PARC NATUREL DES VOLCANS D'AUVERGNE

At the heart of the Auvergne, the park consists of landscapes, fauna and flora are remarkable. It also owes its strong cultural identity of local actors who preserved knowledge and local culture.

Key figures :

_ 1977: year of foundation of the Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne by local actors aware of the richness and fragility of this territory.

400-1 886 million altitude

_ 388,957 hectares (the largest regional nature park of France)

_ 120 km from north to south

_ 150 municipalities, 21 municipal communities and cities these two communities in the departments of Cantal and Puy-de-Dôme

_ 90 000

_ Composed of four volcanic regions (Cézallier Monts du Cantal, Monts Dore Monts Domes) and one granitic region (Artense)

_ One of 48 regional nature parks of the French territory, united in the Federation of Parks

Rich and strange:

Remarkable and fragile heritage characterizing the Auvergne Volcanoes are founders of classification Regional Park and their international reputation :

- Contrasting and unique landscapes: a significant volcanism in its forms and its geographical spread , three mountain ranges , a mosaic of forest and grassland environments

- A traditional cultural heritage : an ancient volcanic stone architecture , a rich history and Intangible Heritage

- 60 % of the country known for its remarkable biodiversity

- Water resources quality : nearly 4,000 km from rivers, many natural lakes , bogs and wetlands

- Specific expertise and recognized products : cheeses, meats , mineral waters, volcanic stone ...

Regional Natural Park since 1977:

It was in 1964 that the idea of ​​the " Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne and " is evoked by the territory. Supported by the regional Prefecture and the departments of Cantal and Puy -de -Dôme , the project is studied until 1974. To date , 104 municipalities (located over 800 meters and illustrating their heritage , including volcanism ) decided to create the Joint Union Park with two departments.

The development of the first charter , and its adoption by the Auvergne region, allow the formal establishment of the Regional Natural Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne by Ministerial Decree of 5 August 1977 .

In 1988, the contours of the park is expanding and includes other remarkable but fragile areas that required actions preservations .

For the purposes of its charter in 2013 > 2025 it now has 150 municipalities.

1) The park is located where in France?
a) -In the French Basque Country
b) -Besides Switzerland
c) -Not far from the city of Lyon
d) -North of Paris

2) The Park was created:
a) -1965
b) -1977

c) -1982
d) -1990

3) Among the largest natural parks in France on the surface this is:
a) -First
b) -Second
c) -Third
d) -Fourth

By Marion Giaquinta