The haut allier
The Haute Loire in the south east is the driest and
sunniest part of the Auvergne, a lot of it at an altitude of over 800 metres.
Virtually the whole department is hilly or mountainous, and a much is
forested. What others have to say about the region:
The northern area is centered round the market town of Brioude, with its magnificent romanesque basilica, the largest in the region. South of Brioude lies the "Haut Allier", a region with deep valleys, a generally warm and sunny climate and a definite flavour of the south of France. (source)
The Haut Allier combines the warmth and shelter of the gorges to the wild and
free air of the haut plateau. Visit La Chaise Dieu for its forests and fungi,
the Allier for its swimming and salmon, trek along the numerous hiking
trails, ski cross-country in the winter and swim or canoe the river in
summer. The Haut Allier offers some stunning scenery, some peace and quiet,
enough adventure to suit all tastes and culture when you need it.
The Haut Allier, that part of France relatively unknown and still authentic, natural and occassionally "sauvage".
The Haut Allier has a continental climate. The summers are hot and dry with the occassional storm and the winters provide snow and cross country skiing. Relatively unknown, even in France, it is becoming a popular tourist destination for walkers and all those that love the great outdoors. The Haut Allier is not far from Le Puy en Velay, the departmental "capital" and an UNESCO world heritage site.
Getting there
Map centred on Langeac :
Trains run to Le Puy and Clermont Ferrand. The TGV runs to Lyon and St Etienne. There is an airport at Clermont and rumour has it that Ryan Air will be flying to Clermont three times a week from April to October starting this year, 2008. Well, this was the case until recently.this is what they say! Check here. There is an airport at Loudes which serves Le Puy en Velay, but it only flies to and from Paris Orly and not at Christmas or in August! Contact Hex'Air 0810 182 292.
The area is well served by the A75 from Paris so travelling to the Haut Loire by car is no problem. Check the state of the roads here.
Langeac is about 100km from Clermont and is well served by road. Even in winter 99% of the roads are kept clear. For directions go to viamichelin.
Looking for flights?
Landscapes
The landscape is varied from the "haut plateau" and its
fields of green lentils (the first vegetable to receive an AOC), to the
gorges of the Allier and the "Monts" of the Margeride. All around there are
the "sucs", ancient volcanic cones proud guardians of the Haute Loire. The
volcanic earth and rich pastures have given rise to an agricultural tradition
born of respect for the earth. Famous for its beef and cheese, as well as the
lentils the gastronomy of the region is sure to delight - especially after a
long walk whilst searching for those elusive fungi ...
Out and about
For walking, trekking and mountain biking the Haut Allier
is ideal. It offers the "grande randonnée" of the "Chemins de StJaques"
alongside many shorter routes and footpaths. There are also plenty of other
activities on offer, so whether it be horse riding, climbing or cannyoning,
you can find it here.
Even in winter, profit from the snow and go walking with snow shoes or skiing at the cross country ski centre at the Durand.
To see a panoramic view from the Mont de Durand click here.
Further images of the Haut Allier can be found on the images page.
Visitors
Visitors to the Haut Allier from everywhere and anywhere are always
welcome ...
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