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Cultural region in France
Photo: Pedelecs, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Auvergne is an extensive region of central France, belonging to the larger region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. A large part of the Auvergne region is covered by the volcanic Massif Central mountain range, a region of vast green open spaces, dotted with lakes, forests and extinct volcanoes, plus some of the best hiking territory to be found in France. The region is home to two regional natural parks: the Livradois-Forez Park and the Auvergne Volcanoes Park, more than 500 Romanesque churches, over 50 châteaux to visit along the 'Route des Châteaux d'Auvergne', and 10 spa towns (with all the charm of the 'Belle Epoque').
By train
There are trains from Clermont Ferrand and Toulouse to Aurillac, which pass through the small towns and villages of the Auvergne. They are slow!
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Clermont-Ferrand · International · CFE
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Clermont is home to several historic sights, while Montferrand is one of the best historically preserved towns in France
the 9th-century Chateau of Saint-Etienne overlooks the city
a spa town at the head of the Dordogne river, just beneath Puy de Sancy. An excellent location for hiking.
a UNESCO-listed spa town and former seat of government of the Nazi puppet regime during the Second World War.
a pilgrimage destination, starting point for the Le Puy route of the Way of St. James.
a stunning rock pinnacle surmounted by antenna, often hidden in clouds. Look out for eagles.
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