Gergovie plateau

The Gergovie plateau is a plateau of the Massif Central located 10km to the south of Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-Dôme, Auvergne, France. It is named after the village of Gergovie. It is the official (but disputed) site of the Battle of Gergovia between Vercingetorix and Julius Caesar in 52 BC.

Location

The plateau is located at 744 meters above sea level, and from it can be seen Chaîne des Puys, Clermont-Ferrand, and the Plaine des Sarlièves (Plain of Sarlièves), along with the Zénith d'Auvergne and the Puy de Sancy which dominate the Auvergne from 1886m above sea level.

Attractions

A reconstructed "Gallic hut", with an accompanying permanent exhibition ("La Maison de Gergovie") can be seen on the plateau.

Events

Cervolix

"Cervolix" - an association of kite fliers and kite surfers on the plateau. It is also used, since 1995, by remote-controlled aircraft fliers.

Les Arverniales

"Les Arverniales" is an archaeological festival held on the plateau, consisting of two days' of reconstructions, experimental archeology and living history displays.

Exhibitions

Sculptures by Yves Guérin have also been displayed on the plateau since January 2007.

External links

* [http://www.ot-gergovie.fr/ Tourist office of Gergovie Val d'Allier]
* [http://www.vacances-massifcentral.net/fr/htm/clermont.php Summary of the plateau's history]
* [http://www.ambiani.celtique.org/site.htm "Les Arverniales", 2006]
* [http://www.cervolix.com/ Cervolix]