountain-biking… The possibilities are endless and adapted to everyone’s wishes: children and pensioners and teenagers. All lovers of fresh air will find their heart’s desire! On foot, bicycle, or horseback, both small rides and great treks will provide genuine moments of evasion Para-gliding, deltaplaning, or flights in a hot-air balloon can offer you a bird’s eye view to admire – in an original way – the beauty of the surrounding countryside. For anglers loving quiet spots Auvergne with its lakes and rivers is a little corner of paradise where trout, carp, and pike abound. Skills, craftsmanship, and artistic trades Auvergne is a perpetual invitation to learn craft techniques, such as woodworking, pottery, lava- and stone-working … A visit to the workshops is an indispensable step! Auvergne has preserved numerous ancestral skills intact - trades of art and tradition charged with history. The authenticity and passion of the craftsmen working in Auvergne will let you into the region’s identity. At the foot of the Puys range, Clermont-Ferrand (D5) proposes excursions into the heart of nature – while offering all a city’s interesting aspects. As you stroll through the pedestrian streets lined with curiosity shops, art galleries, and Volvic stone fountains do not hesitate to push open the doors to the workshops! Cutlery connoisseurs will visit Thiers (F5) and its cutlery museum and house of cutlers. Pottery experts or lovers will not miss the “musée de la céramique” (pottery museum) at Lezoux (E5). Take the “Route des metiers” (route of the crafts) in the Parc Naturel régional Livradois-Forez (Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park), where you will discover time-honoured crafts, such as the manufacture of braiding and of dried flower paper at the Richard de Bas mill, near Ambert. Some sites bring back to life yesterday’s world - such as the “ferme des bois noirs”, at Saint-Eloy-la Glacière (F6), where the bread oven, the pendulum clock, cabinet beds, the salting room are revived …. The town of Le Puy-en-Velay (G9) in addition to being classified world heritage by UNESCO is the cradle of bone-lace – a tradition that is still very much alive. Lava-stone becomes an elegant work of art when it is enamelled at Volvic (D5). The “Aurillac” umbrella is made in the capital of Cantal, (B9). It appears in many haute couture fashion parades and is still manufactured following the age-old methods. Tourist tour The Roi de l'Oiseau festival at Le Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire) Cantal mounts (Cantal) Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme) The flavours The cheese route Sights not-to-be-missed! Festivals and entertainments In the heart of the volcanoes Culture and heritage Here is where vines grow along the river banks, liqueurs are made from medicinal plants, the local cheeses are the stars of the cheeseboard, the meat and green lentils boast PDO status and the garlic too and the water comes straight from the volcanoes. Fruits, vegetables, confectionery, fishes, mushrooms thrive… Discover the five Auvergne PDO cheeses (bleu d’Auvergne, cantal, saintnectaire, fourme d’Ambert and salers), as well as thirty other specialities (bleu de Laqueuille, carré d’Aurillac, galette de la Chaise-Dieu, etc). Why not wash these down (with moderation) with one of the five grand cru wines of the côtes d’Auvergne or the Saint-Pourçain PDO. For the more moderate, the many mineral waters straight from the volcanoes such as Volvic, Mont-Dore, or the sparkling Vichy Célestins, Rozana, Chateldon, are bound to meet with your utmost appreciation. A fine Auvergne meal can be had relishing in fish from the local rivers and lakes (trout, salmon, char, etc). Meat lovers will not be disappointed by the choice of Allier Charolais, Cantal salers or Haute-Loire fin gras meats. Or how about the green Puy-en-Velay lentils, forest mushrooms, followed by tasty red berries or some blueberry tart? And to help the digestion along, the famous Vichy pastilles or a Velay verbena liqueur (with moderation of course) are not to be missed. Happy dining! Auvergne is one of the major PDO cheese making regions with nearly one quarter of the French production and no less than five PDO cheeses: bleu d’Auvergne, cantal, saint-nectaire, fourme d’Ambert and salers. If you fancy tasting them and discovering the secrets of how they are made, then go and meet the cheese makers along the thirty-six stops of the cheese route. They will open the doors to their cheese-making tradition in strict keeping with their quality charter. These cheeses will be the delight of all gourmets who can enjoy them Auvergne blue cheese with potatoes (truffade), a Charolais or salers meat, coated in an Auvergne blue cheese sauce. www.fromages-aop-auvergne.com For entertaining and cultural excursions think about Auvergne’s theme parks and major tourist attractions! The programme? Fauna, flora, volcanism, the story of the Michelin epic, stage costumes... but above all bursts of laughter and