AUVERGNE CHER PAYS

Val de Cher along the forest to the west. The gentle curves of its valleys, changing the colors and stones from the small village of Meaulne inspired Alain Fournier (Le Grand Meaulnes, published in 1913).
Make a stop at Hérisson to visit the remains of a powerful feudal fortress pink sandstone (04 70 06 80 45) or to admire the Vieure Château de la Salle (fourteenth century). Towers overlooking the gardens to the design and romantic gardens more prosaic vegetable rare (04 70 07 25 88).
The course will guide you from Cher to Montluçon, medieval city with a rich historical heritage. The old town is tightened at the foot of the castle of Louis II of Bourbon. This imposing medieval building, now the Museum of Popular Music, home to the largest collection of old world. Some date from the twelfth century. Also visit the castle and its gardens Louvière, "pastiche" of the Petit Trianon Versailless. Then take the time to follow the path of the tree. It will lead you through the parks and gardens of the city to the banks of the Cher (04 70 05 11 44). As for gourmets, they do not leave without having tasted the delicious pâté bourbonnais, specialty of the region.
A Neris-les-Bains, the Romans built villas, spa and theater. The craze for urban water in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth enriched the architectural heritage of this small city. The station, which is classified a historical monument, deserves a visit.

Over the Sioule ...
Further east, Auvergne began to rise gently to Combrailles. Heaths and grasslands have replaced the bocage. Sioule digs grooves conducive to descent canoeing. On the horizon, the silhouettes of ancient strongholds like the castle of Chouvigny always watch (04 70 90 44 95).
Near the dam Fades, an amazing metal bridge spans the river. Meandering spectacular valley Sioule, its light hilly terrain, its flora and fauna are the perfect setting for family walks or hikes more sports.
The water-Fades of Besserve extends the broad curves Sioule. It is large enough to practice water sports and sunbathing on the beach. Its waters are also renowned for fishing for predators, pike and zander in particular.
The Haute-Auvergne
In the extreme south-west, Auvergne volcanoes gives way to the uplands, Margeride, Aubrac and Châtaigneraie. If the Haute-Auvergne is the volcanic, it is perhaps the most "arverne. It is the country of high plateaus and summer which are spread with distant horizons, green valleys, rivers and forests. It often comes in the Haute-Auvergne Saint-Flour, long the guardian of the passage between north and south.
City of Bishops, a fortress, Saint-Flour conceals a wealth of architecture. The guided tour of the medieval city reveals a few. The Gothic cathedral, an astonishing simplicity, is made of basalt, hard and black was chosen for its resistance. A Black Christ, the one in France, remains mysterious origin.
To the east of Saint-Flour, Mountains Margeride extend to neighboring Velay. On these mountains of granite country of the beast of Gevaudan, which has its museum Saugues, heath rases and deep forests.
The reliefs of Margeride served as the Maquisards camp during the Second World War. Home of the Resistance and glorious scene of fighting, Mont Mouchet pays tribute to the heroes of the shadow with a national museum in Auvers (04 71 74 11 91). Margeride, are also dozens of streams that meander in scenery to be found by following the hiking trails. Some were used by the pilgrims of Saint Jacques de Compostela. The Ecomuseum Ruynes en Margerie traces on four life yesterday and today (04 71 23 42 96).
Farther south, closer to Chaudes-Aigues, city water well appointed. The city is at the gates of the Aubrac, vast and beautiful green plateau, punctuated from time to time by the villages and "mazucs, these farms where altitude during the summer, we made cheese.
In summer, the Aubrac provides relief rounded and slightly distant horizons lovers family walks or hiking. In winter, the plateau is a paradise for lovers of skiing.
Haute-Auvergne, is also the country of Aurillac and the Châtaigneraie. Long time rival of Saint-Flour, Aurillac is the capital of Haute-Auvergne. The city retains the imprint of a past commercial and industrious. Its markets and fairs were among the largest in the area. They are still events not to be missed.
The International Festival of Street Theater is a great appointment of creativity, emotion and celebration.
North of Aurillac, Castle Anjony and houses with roofs of lauzes Tournemire (R 3) are still facing. The village, one of the most bucolic of the region, is ranked among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France". The imposing castle in the elegance and power of architecture haughty.

South-west of Aurillac and up the valley of the Lot, to extend the Châtaigneraie. 210 000 hectares of chestnut are traveled roads and hollows interspersed with small valleys. The country lends itself perfectly to walking, cycling in particular (can stay mobile loop 04 71 63 85 15). Throughout the south, on the wild and southern valley of the Lot to practice white water activities.