Auvergne is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most beautiful regions of France. It is also one of its best kept secrets as it remains largely undiscovered among those who have not yet ventured deep into the Heart of France. However, once you have made your first visit here, your enthusiasm may take you by surprise! In no time you may start to dream about buying a holiday retreat or even making a new home in this fabulous area.

Auvergne is famous for its breathtaking scenery, which include extinct volcanoes, spectacular gorges, magnificent mountains, lakes, geysers, mountain streams, rivers and vast forests, and is home to two of France’s most beautiful national parks, the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne and the Parc Naturel Régional du Livradois-Forez.



It contains the départements of Allier (03), Cantal (15), Haute-Loire (43) and Puy-de-Dôme (63) which all show different faces of the Auvergne. The quality of the regional architecture has produced many villages of character, ten of which have received the coveted title of “most beautiful villages of France”.



Auvergne is largely agricultural, entirely unspoilt and is noted for its gentle pace of life. It is the most sparsely populated region of France and property is extremely good value. A survey carried out in 2002 amongst notaires showed that the Allier boasts some of the least expensive property in France and is ranked 83rd cheapest out of 90 départements! However growing interest for this wonderful region is likely to push prices up in the next few years. So now is a good time to invest.

The region has contrasted seasons with very hot summers and cold winters. Situated at the heart of the Massif Central, Auvergne can boast 150 alpine ski trails and thousands of cross-country courses to suit all levels, which will delight winter sports lovers. As you’re never far from a torrent, river, waterfall or a lake, excellent water sports are also on offer: water-skiing, sailing, kayaking, rafting, fishing etc. not to mention many bathing places.



Aside from boasting unique landscapes, Auvergne has a rich history and heritage. The Bourbonnais region (located in Allier) is the birthplace of the famous line of French Kings, the Bourbon Dukes. Many other historic characters, including Queen Margot, Marquis de La Fayette and Napoleon III, have either lived or stayed in Auvergne, leaving many signs of their passage including a large of number of châteaux, from the stately to the fortified or Medieval. The Bourbonnais is in fact known as “the land of a thousand and one châteaux”, fifty of which are open to the public.

If all this wasn't inviting enough, Auvergne is also a gourmet paradise! The region has some of the best star-rated establishments of France as well as small restaurants and inns where lovers of fine foods and wines can sample mouthwatering specialties.



You can fly to St Ettienne with Ryanair, or Lyon with Easyjet. Clermont-Ferrand is connected to Paris and the South of France by the A71 and A72 autoroutes respectively. With the construction of a new motorway to Bordeaux, the region is finally opening itself up to take full advantage of its exceptional position at the centre of Europe.

So there you have it: a stunningly beautiful region, full of authentic charm, with a wonderful quality of life and affordable properties, only hours away. Nobody could blame you for wanting to buy a house here…

For more information about Auvergne, you can visit:
www. auvergne-tourisme.info
www.cr-auvergne.fr