Clermont-Ferrand - This is cosmopolitan city which incorporates the two historically
separate areas but not joined areas of Clermont and MontFerrand. Clermont Ferrand
has undergone much regeneration over the last couple of years where a lot of money
has been spent enhancing the parks and plaza squares of the City Centre. The City
now has it's own tram which makes travelling around much easier.
Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral dominates the city and is made of black volcanic stone
and gives it a very Gothic look. Please visit www.parc-livradois-forez.org/index.php4
for more information on Clermont-Ferrand.
The Plateau de Gergovie - This vast flat high plateau just south of Clermont has
a monument to the famous Battle of Gergovie where Vergingetorix of the Arveni Tribe
of The Gauls was defeated by the Roman Army. It has a Visitor Centre and museum.
In the Autumn, a huge kite festival is held www.cervolix.com
shows this years display complete with hot air balloons!
The Plateau also holds archeological festivals with live re-enactments of historical
events.
Saint Nectaire Church - This is an impressive Romanesque Church built in the 12th
Century, occupying a stunning site at the top of Mont Cornadore in Saint Nectaire
Le Haut. It is a wonderful example of Roman architeture and this can be seen at
www.art-roman.net/stnectaire/stnectaire.htm Other churches of note are at Orcival,
Brioude, Saint Saturnin and Issoire.
Chateaus - Of Particular note are the Chateau de Murol, Chateau Tourneol near Volvic,
Chateau Busseol near Clermont and Chateau Cordes near Orcival.
These are fascinating insights into life in Mediaeval France where feuding was a
way of life and feudal Lords built these impressive Castles to protect themselves
against marauding tribes. The area has so many that it is impossible to mention them
all but they are indeed impressive
and can be seen in more detail at :
www.route-chateaux-auvergne.org/Puy_de_Dome_francais.htm