enriching experiences! For your family days out go to the animal and fun park, the PAL, with its 25 attractions right in the countryside (F2), the Parcs zoologiques du Cézallier (Zoos of Cézallier) (E7) and of the Bouy (G6). To get to know the volcanoes and terrestrial phenomena while having fun - direction Vulcania (D5) for an immersion underground, Lemptégy (D5) to be in the heart of a volcano’s crater, and to the Puy de Sancy (D6), the Puy Mary (C8), or the Mont Mézenc (H9) to discover superb panoramas. Sensations and amazement guaranteed! For those passionate about history and culture - do not miss the Centre National du Costume de Scène (CNCS [National Stage Costume Centre]) at Moulins (E2), the Aventure Michelin (Michelin Adventure) (D5) and the musée d’Art Moderne Roger Quilliot (Roger Quilliot Modern Art Museum), at Clermont-Ferrand (D5), the musée de la Résistance (Resistance Museum) at Mont Mouchet (E9), the château-musée du général Lafayette (General Lafayette château-museum) at Chavaniac (F8), the theme routes (spas, Romanesque churches, “most beautiful villages of France”) … For more unusual visits enter a scénomusée (theme museum): the Mystères de Farges (D6), the Toinette et Julien (D6), the Manoir de Veygoux (D4), the Maison de la Salers (C8)…, a troglodytic site: the caves of Jonas (D6), a mediaeval fortress on the Historic road of the Auvergne châteaux: château of Murol (D6), the Volvic water bottling factory (D5) or the Maison du saumon et de la rivière (Salmon and River House) at Brioude (E7). Between internationally renowned events and those of a more intimate nature the Auvergnat cultural calendar is marked by numerous festivals and fêtes: classical music, jazz, street theatre, or cinema … From Clermont-Ferrand, the regional capital, visit Vulcania (1) in the heart of the Puys range: the Park dedicated to the Adventure of the Earth before seeing the life-size volcano of LempVulcania (Puy-de-Dôme) tégy (2). The following morning set off to discover the mythical Puy de Dôme (3) (count 45 minutes’ walk) and the 80 volcanoes that surround it. At Clermont-Ferrand (4) you can stroll in the heart of the pedestrian streets of the historic centre with its Romanesque church Notre-Dame du Port, classified world heritage by UNESCO. Continue your visit to the “Adventure Michelin” (5) museum at Montferrand to know all about the epic of the enterprise, the flagship of the region’s industry. After a stop at the Basilica Notre-Dame of Orcival (6) the next stage will take you to the massif of Sancy and its highest summit, the Puy de Sancy (7) (1,886 metres -6,180 feet – access by cable-car) where you can go for walks – which in winter gives way to downhill and cross-country skiing. Continue your stay by the river Dordogne and discover the thermal heritage of Mont-Dore and La Bourboule (8) without forgetting to visit the Romanesque church of Saint-Nectaire and the mediaeval castle of Murol (9). Head next for the Cantal massif with its vast volcano, around the Puy Mary (10). In the valley, Salers – a “Most Beautiful Village of France” – will share its authenticity with you (11) before you enjoy the historic centre of Aurillac (12). This tour is also ideal for getting to know numerous volcanic lakes - Tazenat, Guéry, Servières, Pavin, Montcineyre…) 1- Moulins (E2): town of Art and History and National Stage Costume Centre 2- Souvigny: (E2): priory church 3- Bourbon-l’Archambault (D2): spa, cradle of the Dukes of Bourbon, ancestors of the CNCS (Allier) Kings of France 4- Montluçon (C3) : town of Art and History and Néris-les-Bains (C3): charming spa 5- Charroux (E3): Most Beautiful Village of France 6- Lapalisse (F3): the Historic route of the Auvergne châteaux 7-Vichy (E4): famous spa resort 8- Randan (E4): The royal domain 9- Riom(D5): town of Art and History and Châtel-Guyon (D5): spa 10-Clermont-Ferrand (E5): regional capital and Notre-Dame du Port church, UNESCO World Heritage 11- Montpeyroux (E6): Most Beautiful Village of France 12- Issoire (E6): town of Art and History 13- Brioude (E7): town of Art and History, Blesle (E7) and Lavaudieu (F8): Most Beautiful Village of France 14- Saint-Flour (D9): town of Art and History 15- Pradelles (G10) et Arlempdes (G9): Most Beautiful Village of France 16- Le Puy-en-Velay (G9): town of Art and History and cathedral classified UNESCO World Heritage 17- Chavaniac-Lafayette (F8): château of the Marquis de Lafayette 18- La Chaise-Dieu (F7): Abbey Saint-Robert 19 - Ambert (F6): Richard de Bas Mill 20-Thiers (F5): mediaeval town and cutlery industry Aurvergne specialties Get your diaries ready! • End January/early February: short film international festival at Clermont-Ferrand (D5) • Pentecost Week-end: contemporary music European festival, Europavox, at Clermont-Ferrand (D5) • Early July: street music festival, La Pamparina, at Thiers (F5) • Mid-July: World cultures festival at Gannat (E4) • End July: country music festival at Craponne-sur-Arzon (G7); Gallic fête on the oppidum of Gergovia, les Arverniales (E6) • 3rd