Auvergne, Cultural region in central France.
Auvergne is a cultural region in central France that covers hilly terrain with forested slopes and wide valleys. Dormant volcanoes shape the landscape in the chaîne des Puys, while Puy de Sancy forms the highest point at 1,886 meters (6,188 feet).
The name comes from the Arverni, a Celtic tribe who controlled this area during Roman times under their leader Vercingetorix. During the Middle Ages, the region became a center of religious power with many Romanesque churches and monasteries built across the territory.
Cheese production follows old methods in small farms run by the same families for generations. Farmers sell their dairy goods directly at weekly markets, while villagers still use traditional recipes for aligot and truffade in everyday cooking.
The Loire and Allier rivers run through the area and provide landmarks when traveling across the region. An airport is located in Clermont-Ferrand, while smaller towns are accessible by country roads that wind through the hilly countryside.
The Forêt de Tronçais ranks as the largest oak forest in Europe and once supplied timber for building French warships. The black cathedral in Clermont-Ferrand was built from volcanic stone, giving it a dark color that sets it apart from other Gothic structures.
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