Limagne

The Limagne ( Occitan: Limanha ) is a relatively flat and fertile landscape within the central French region of Auvergne. It extends in the Haute- Loire, Puy -de- Dôme and Allier.

Etymology

Probably the Latin word lacus magnus origin means ' great lake ', which points to a former lake and swamp. A distinction is made between the Limagne de Brioude and Limagne d' Issoire in the south, the Grande Limagne to Clermont -Ferrand and the Limagne Bourbonnais in the north.

Geography

The long (about 100 kilometers ), and - with the exception of border zones - rather flat to hilly Limagne is located at an altitude of about 250 to 500 meters above sea level. inst in the heart of Auvergne. It is geologically referred to as ' break- pool ' and is bounded to the south, west and east by mountain ranges, which - sometimes visible on the surface - granite, basalt and lava formations indicate former volcanic activity. In the south-north direction it is traversed by the Allier, the - has contributed to the erosion of volcanic rock material and its deposition in the valleys - from frost, rain and wind. The climate of the Limagne is significantly influenced by the Massif Central; the daily maximum temperatures in summer rarely exceed 30 ° C, in winter snowfall and night and even days frosts are not uncommon.

In addition to the big city Clermont-Ferrand are other small towns in the Limagne of regional significance: Riom, Volvic, Ennezat, Issoire, Brioude et al.

Economy

While in the mostly mountainous regions of Auvergne dominates the livestock industry, the cultivation of cereals, sugar beet and tobacco is possible on the rich and fertile sedimentary soils of Limagne. The good soils and the planar structure of the landscape stand out from the rest of the Limagne landscapes of the Auvergne. In some places on the edge of Limagne ( Châteaugay, Corent ) and viticulture (Côtes d' Auvergne ) is operated. Known far beyond the borders of France are the mineral waters of Vichy and Volvic.

History

Prior to the advent of the Romans, the area around the Puy de Dôme under the jurisdiction of the Arverni belonged - a Celtic tribe from which the historical name of Auvergne is derived. In the period of migration, first came the Visigoths and later the Franks. In the Middle Ages, the region was not insignificant: In 1095 Pope Urban II of the Synod of Clermont cried for the first crusade; at that time was also a variety of important churches and castles.

Attractions

  • Auzon (village view)
  • Collegiate Church of Saint- Julien ( Brioude )
  • Priory Church of St- Julien in Chauriat
  • Castle Effiat
  • Collegiate St -Victor et Sainte - Couronne in Ennezat
  • St- Austremoine d' Issoire
  • Abbey Mozac
  • Castle Ravel
  • Riom, Ville d' art et d' histoire
  • Usson, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France

Others

  • The Limagne is known for several fossil sites.
  • The novel Mont Oriol (1887 ) by Guy de Maupassant plays in the Grande Limagne.
Usson, Puy-de-Dôme Auvergne (region) Volcanism Allier (river) Council of Clermont Abbey of Saint-Pierre Mozac
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