In central France, midway between Paris and the Mediterranean Sea, is the Auvergne Region. It is a region of dramatic, volcanic landscapes, thermal spas, medieval villages, architectural marvels and signature cheese.

It is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site of more than 80 dormant volcanoes, a gorgeous cathedral constructed of black volcanic stone, the birthplace of Michelin tires and a major theme park focused on volcanoes and earth sciences. The first crusade started in this region.

Have we peaked your interest? GetAway Travel advisors are prepared to plan your adventure to the Auvergne Region of France.

Capital city, Clermont-Ferrand

 One of the oldest cities in France and the starting point for the first crusade, it carries the distinction of being attacked by not only the Vikings, but also the Normans and Visigoths. Established in the 13th century, the Duke of Auvergne so disliked the Bishop of Clermont, he started an alternative settlement, Mont Ferrand close by. The two cities finally merged in 1730.

Residences in the city, as well as the lofty Cathedral of Notre Dame L’Assumption are constructed with black volcanic rock, nature’s answer to concrete. The architect of Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral, Violet le Duc, did a “refresh” on the facade of the Clermont-Ferrand cathedral tweaking the Neo-Romanesque facade to a more Gothic style appearance

Inside, the Gothic chandeliers cast a warm glow on the black stone and make the stained glass windows look even more striking. There are more modern stained glass windows in the cathedral. If you look closely, there’s a disciple or two wearing eyeglasses.

Nearby, the Romanesque Basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The blonde sandstone church is a sharp contrast to the cathedral. It has a stunning interior and is home to the Black Madonna statue.

Fromagerie Nivesse is a famous cheesemaker in the city center. It works with local producers who bring their cheese here to mature. Taste delicious goat and cow cheeses on a tour and bread, salad and fruit are included. There’s even dessert — whipped fromageblanc which is similar to cream cheese whipped with cream and sugar.

There are a number of fabulous museums. The Michelin Adventure Museum offers a presentation of Michelin’s history including the story of the Michelin brothers who worked their way to fame and fortune. They actually built the country’s first tram system! The tour ends at the Gran Turismo section which highlights the racing history and lets you participate in a simulated sports car race.

Musée Bargoin has artifacts, artwork, relics from the past ancient tools, intricate jewelry and amazing textile exhibits showcasing everything from delicate lace to gorgeous embroidered tapestries. Workshops are offered so visitors can try their hands at the ancient crafts.

The Henri-Lecoq Museum is a science museum highlighting the region and its natural heritage. There are science manuscript collections, 50,000 rock and fossil samples, 290,000 insect samples, a vertebra department with skeletons of 700 mammals and 2,400 birds.

Visit the volcanoes! Puy-de-Dôme is the highest of the dormant volcanoes. You can hike to the top, or have mercy on your feet and take the railway. At the top is a restaurant, bar, museum, laboratory and the ruins of a Roman temple.

Twenty minutes from the city is the theme park, Vulcania. This scientific amusement park and entertainment center is all things planet earth and volcanoes. There are amazing rides including an award-winning roller coaster, Namazu and the country’s biggest planetarium. You can descend into a volcano and watch lava flow to the surface. There are interactive exhibits and shows as well as 3-D films that let you ride a dragon or track a hurricane.

Le Puy-en-Velay, Saint-Nectaire, Salers and Montpeyroux

Le Puy-en-Velay is a World Unesco Heritage site famous for the Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy. An architectural marvel with a striped facade of white sandstone and black volcanic rock, it seems like the cathedral is perched on a rock leaning into the sea. It is said to resemble a ship sailing out to greet those participating in religious pilgrimages. It is a blend of several architectural styles with the interior mainly favoring Baroque elements. There is a statue of the black virgin in the sanctuary.

Near the cathedral is the Statue of Our Lady of France. A technical marvel, it was cast in iron in the 19th century from 213 canons seized from the Russians during the Crimean War. It weighs 835 tons and is 75 feet tall.

The National Academy of Lace is here. Take a tour and learn all about the delicate art and pick up some items in the gift shop.

Saint-Nectaire is a small village of traditional stone homes and winding streets renowned for its namesake cheese. Tour area farms and learn all about the cheesemaking process which includes washing the cheese while it matures in salt water, turning it and aging it on rye straw. It is a smooth cow’s milk cheese.

Salers is recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Visit the Maison DeLa Salers and learn about the amazing Salers cattle breed. Beef from here is renowned around the country for its rich flavor. The museum is in a 17th century barn with displays and video presentations. Bonus! Guests are encouraged to take samples of the tasty beef from a charcuterie set-up at the end of the tour.

Burons de Salers is a tourism site where you can learn about the heritage of the city, some more about Salers cattle and Salers cheese! Depending on the maturity, Salers is a fresh, buttery, woody, smoky delight.

St. Matthews Church has some fabulous religious artwork including stunning wool tapestries on the walls.

Montpeyroux, also designated as one of the most beautiful villages in France, is built on a hill on the banks of the Allier River. This picturesque village is home to artists and artisans. The vineyards have almost completely recovered from the grape blight and visitors can once again tour the famous Les Chemins de l’Arkose vineyard run by Yvan Bernard and Audrey Baldassin.

Let’s Eat!

 The area is famous for its cheeses as well as a specific type of lentil. But you can also enjoy truffade, thinly sliced potatoes mixed with fresh Homme cheese. They are chopped up, finished with parsley and served as a side. Soupe au chou is a soup of cabbage, pork and potatoes. Be sure and sample the amazing variety of sausages.

Aligot is mashed potatoes mixed with melted cheese and garlic and Potée Auvergnate is cabbage, potatore, pork, carrots, leeks and turnips. Try the fresh cheese brioche and the Cantal cheese tart. During the summer months you can get Tarte aux myrtilles, an amazing blueberry concoction.

Are you interested in a fabulous adventure in the Auvergne Region? Travel advisors at GetAway Travel are standing by to help plan your trip.