More reasons to visit the Auvergne according to The Telegraph…

The delicious delights of the Auvergne – Telegraph.

“Fortunately, Mother Nature has been generous: the same forces that created the soaring volcanic mountain ranges also bequeathed forests full of game, fertile green pastures grazed by contented cows, and sparkling, unpolluted rivers teeming with fish. The result is a regional cuisine based on the richness of the fresh local produce, with culinary traditions reaching back hundreds of years.”

auvergne cheese 1646124c La Presse

Following the Chants to the Auvergne – Telegraph Blogs.

“There are 80 [volcanoes]  running through the region. One of them, at least, contains a lake, the Gour de Tazenat, which you can swim in (though I can’t say I did: too muddy for me). And the volcanic soil is what makes the whole place so fertile, so healthy (it’s a haven for French hikers, cyclists, canoists, and the otherwise outward-bound), as well as the source of things like Volvic water that percolates through six layers of volcanic rock in a vast natural park just north of Clermont-Ferrand before it gets siphoned into bio-degradable bottles on the bottom shelf of your supermarket.”

auvergne1 387x288 La Presse

The undiscovered history of the Auvergne – Auvergne, France – Holidays in the Auvergne – Telegraph.

“The magnificent, often explosively dramatic, landscapes of the Auvergne both stimulate and soothe the mind with their sheer timeless beauty. And here, in this seemingly impregnable fortress of the Massif Central where geography reigns supreme, history has left its mark, bequeathing a unique heritage and a rich culture.”

auvergne history 1636821c La Presse

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20100708 queuille Méandre de QueuilleThe  pretty little village of Queuille is quite unsassuming at first glance.  A grand looking Mairie, a little café, copious flowers in window boxes, the usual.

 

It does have a Musée du Jambon which sounds intriguing, but of course I was there at lunch time and it was closed (when will I learn?)

 

Anyway, head through the village, past the the immaculate church at the far end and down a little path through the woods, and this is what you’ll find…

 

20100708 platform Méandre de Queuille

20100708 arbres Méandre de Queuille

20100708 meandre Méandre de Queuille

20100708 meandre2 Méandre de Queuille

Pretty spectacular…

 

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The secret is out…

“The Auvergne: France’s best-kept secret” – The Telegraph

“The amazing landscape of the Auvergne region of France can take your breath away, as can the architecture and the charm of the chateaux and villages” – The Telegraph

“With its volcanic mountains, pristine rivers and superlative spas, the Auvergne region is the ideal location for activity holidays of all kinds” – The Telegraph

“This is my sort of country — of soft-sided, sleeping volcanoes and cows, of lakes, forests and village cafes where madame wears slippers and mojitos are things you spray against.” – The Times

Better get here quick before more people find out….

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http://www.2cvtv.com/

The design brief for the 2CV

“….was for a low-priced, rugged ‘umbrella on four wheels’ that would enable two peasants to drive 100 kg of farm goods to market at 60 km/h, in clogs and across muddy unpaved roads if necessary. France at that time had a very large rural population, who had not yet adopted the automobile, due to its cost. The car would use no more than 3 litres of gasoline to travel 100 km. Most famously, it would be able to drive across a ploughed field without breaking the eggs it was carrying. {The designer} later also had the roof raised to allow him to drive while wearing a hat.”

About as french as you can get.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn_2CV

2cv Deux chevaux vapeur (two steam horses)

Deux-chevaux

 

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