 Auvergne in Central-Southern France is centred on the Massif Central - a huge uplifted plateau where mountains rise up to around 5,500ft. The land here is rugged and spectacular - it really is the place in which views of fields, forests and jagged peaks can be seen out of your bedroom window...or every window of your property for that matter! This region is well off the beaten tourist track, and is the most inexpensive area of France in which to buy French property. A fully renovated 4-bed longere will only set you back around 130,000 euros here, while there is an abundance of run-down property in need of renovation for as little as 30,000 euros.
The Auvergne comprises of four departments. On the northern edge of the region is Allier - landscape-wise the most diverse department in the Auvergne. It takes in lowland plains in the north, where the Loire River makes a brief incursion, to mountain areas in the south. In-between are ancient forests, beautiful wooded valleys and the colourful vineyards of Saint-Pourcain. The historic town of Vichy, with its diverse architecture and modern dome-like structures, is very popular amongst Auvergne property buyers. The countryside around Vichy is also stunning - perfect for that secluded villa in France that is not too far away from a large town and the main airport at Clermont-Ferrand.
To the south of Allier is the department of Puy de Dome, through which the Allier Valley cuts a path between the mountains. Volcano Park and the Livradois-Forez Park - France's two most revered natural parks - are located in Puy De Dome, where the mountains of the Massif Central reach their highest point. Auvergne property is inexpensive in this vast expanse of natural beauty, yet the airport city of Clermont-Ferrand is never that far away. Summers can be hot in this part of France, but come winter, it is not unusual for snow to lie on the ground for a month or two!
The departments of Cantal and Haute Loire make up the remainder of the Auvergne. Both are mountainous regions where small spa towns and villages remain untouched by tourism. It is from this area that France's two great rivers - the Dordogne and the Loire - originate. Together with the rest of the natural landscape, which includes forests, lakes and gorges, this part of the Auvergne represents some of the best ground for outdoor pursuits, including the likes of rock climbing, hiking, horse-riding, fishing and cycling. Skiing and other Nordic sports can also be enjoyed here when the snow falls during the winter. French property in Cantal and Haute Loire is some of the cheapest in the region. A renovated village house in the Haute Loire can easily be acquired for under 100,000 euros.
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