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Auvergne – Discover Dormant Volcanoes & Pilgrim Treks

Le Puy en Velay and Chapelle Saint Michel d`Aiguilhe, Auvergne, France

Auvergne - Discover Dormant Volcanoes & Pilgrim Treks

The region of Auvergne in France is part of the larger Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and is well-known for its history and as the former administrative area of south-central France. Auvergne has a volcanic mountainous landscape, thermal spa towns, and rich agricultural traditions. And let's not forget delicious cheeses and its pilgrim treks.

Let's take a brief look at what the region of Auvergne has to offer and why you might like to add it to your French travel itinerary. We won't cover everything this wonderful region has on offer, but rather a taste of what you can see and do. This post, Auvergne - Discover Dormant Volcanoes & Pilgrim Treks, is part of our Discovery Series that shines a spotlight on what each region of France has to offer. Discover Aquitaine: Wine, Prehistory and the Dordogne in our previous post.

Auvergne has lots to offer the Visitor

One of Auvergne's most popular tourist attractions is Puy de Dôme, the famous peak in the Chaîne des Puys - a striking alignment of more than 80 dormant volcanoes. Puy de Dôme is the area's largest lava dome. The unique geography can also be seen in local architecture and in the capital city, Clermont-Ferrand. The capital sits right near the volcanic fields and is the base of the Michelin tyre company. Several buildings in Clermont-Ferrand have been built from black volcanic rock and are interesting to see.

Santonniers of Provence seek UNESCO status

Santonniers of Provence Seek UNESCO Status

Did you catch in the news a couple of months back how the French baguette has just been awarded UNESCO status? Chosen as the winner by the French who voted in 2021 from the choices of the distinctive grey zinc roofs of Paris, the tradition of wine festivals, and the baguette - the crusty bread stick won hands down!

Well, another French traditional product has applied for UNESCO status. The Santon makers of Provence have put forward their craft. They have formed an association named 'Savoir-faire des Santonniers de Provence', with the intention of getting the process of creating the hand-painted clay figurines included on the list of intangible cultural heritage. Just like the baguette.

French Baguette Gets UNESCO Heritage Status

The French baguette gets UNESCO heritage status - The world is celebrating with France on the announcement by UNESCO that the baguette has been granted world heritage status as "something worthy of humanity’s preservation."

The baguette has been added to UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list, with the status being specifically granted to the savoir-faire (known-how) on how the French bread is made and the culinary tradition of the bread.

Mont St-Michel and La Mère Poulard

La Mere Poulard Mont St Michel, Normandy 1024 x 695

Mont Saint Michel and La Mère Poulard

The Pilgrim's route or Grande Rue has been the main route winding uphill past Elise St-Pierre towards the impressive abbey gates of Mont Saint Michel since the 12th century. Now this main street is crowded with restaurants to cater to the vast number of tourists, the most famous being restaurant La Mère Poulard founded by Anne "Annette" Boutiaut. The story of this restaurant starts way back in 1888.

Annette Boutiaut - Her Story

Annette Boutiaut married Victor Poulard on January 14, 1873 and in 1888 Annette Poulard started her inn to cater for the pilgrims and increasing number of visiting tourists that arrived at all hours of the day tired, hungry and often wet. Because access to Mont Saint Michel is governed by tides, and visitors walked over the low lands and wet sands to reach the island, they arrived wet and cold. So making quick, hot nutritious food that could feed a number of people was required.

Château d’Angers: Fortress and Sumptous Residence

Château d'Angers, Loire Valley

Château d’Angers – A Fortress and Sumptuous Residence

The Château d’Angers is a castle located in the city of Angers in the Loire Valley, Maine-et-Loire department, France and while it is not as popular as some of the other Loire Valley châteaux it is spectacular and is also home to the amazing Apocalypse Tapestry.

A Brief History of Château d’Angers

The Château, which occupies a rocky promontory overlooking the River Maine, has been occupied by man since the Neolithic period. The site was first occupied by the Count of Anjou in the 9th century and then 300 years later a palace was built there. In the 13th Century, the Regent Blanche of Castile built a fortress to mass royal troops.

Annette Charlton

Annette lives with her family between their homes in France and Australia. She’s been featured in International magazines including French Property News, on numerous blogs and travel websites and appeared on ABC National Radio. You can connect on Instagram or Facebook.