Ambert is a bustling market town boasting 5 banks, 4 supermarkets, swimming pool with aqua-park, lake and leisure park and numerous shops filling its narrow, mediaeval streets. A quick look at the map shows its important position between the major towns of Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand, just a short distance away.

Ambert boasts many pieces of interesting architecture, not least of which is the Mairie, the only round civil building in France.

The half-timbered buildings in the town centre, the church of St Jean, and the many museums are a must for those wanting to learn more of the culture and traditions of the region.

Think of France and you immediately think Wine and Cheese. Auvergne's gift to gourmets is the finest array of cheeses in the world. Cantal, St Nectaire, Bleu d'Auvergne and, without doubt the best of all Fourme d'Ambert. Add a little local bread and a bottle of the regional wine, St Pourçain, and you have the perfect picnic. Bon Appétit !

'Moulin Richard de Bas' is Ambert's link with its paper making history. A 'living' museum, where they still manufacture rag paper from cotton, a skill dating from the 16th century. Visitors are invariably impressed witnessing processes passed down from generation to generation.

The picturesque centre, with its narrow streets and alleys has changed little over the centuries. Shops, cafés, bars and banks now adorn its avenues and boulevards but life goes on much as it always has. Each week, on Thursday, the small streets and squares are filled with the stalls of travelling trades people. The visitor to the market can buy everything from clothes to tools; fish to flowers. The atmosphere is unique - this is the real France !