 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. 
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Auvergne Quick Facts Population: 1,341,000 Departments: Allier (03), Cantal (15), Haute-Loire (43) and Puy-de-Dôme (63) Major Centres: Clermont-Ferrand, Vichy, Aurillac What to do and see: Spa and casino town of Vichy Chaîne des Puys- chain of extinct volcanoes in the Massif Central What to Eat: Cantal and blue vein cheeses, Auvergne sausage, Charolais beef What to Drink: Pinot, Gamay, Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Tressailler Events: International Fair Clermont-Ferrand King of the Birds Renaissance Fair Airport: Lyon, Limoges Auvergne Official Tourism Site Wikipedia on Auvergne Other Auvergne Sites |
