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Friday 17 May 11-11.30am |
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Route for Programme 6 - Auvergne
AUVERGNE
Back in the 1960’s most British people held the secret belief that the reason the French drank bottled water was probably either some form of Gallic madness or because they hadn’t got clean tap water. What a waste of money! What’s the point in buying water when you can drink it free out of a tap?
Quarter of a century later and we’re all at it, buying mineral water by the litre and spending a fortune on it. But just where does that French mineral water come from? And
surely the tiny spring that produced enough water for the French to drink back in the 1960’s can’t be supplying the whole world with mineral water?
In L’Esprit de France this week, comedian Linda Smith goes on a journey to Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne. Her ambition? To explore the relationship between the French and their water: mineral water - in the shape of Volvic and Vichy which both come from this area - and also spa water.
The Auvergne region has over 80 volcanic craters. 10 spa towns are fed with 'healing waters' which the French Health Service keeps in business with an endless stream of sick French looking for respite from their arthritis, bad backs, bad blood, bad hearts, clogged arteries.. not forgetting the 'crisis of the liver' the French are so fond of? Linda Smith takes the water cure.
SPA'S
Linda visited the Spa at Royat-Chamalieres. This particular spa is within easy reach of both Clermont-Ferrand and the Regional Park of the Auvergne Volcanoes, a resort with a rich heritage of thermal spring therapy. On offer are health breaks: rheumatic pain, backache, arterial problems, arthritis, post-natal package and hydrotherapy treatments, cardio-arterial problems and rheumatology.
For information call: 00 33 4 3 29 51 51
Fax 00 33 4 73 29 51 50
The cellulite treatment is only available at the Institute Serena.
Other spas in the area include:
Chaudes-Aigues, the hottest springs in Europe, which gush out at a temperature of 82C, they offer health breaks and hydrotherapy treatments.
Tél. 00 33 4 71 23 51 06
Fax 00 33 4 71 23 58 46
La Bourboule is a pure air resort at 850 metres above sea level, as well as fitness training and health breaks they specialise in respiratory problems, pollution and allergies.
Tél. 00 33 4 73 81 40 40
Fax 00 33 4 73 81 02 87
MINERAL WATER
Volvic water is drawn from the slopes of the volcanic regional park in the Auvergne which, being an environmentally protected area, helps keep the water pure. Towering over a valley once filled with lava and cinders, the extinct Puy de la Nugere gives the mineral water its distinctive taste, creating a balanced water with low mineral content.
The volcanic Chaine Des Puys is the perfect place to go hiking and discover the origins of Volvic through the geological history of the site.
The GR441 walking trail leads through beech woods up to the summit of the volcano. Special discovery trails have also been designed for families to explore the undulating landscape, the Volvic spring and the forest established on an ancient lava flow.
CHATEAU DAUPHIN
Chateau Dauphin XII-XV, a castle made out of lava stone, open six days a week in the summer, 1st July to 31st August 1400-1900, except for Monday. During the rest of the year the chateau is open Sundays and bank holidays from 1400-1800.
Chateau Dauphin is in Pontgibaud, tel: 00 33 (0) 473 88 56 65.
VULCANIA
The French family science park dedicated to volcanism, Vulcania, located at Saint-Ours-les-Roches near Clermont Ferrand is worth a visit.
You are able to begin a journey to the centre of the earth in the Rumbling Gallery then pass through the Lava Tunnel and cross the Burning River - simulated lava flows, hot springs, mud holes and the reconstruction of events like the eruption of Mount St Helens in 1980 are some of the park’s many attractions.
Vulcania - Route de Mazayes
632300 Saint-Ours-les-Roches
France
tel: 00 33 (0) 473 19 7000
Vulcania's website
PUY DE DOME
If you would like to climb the Puy de Dome there is a toll to take the road up to the summit, and at busy times you’ll have to park at the bottom and take a shuttle bus to and from the peak - but it is worth it!
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PART OF FRANCE
Getting there:
You can fly to Clermond-Ferrand from London City Airport , the flights are operated by Air France and British European, for more schedules and prices contact the airlines:
Air France
tel: 0845 084 5111
Air France website
British European
tel: 08705 676676
British European website
Places to stay:
Hostellerie Saint Martin in Perignat-les-Sarlieve, 6km southeast of Clermont Ferrand.
For reservations call: 00 33 (0) 473 79 81 00. The hotel has it's own restaurant.
Chateau de St Saturin, Place de l’Ormeau 04 73 39 39 64.
This Historic castle does B&B - book early!
Restuarants:
L’Ours Des Roches, Saint Ours Les Roches, tel: 00 33 (0) 473 88 75 07.
Le Bougnat, 29 Rue des Chaussetiers, Clermont; Ferrand
04 73 36 36 98
Travel Guides:
Cadogan France by Philippe Barbour, Dana Facaros & Michael Pauls - ISBN 1 86011 978 6.
France, published by Lonely Planet - ISBN 0 86442 612 7
Tourist Information:
French Tourist Board
178 Piccadilly
London
W1J 9AL
tel: 09068 244123
French Tourist Board website
The regional tourist board is located in Clermont Ferrand at 44 Avenue Des Etats-Unis 63057, tel: 00 33 473 29 49 49.
Auvergne Tourist board's website
Music:
Theme music for the series is Vas-Y-Mimile by Marc Perrone.
Track 8 from the album, Rough Guide to Cafe Paris, published by Rough Guides , RGNET 1084 CD.
Tracks 6,7 and 8 from album Songs of the Auverne, composed by Marie-Joseph Canteloube, published by Auvidis, label valois V 4811
Read Arthur Smith's Diary of his visit
Find out the route used in programme 5
Find out the route used in programme 4
Find out the route used in programme 3
Find out the route used in programme 2
Find out the route used in programme 1
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RELATED LINKS |
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BBC French Steps - French online for beginners
BBC Language Courses on the web
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