Presentation of Auvergne Region

Le Puy en Velay landscape

Region Description

The Auvergne region in central France is a region surrounded by mountains and rich in nature. Because there are volcanoes, you can see buildings made of volcanic rock, and some cities have hot spring water and mineral water. There is also Le Puy-en-Velay, which is one of the starting points for pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and the decorations of the Issoire and Brioude, which have Romanesque churches, are also wonderful.

Cities in Auvergne

①Clermont-Ferrand
②Le-Puy-en-Velay
③Vichy
④Issoire
⑤Brioude


①Clermont-Ferrand

The cathedral in Clermont-Ferrand, the central city of the Auvergne region, is made of volcanic rock and has a black exterior. Michelin’s headquarters is also located in this city, and you can learn about the history of Michelin tires at the museum.

★★★★☆

4 h


②Le-Puy-en-Velay

It is a distinctive town with two rocky mountains within the town. There is a statue of the Virgin Mary and a chapel on the top of each rocky mountain, and many tourists visit these places as starting points for pilgrimages to holy places. The production of lentils and lace is popular.

★★★★☆

7 h


③Vichy 

Vichy is famous for its hot springs, and even Napoleon used it as a health resort. On the other hand, it was also the site of a puppet government during World War II. Although you cannot enter the hot springs, you can drink various types of hot spring water, and the mineral water is famous.

★★★☆☆

2 h 30


④Issoire

This town is home to the largest Romanesque abbey in the Auvergne region. Not only the exterior but also the interior is decorated with fine details and is a sight to behold. Climb the town’s clock tower for a panoramic view of the town.

★★☆☆☆

1 h 30


⑤Brioude

Like Issoire, Brioude is a town where you can see Romanesque churches. The ceiling painting of Christ, which can only be seen by borrowing a key from the tourist information center, is a valuable work that cannot be seen anywhere else.

★★☆☆☆

2 h


Specialty in Auvergne

This region, which enjoys natural beauty due to the presence of volcanoes, has many attractions, including black buildings. When it comes to food, there are many distinctive dishes such as the crispy mashed potatoes called Aligo and Tripoux made with sheep tripe.


コメント