Auvergne

Auvergne is a historical region in central France, and is now part of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The mostly rural, mountainous area is popular for hiking and skiing, with vast forests and dormant volcanoes such as Puy de Dôme. An abundance of natural hot springs has spawned spa towns such as Vichy, known for its mineral water. Clermont-Ferrand is a busy university city with a stately Romanesque church, Notre-Dame du Port.