L'Auvergne

The Auvergne region is famous for its four volcanic craters, the youngest of which is less than 10 000 years old. This fascinating landscape, sculpted by fire, offers a natural open-air geological exhibition, as well as a number of natural reserves where the region's flora and fauna have been preserved in their natural state. Whilst hiking anywhere in the Auvergne region, you will spot rare species that have been preserved in the area. Some of the natural parks are really worth a special visit, such as the Vallée de Chaudefour, the Sagnes de la Godivelle, the Val d.Allier or the regional reserves: the Auvergne volcanoes and the Livradois Forez. The cows grazing on the Auvergne pastures are also famous for the salty milk which is used to produce cheese such as Cantal, Saint-Nectare, Bleu d.Auvergne and Fourme d.Ambert... Natural water springs producing pure, clear water can be found in certain areas of the Auvergne, such as in Loire, Allier or Dordogne.