La Roche-Blanche, Puy-de-Dôme

La Roche -Blanche is a commune with 3190 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the Puy -de- Dôme in the Auvergne region. It is located about 10 kilometers south of Clermont -Ferrand.

Population

The municipality is located in the immediate catchment area of the city of Clermont- Ferrand, but also maintains despite the strong influx of commuters largely its rural character as a former wine-producing with numerous orchards.

Geography

The village lies at the foot of a limestone plateau with former cave dwellings. The white limestone has given the village its name (French Roche Blanche = white rock). South of the village flows the river Auzon, several former mills and a manor house located on its banks. West and especially east of the village center extend the new residential area.

History

Historical importance was La Roche Blanche, especially because of the unsuccessful siege of Gergovia ( see there ) by Julius Caesar during the Gallic War.

Napoleon III. said the village " Gergovie " called to 1865 still Merdogne the venue of the battle. There are various historians and hobbyists also other places in the vicinity of Clermont -Ferrand stated above the " Côtes de Clermont ".

During the century storm in late December 1999, the tower of the church of La Roche -Blanche was heavily damaged and had to be removed and replaced.

Local Government Association

La Roche -Blanche is part of the Local Government Association, " Gergovie Val d' Allier ".

Twinning

Since 1991, La Roche -Blanche is connected to Empfingen in Germany through a twinning arrangement.

Attractions

The town's landmark is the former caves in the limestone cliff above the village center. On the plateau, stands the medieval tower "Tour Julia ".

Through the district Gergovia with its narrow streets to reach the Plateau de Gergovie with the archaeological excavations and the Monument to the Battle of Gergovia. From the plateau to offer beautiful views of the landscapes of the Auvergne, from the Chaîne des Puy to the Forez.

In October, the Plateau de Gergovie the annual kite festival Cervolix with thousands of participants and visitors from all over Europe instead.