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Auvergne, with Clermont Ferrand as its capital city consists of the departments:
Allier, Cantal, Haute-Loire and Puy-de-Dôme. The natural scenery is
splendid, wild, then again lovely with a unique flora and fauna,
mountains, forests, rivers, brooklets and waterfalls, breathtaking views,
rare birds and a wealth of cultural curiosities. High old volcanos, like
the Puy de Sancy, where the river Dordogne rises, turn into vast plateaus.
The Massif de Cantal is created 20 million years ago under gigantic explosions
into what has been the biggest volcano in Europe. Only fragments are left,
of which the Plomb de Cantal is the highest.
There are plenty of possibilities for all kinds of aquatic sports in
many lakes and rivers: The river Allier, for instance, is much used
by canoists and kayakists.
You may choose for flying, a favourite sport in Auvergne like parachute
jumping (parapente), hang gliding and gliding. But even if you don't
practice it, it is spectacular to see how people throw themselfs with a
parachute or a glider from the mountain Puy-de-Dôme.
Auvergne has an old and rich history, that even goes back to the Celtic
period, with beautiful medieval castles, villages, Roman churches and old farms.
There are two protected nature reserves, the "Parc Régional des Volcans"
and the "Parc Régional du Livradois Forez".
There are everywhere walking tours indicated (randonnées) for unexperienced
people as well as for experienced hikers with resting places and restaurants.
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Auvergne has two tourist seasons: summer with a pleasant warm climate and
sometimes heavy thunderstorms, winter for alpine skiing in places like
Le Mont Dore, La Bourboule and Super Besse in the Puy de Dôme, and Super Lioran
in the Cantal. Cross-country skiing (ski de fond) is of course possible.
Experienced skiers may probably go to the Alps for longer ski runs, but for
others it is an ideal place, not to busy and no long waiting times for ski-lifts.
And then, do not forget the French kitchen! After studying the menu,
especially in the country, you may enjoy a delicious 4 courses dinner for
less then € 20,-. Do not miss the specialities of each region or even of
some places. With a good glass of white or red wine you really believe to
be God in France.
In short, Auvergne is a region with numerous cultural and sporting possibilities,
a splendid natural scenery with a sunny and pleasant climat worthwhile to start loving.
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