Major Towns of Auvergne
Clermont-Ferrand on the banks of the Tretaine River is the capital of the region of Auvergne. Clermont-Ferrand was created by the union of the neighbouring districts of Clermont and Montferrand in the early 18th century. One of the major natural attractions of the region is the Puy de Dome, an extinct volcano which rises to a height of nearly 5,000 feet above the Limagne plain. The top of the volcano can be reached via a winding road or by a mule track which leads up to the remains of the Temple of Mecury dating back to Roman times. One of the local cultural highlights is the National and International Short Film Festivals, sometimes referred to by film critics as the "Cannes of Short Films". The festival, which runs for a week in late January or early February, features national and international competitions and specific film programmes. Vichy, sometimes known as the "Queen of the Water Towns", is world famous for its thermal spas. Indeed as long ago as Roman times, the healing properties of the waters of Vichy were well known. The Roman name for the town was Aqua Calidis ("Hot Water"). Other attractions in Vichy include the Vichy Opera House, the only Art Nouveau theatre in France which is decorated in gold and ivory, together with the horse racing track, on the banks of the River Allier. Limoges is famous for its trade in fine porcelain and enamel and although these industries are now in decline, there are several museums in the town dedicated to them. Elsewhere, the Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Etienne with its striking 16th century façade is a major tourist attraction. Construction of the Cathedral started in the late 13th century but was not completed for some 600 years. Holiday Rental AccommodationWhatever your choice of holiday surroundings – forest, mountain, rural or urban – and the number of people in your party, you should find holiday rental accommodation to suit you somewhere in the Auvergne region. Chalets, apartments, cottages, farmhouses and villas, sleeping between one and ten or more people are readily available at affordable prices. |
 The river Allier |
You may prefer a modern wooden built chalet in an unspoilt setting amidst the spectacular volcanic terrain of central Auvergne. Chalets in the Le Mont Dore region, for example, at an altitude of between 3,500 and 4,000 feet, are available in anything from two to five rooms. If you want your holiday to have a rustic feel, you may be interested in a beautifully renovated barn in the Livradois Forest which is an excellent location for outdoor activities. Alternatively, a 17th century house complete with modern kitchen, bathroom and private swimming pool in the north of Auvergne may be more to your liking. These are just a few examples of the holiday accommodation that is available for rental in Auvergne.