week of August: street theatre international festival at Aurillac (B9), classical and religious music European festival at La Chaise-Dieu (F7) • September: fêtes médiévales du roi de l’Oiseau (mediaeval fêtes) at Le Puy-en-Velay (G9) • Early October: international festival, Jazz en Tête at Clermont-Ferrand (D5) • And all year long events that can be found on our internet site in French: www.auvergne-tourisme.info (heading agenda). Issue financed with the assistance of the Auvergne Regional Council For more information… www.auvergne-tourism.com www.auvergne-tourism.com [email protected] 7, allée Pierre-de-Fermat - CS 50 502 63178 Aubière cedex France Phone: +33 (0) 473 294 999 Comité Régional de Développement Touristique d'Auvergne How to come to Auvergne By car: A71 motorway: Paris – Clermont-Ferrand: 3 hours 30 min. A89 motorway: Bordeaux - Clermont-Ferrand: 3 hours A75 motorway: Montpellier - Clermont-Ferrand: (by the Millau Viaduct): 3 hours www.viamichelin.fr By train: Paris – Clermont-Ferrand: 3 hours 30 min. Lyon – Clermont-Ferrand: 2 hours 15 min. www.voyages-sncf.com Nattitude Lodgings Is your attitude rather for nature? Choose Nattitude lodgings! Here, respect for the natural heritage is a tradition, its preservation a naturally civic attitude. Lodging to build up your internal resources Living very close to nature... Holiday cottages, hotels, guest rooms or campsite in the heart of Natural Parks… Nattitude is a collection of out of the ordinary, ecologically sensitive and 100 % Auvergne lodgings. Yet not forgetting modern conveniences, with quality outfitting, broadband connection, top-range materials, a “made in Auvergne” quality at the heart of an authentic environment, with reasonable and measured prices and, very often, the best products of the region. For who are the Nattitude lodgings intended? For our guests, attached to nature, looking for a real experience in Auvergne, going beyond a single night at the hotel, an encounter with the heart of the destination: building up internal resources, well-being, character, harmony, human warmth, originality, etc. Living in an Nattitude lodging, you are sure to find: • A unique site at the heart of the natural landscapes in Auvergne, • A calm place and an atmosphere suitable for building up your internal resources,. • An ecological approach to your tourist stay, With Nattitude, good living is shared, the spirit of nature is everywhere and the well-being of simplicity is understood as something obvious. www.auvergne-nattitude.fr By plane: All the timings and cities connected are available on: www.clermont-aeroport.com What is the weather like in Auvergne? The region, particularly in the mountains, shows large contrasts according to the seasons: the winters are cold and the summers rather short, but with high temperatures. Clermont-Ferrand is one of the hottest cities in France in summer. It also has the lowest rainfall after Marseille. The coldest areas in Auvergne are the mountain areas with temperatures below 3°C in winder on the high plateaux. The hottest temperatures are in the plains and the basins. These are ideal temperatures for skiing in winter and bathing in the lakes in summer! The end of autumn and the beginning of spring are often mild. Card printed on paper adhering to the ISO 14001 environment management standards. Publisher: Auvergne Regional Tourist Board +33 (0)4 73 29 49 99 Director editor: André CHAPAVEIRE Chief editor: Jean PINARD +33 (0) 473 294 949. • Well-being activities around nature and water, Map design: Actual +33 (0)3 25 71 20 20 • High-tech outfitting, Layout: Grain de Vue +33 (0)4 73 60 46 80 • Creative leisure activities. Printer: Edips 7 allée Pierre de Fermat - CS 50502 63178 Aubière Cedex - France +33 (0) 473 294 999 [email protected] www.auvergne-tourism.com Auvergne regional tourist board (Comité Régional de Développement Touristique d’Auvergne) Photo credits: Comité Régional de Développement Touristique d'Auvergne, CAMUS, CAVAILLES Gérard, CHABANNE Jérôme, DAMASE Joël, DARBELET Christophe, FAYET Gérard, FOURNIER Philippe, FRICH Arnaud, FROBERT David, GONON Sébastien, GRUDET Denis, LACROIX Rémy, LATTES Emmanuel, MARSILHAC Thierry, OLIVIER Luc, Route des fromages d'Auvergne, SOISSONS Pierre, VIDAL Hervé Dépôt légal : février 2011 Auvergne Tourist map Carte anglais_Mise en page 1 25/02/11 10:26 Page2 www.auvergne-tourism.com Moulins historical quarter N , the largest oak The Tronçais forest e forest in Europ Assembly hall, Vichy opera The Puys range and its 80 volcanoes Clermont-Ferrand , regional capita l The Sancy massif, to go hiking or skiing on a volcano ! Saint-Nectaire, one of the five major Romanesque churche s of Auvergne La Chaise-Dieu Salers, one of the eleven “most beautiful villages of France” in Auvergne Sports on the Allier gorges rapids in the Haut- Le Puy-en-Velay, world heritage of the Monts du Cant al, largest volca no in Europe The Garabit viaduct, Gustave Eiffel’s other masterpiece UNESCO
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