The
market town of Ambert lies at an altitude of 1800 feet. It is a peaceful town nestling
in a valley between the Livradois and the Forez mountains. Mediaeval streets, following
the pattern of the shell of a snail, provide lots of interesting architectural features
including the famous round Mairie, which was fashioned from an ancient corn exchange.
Ambert comes to life on a Thursday when the town is filled with farmers and traders
for the weekly market. There are bars, street cafés and restaurants providing
local colour. The folk festival is a popular attraction in July. Fourme d’Ambert
is a creamy and mild blue cheese produced locally and there are many other tasty
cheeses made in the region. These form the basis of interesting local recipes.
Ambert
boasts a ‘plan d’eau’, a lake in an open park where
sunbathing by the waterside is popular and where children can play
or enjoy boat rides etc. There is an aquatic park – a swimming
complex for indoor and outdoor leisure. A new nature trail opened
in the year 2000. The panoramic train meanders through the countryside
from Ambert to La Chaise Dieu, a truly unforgettable experience.
Other attractions include fishing in rivers, lakes and streams,
the "route des métiers", an opportunity to visit
over 40 local craft and businesses, for example bee-keeping, lace-making,
an angora goat farm, painting on silk, working potteries etc., and
a visit to the excellent zoo park with its picnic area and children’s
playground.
There
are numerous popular day trips including the magnificent volcano park at Clermont
Ferrand, Vulcania, Thiers – knife manufacturing, LePuy – well known to
geographers for its unusual volcanic landscape, La Chaise Dieu – Romanesque
abbey and classical music concerts, Olliergues – picturesque Auvergnat village
and museum of old crafts – these are all within easy reach by car from Ambert.
