Upland France in brief:
Uplands and mountain areas in central southern and southeastern France
This page is divided into two sections:
a) western areas and b) eastern areas
Part a:
Central western area: the Massif Central and central uplands Mountain
France divides into four distinct zones, some of which are far better
known, and far more touristic, than others. The Western Massif Central
(including the Dordogne), the Eastern Massif Central, the Prealps and
Alps, and the Jura.
 The western Massif Central includes essentially includes the inland part of the Dordogne, the north of Quercy, and Limousin the area round the city of Limoges.
In many respects, this is like southern England on a larger scale -
which is probably why like neighbouring Dordogne it is so popular with
British second-home owners. The climate is warmer and sunnier than
further north, the hills are higher, and the rivers bigger than in
southern England; but the western side of the Massif Central catches
the rain blowing in from the Atlantic, and remains relatively green for
most of the summer. This region is famous for its gastronomy, its
historic castles and "bourgs" (fortified rural towns), and its very
attractive countryside.
The central and eastern Massif Central includes the mountains of the Auvergne
(photo left), and the other mountain areas between Auvergne and the
Rhone valley. This is part of wild France. In 2003, the Auvergne was
France's fastest growing region in terms of tourism, but this is
largely due to the fact that until recently, its massive potential was
virtually undeveloped. And even if the region is becoming appreciated
for its true value (The Sunday Times called it "France's best kept
secret" in 2003) Auvergne remains a region where you can really get
away from the crowds. The small city of Le Puy en Velay is remarkable for its mediaeval churches perched on outcrops of volcanic rock. The upper Allier valley offers great opportunities for relaxing holidays in an area rich in heritage, wildlife and culture.
With peaks at over 6000 ft, the Monts d'Auvergneare
the highest points in central France. In this region there is plenty of
good hill walking, as well as other activities on the area's fast
flowing rivers. This region is also drier and sunnier in summer than
the western Massif Central, and less touristic too, largely because it
has not yet been "discovered;" it is a region rich in history and
culture, with fortified castles, old churches and historic towns, as
well as being very beautiful, with many hiking trails and its deep
river valleys ideal for river sports. In the south-east of the Massif
Central, the Ardèche area, with its arid hills and sunny valleys,
offers a foretaste of Provence.
Access from the UK: motorway via Paris or Rouen. Flights to St. Etienne, Clermont Ferrand, Limoges or Rodez.
Main cities:
Clermont Ferrand, Limoges.
Going further: (more detailed information, including major tourist attractions)
Accommodation:
Part b:
Eastern area: the Alps and the Jura
 The
hills lying between the Auvergne mountains and the Rhone valley include
a lot of high land at over 1000 metres (over 3000 ft) altitude, but
they are generally less mountainous than the Auvergne mountains. They
are covered in large areas of coniferous forest. This is also good
hiking country.
The Alps...
well they are the Alps... though it should not be forgotten that the
foothills of the Alps, such as the Vercors, are in many ways just as
attractive as the high Alps themselves - and less crowded and more
accessible! Most winter sports resorts now cater well for summer visitors too. Away from the ski resorts, there are plenty of attractive old villages and towns, like Annecy, on the shores of one of France's most beautiful lakes.
Finally, the Jura and "Franche Comté".
France's least-known mountain range, the Jura extends along the Swiss
border from Geneva almost to the Rhine valley. Old limestone hills, the
Jura peak at about 5000 ft, on the Swiss border; but most of the area
consists of a series of high plateaux, getting higher towards the
border. At the southern end, the Jura has a lot of spectacular deep
river valleys, and a lot of lakes too. The hills are quite forested,
and the villages on the French side of the border are very similar to
those on the Swiss side. Franche Comté, which includes the Jura, has
the greatest concentration of deciduous forests in Europe. Its capital,
Besançon, has a remarkable historic city centre, surrounded by a loop in the river Doubs.
Main cities:
Lyons, Grenoble, Chambéry, Annecy, Besançon.
Going further: (more detailed information, including major tourist attractions)
Accommodation:
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