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 The
Auvergne region on the side of the rising sun -
The Natural Park of the Livradois-Forez stretches
from the green plains of the Livradois at the West
to the imposing granitic barrier of the Mounts of the
Forez, which separates the Park from the Valley of
the Loire. This park, one of the largest parks in France
is surprising because of the diversity of its landscapes,
its natural environment and its architectural heritage.
To know this territory carved by the hand of man, we
could follow the "Trail of Professions" (Route des
Métiers), which invites you to reach the heart of centuries - old
know-how of the Livradois-Forez through castles, monuments, museums.
A visit in the land of Ambert -
Located in the heart of the Dore Valley, the town of Ambert,
owes its title of cradle of the French paper manufacturing
to the purity of the courses of water coming down from the
Livradois and the Forez. This activity, established in the
15th century, is still going on inside the walls of the Mill
of Richard de Bas (Moulin Richard de Bas), a historical monument,
a museum and a workshop where paper is made out of pure white
cotton, as in olden times. But in Ambert, curiosity is always
aroused, if only to contemplate the mischievous round townhall,
the only one in Europe. A country of tales and legends where
memories of famous people like Mandrin and Jules Romain are
still present.
Discovery paths -
For an exciting discovery of the territory, we recommend that you follow the "Guidebook of discovery paths" (Guide
des sentiers de découverte) published by the Park of Livradois-Forez.
It will make you  go
along the stream of Valleyre to the old wood and stone
mills which will give you an idea of the aspect of the
former paper manufacturing of the Livradois-Forez. By following
the routes of this guidebook, you will also climb up the
rock of the Volpie near Job. This place of climbers overhanging
a beautiful waterfall, is also a good place for hikers
with its panoramas over the plains of Ambert and the mounts
of Livradois. Discover an authentic country away from the
hordes of tourists.
On the crests of the Forez - Here is a land that
is as attractive in summer as in winter. During the warm
days of summer, about a hundred signposted footpaths are
perfect for a hike or a mountain
bike excursion. Free flying adepts will enjoy strong sensations
by soaring skywards from the Mount Chouvé, near Ambert. These crests, when
they are snow-covered  are
wonderful playgrounds for families and sportsmen interested
in skiing and walking with snowshoes. With its 56 miles (90km)
of signposted paths, "the
Nordic Domain of the Crests of the Forez" (Domaine Nordique des Crêtes du
Forez) proposes a skiing area without limits in calm and
natural surroundings.
A gastronomic heritage - On Thursdays, the weekly
market day, Ambert comes to life and the local producers
tempt the stroller with their farm products and their famous "fourme" (local
blue cheese). AOC since 1972, which belong to the upper class.
At noon, hungry people
will taste it on a slice of bread of the Livradois-Forez,
a authentic product respecting the values of the regional
natural parks. This will also be the
occasion to taste the patia, the local potatoes gratin, with
a pleasant Côte du Forez, as the tradition recommends to.
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