• Upland region of south central France

• Located in the ‘empty diagonal’

• Made up of extinct volcanoes

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Today's lesson will focus on 2 case study areas: Clermont Ferrand and Le Puy en Velay.

1. How do you think the two places might differ?

2. The motorway was completed in 2002. How different would each settlement without it?

What is the Massif Central area like?

Steep inaccessible mountains

Plateaus suitable for agriculture

Wind power

HEP

Small Villages

Small Towns

Clermont Ferrand is known as the capital of the Massif Central. It is not a rural settlement, but a settlement in a rural setting.

It is low lying and well linked by the A75 motorway (completed in 2002). The A75 does not have a toll, unlike many other French motorways. This helps to attract tourists, commuters and transport companies.

Clermont Ferrand has an airport that’s linked to 18 French and European destinations.

It also has a train station that links it to the rest of France.

Other important functions include:

The General Consul – government offices.

A large Police Station

Sorting office for postal mail

A stadium

A university

A museum

There are many higher order services in the town:

Designer shops

Hi-tech industries – Mistral Informatique are a big employer

Industry and commerce

There are many signs of growth and development

Le Puy en Velay is a small town nestled in the mountains of the Massif Central.

It is 127km from Clermont Ferrand and 58km (along small winding roads) from the A75. This makes it inaccessible and difficult for commuting.

Le Puy en Velay is a historic settlement that clings to the sides of ancient volcanoes. It is characterised by statues and towers that tower over the town.

The residents form a tight-knit community and local events often bring people together.

It relies heavily on agriculture. It has some highland cattle but mainly grows Maize and Sunflower crops.

What are these two crops grown for? Will they be used locally?

Le Puy en Velay also has some other forms of employment.

Agricultural supplies.

Local services, e.g. hospitals.

A quarry.

How would you describe these types of employment?

Tourism is beginning to develop in Le Puy en Velay. However, because of the towns remote location there are limitations to it’s growth.

Landscape

Accessibility

Economic Activity

Issues/Threats

Strengths