A look at the Auvergne

THE Auvergne is set in the heart of France and is a region of rolling hillsides and extinct volcanic peaks.

It contains the departments of Allier, Cantal, Haute-Loire and Puy-de-Dôme with the main towns being Clermont Ferrand, Vichy and Moulins.
But it is a region more famous for its countryside than its towns, with its extinct volcanic heart and two massive nature parks.
Clermont Ferrand is a major industrial centre with a strong research pedigree and is home to Michelin.
The region’s main airport can also be found here in the city.
Vichy, in the Allier department, is famous for its spring waters and has a strong cultural heritage as well as some stunning architecture.
Whilst Moulins is the capital of Allier and has a strong arts scene, with a major theatre museum opening soon, but is also close to the gentler countryside in the north of the Auvergne.
Property prices according to the French National Association of Estate Agents (FNAIM) have risen by 7.5% in the last year (France 11.3%).
The region also has some of the lowest priced properties in France and it is strange that property hunters often overlook the area.
For example, a south facing property ready to move in to, with two bedrooms and an office, on the market for € 56,996… more.
Or how about a 19th Century house with a large dining room, kitchen and just a few miles from Moulins for €100,000… more.
The Auvergne is a popular tourist area for the outdoor type and with plenty of bargain properties, it could be worth a look.

Estate agents in the area include:

http://www.cantal-immobilier.com/web/
http://www.immobilier-aurillac.com/
http://www.clermont-immobilier.fr/
http://www.mombazet.fr/

Comments

[Den]

Some info about the region www.frenchrecipe.net/recipe/auvergne.htm

[Max Lindsay-Johnson]

Can anyone help? I own a property 25km North East of Vichy, 8km from Lapalisse. Unfortunately my caretaker/gardener died recently and this has left me in a difficult position as I need someone to help with the handover between paying guests approx six times per year and also pop up to the house put the heating on, etc.. at other times. Does anyone know someone local that might need the welcome extra money?

[Amber Kelly Luke]

I may be able to help look at my website and then contact me we can discuss the distance and prices etc.

[i kennedy]

my daughter is moving into our house which is very close to La Palisse at the end of June. She would probably be happy to do it. I'll email her and ask

[i kennedy]

yes, she'd be happy to do that for you! email me if you want her to do it!

[Cameron Wigg]

I'm looking for a builder that can help finish of renovation work on a watermill.I'm in Puy de Dome,{near Tauves}.