Auvergne (region)

Auvergne is a historical region in central France. It was originally a province, and later a region of France, incorporating the departments of Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal and Haute-Loire. Since 1 January 2016, it has been part of the new region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

History

The history of Auvergne dates back to the ancient times when it was a historical province in the south central part of the country. It was originally inhabited by the Gauls, a Celtic people, until it was conquered by the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC. During the Middle Ages, Auvergne was a county and later a duchy under the Carolingian Dynasty.

Geography

Auvergne is located in the Massif Central, a mountainous plateau in the middle of southern France. It is known for its volcanic landscapes, with the Chaîne des Puys being one of the most notable features. The region is also home to the largest volcano in Europe, the Puy de Dôme.

Culture

The culture of Auvergne is rich and varied, with a strong emphasis on folk traditions. The region is known for its traditional music, dance, and costumes, as well as its unique language, Auvergnat, a dialect of Occitan.

Cuisine

Auvergne is famous for its distinctive cuisine, which includes dishes such as truffade, a type of potato pancake, and aligot, a dish made from cheese and mashed potatoes. The region is also known for its quality meats, particularly beef and pork, and its wide variety of cheeses, including Bleu d'Auvergne, Cantal, and Saint-Nectaire.

Economy

The economy of Auvergne is largely based on agriculture, with a focus on dairy farming and cattle breeding. The region is also known for its mineral water, with several well-known brands, including Volvic and Vichy, originating from the area. In addition, Auvergne has a strong industrial sector, with a focus on the production of tires, with the headquarters of Michelin, one of the world's largest tire manufacturers, located in Clermont-Ferrand.

See also

• Regions of France
• Massif Central
• Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes