Pinchetti, C: The Spirit of Auvergne - The Spirit of Auvergne

Összefoglaló

Famed for its rugged landscape of extinct volcanoes, its thermal springs and spas. and Volvic mineral drinking water, the region of Auvergne with its capital Clermont-Ferrand is situated in the centre of France and the old Massif Central. It is well worth a visit, especially for hiking and winter skiing. Among Auvergne's heroes and famous citizens are the Celtic chieftain Vercingetorix, the Marquis de La Fayette of American fame, Blaise Pascal the philosopher and inventor of calculus, three French Presidents - Doumer, Pompidou and Giscard d'Estaing - Germaine Tillion the eethnologist and resistante, Edouard Michelin the tyre and mapping magnate, and others such as Pierre Teilhard de Chardin the mystic and explorer and Coco Chanel the couturiere. This book is different to your usual travel guide and has an educational flavour: it focuses on the history, geography, literature and economics of the area with original extracts from newspapers, books and plays to portray the real-life Auvergnat character, offered in French with English translation. It should be read before visiting France and kept by your side while you sample the breathtaking scenery and colourful pageants, the special cheeses, meats and culinary specialties of this less well-known area. If you are learning French this regional study will provide you with intriguing background and the chance to improve your vocabulary from the extracts it contains.