The Auvergne, in particular the Cantal, is a one of the last hidden treasures in France. It is located between the well known Dordogne and the Ardeche on the eastern part of the Central Massif. Volcanic eruptions created mountains which have been eroded and shaped into a stunning variety of landscapes. Mountains like the Puy de Dome and the Puy Sancy offer stunning views of highlands, dotted with little villages and so-called `hameaus` (2-5 houses grouped together), forests, mellow pastures and mountain passes.

The Auvergne is almost the size of The Netherlands, counts only 1.3 million inhabitants, consists of 4 so-called departments : the Cantal with its capital Aurillac, the Allier, the Puy de Dome, and the Haute Loire with its famous cathedral in the beautifull capital le Puy en Velay. The capital of the Auvergne is Clermont-Ferrand, one of the largest French towns.