Auvergne

Ancient province of central France and modern region comprising the départements of Allier, Cantal, Haute-Loire, and Puy-de-Dôme; administrative centre Clermont-Ferrand; area 26,013 sq km/10,044 sq mi; population (1999 est) 1,308,900. It is a mountainous area, composed chiefly of volcanic rocks in several masses, and there are places with hot mineral springs (including the Vichy and Mont-Dore spas). The region is largely agricultural (cattle, sheep, wheat), and its main output includes wine and dairy products. Manufacturing is centred at the main towns of Clermont-Ferrand, Aurillac, Riom, and Thiers, and includes tyres and metal goods. The region hosts many folk festivals and is rich in examples of Romanesque architecture. There are also two large regional parks, and the growth of tourism has contributed increasingly to the economy.

History
A Roman province, Auvergne was named after the ancient Gallic Averni tribe whose leader, Vercingetorix, led a revolt against the Romans in 52 BC. The province passed to the English in 1154. In the 14th century the Auvergne was divided into a duchy, dauphiny, and countship. The duchy and dauphiny were united by the dukes of Bourbon before being confiscated by Francis I in 1527. The countship came under the French crown in 1615 and the reunited region was placed under the Parlement of Paris.