Vichy
No visit to this area is complete without taking in the lovely spa town of Vichy. The spa tradition was introduced by the Romans as well as at nearby Bourbon l’Archambault and Mont-Dore, a tradition that continues to delight 2000 years later.
Next morning I was in the nearby town of Thiers. More than 60% of all the kitchen knives used in France are made here and I was not only able to visit a factory to watch them being made but was able to make my own.
Gastronomy for gourmets
Auvergne has many delights to please foodies. Saint-Nectaire, Fourme d’Ambert, Cantal, Salers and Auvergne Blue Cheese are some of the famous cheeses sold in all
the markets or you can buy direct from a cave. On top of these specialities, you have the top quality ‘charcuterie’, cured meats, sausages, and a local andouillette (though you need to be a fan of tripe to enjoy that one). Don’t leave without trying the traditional petit salé made with green lentils from Le Puy or stuffed cabbages, or truffade potato cakes. In autumn wild mushrooms are used in many dishes – guaranteed to titillate your taste buds.
The Auvergne is a real treat, a trip here leaves you revitalised and re-energised and there’s nowhere else quite like it.
Auvergne Tourist office website
Read more about Auvergne
Expat in Auvergne story Page 106
Crédit: Comité Régional de Développement Touristique d'Auvergne BEROUJON-Pascale