Auvergne

Auvergne has more than one trick up its sleeve. The Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Park lends itself to hiking, mountain-biking, horse-riding and climbing, while volcanic lakes and converted water pools allow you to alternate between fishing and water sports.
Allow yourself to be pampered in the spas of Vichy and La Bourboule. Towards Le Velay, the châteaux and religious edifices, such as the episcopal city of Le Puy-en-Velay, are testament to the region's history. In the Bourbonnais, you will want to lose yourself in the magnificent Forest of Tronçais;in the Châtaigneraie Cantalienne, stroll along the narrow little streets of medieval cities, all the while savouring the aromas of the authentic regional cuisine. All over Auvergne you'll be tempted to tuck into local fare, including cheeses, truffade (a potato and cheese dish) and ham.
But before all else, head for Clermont-Ferrand, the regional capital built out of lava stone and, for more than a century, stronghold of the world leader for tyres: Michelin!