The Auvergne in the centre of France is recognised as having a huge range of biodiversity.   The mountainous country side which has made such a hard life for the farmers has also helped preserve many of the old farming methods that have vanished from the rest of France.   Probably the reason why the Auvergne is the only region to have five AOC cheeses (Appellation d’Origine Controlle) Bleu d’Auvergne, Cantal, Forme d’Ambert, Salers and St Nectaire.

There is a great variety and richness in the local countryside.   It is steeped in a more humble history than other parts of France and with a way of life that has changed very little.   This makes la France profonde our favourite place.