Table of Contents
- 1 Where is the central massif in France?
- 2 How big is the Massif Central?
- 3 Are the Massif Central volcanoes active?
- 4 What is Massif Central famous for?
- 5 What is the Massif Central known for?
- 6 Does France have any active volcanoes?
- 7 Where are the best places to visit in the Massif Central?
- 8 What kind of rocks are in the Massif Central?
Where is the central massif in France?
The Massif Central (French pronunciation: [masif sɑ̃tʁal]; Occitan: Massís Central, pronounced [maˈsis‿senˈtral]; literally “Central Massif”) is a highland region in the middle of southern France, consisting of mountains and plateaus. It covers about 15% of mainland France.
What type of mountains are Le Massif Central?
The Massif Central is made up of 4 main volcanic massifs: the Chaîne des Puys, the Monts Dore, the Monts du Cantal, and the Volcanic Velay. There are around 450 extinct volcanoes in the region, a glorious mix of rugged rocky mountains, many with circular summits.
How big is the Massif Central?
70,286 mi²
Massif Central/Area
How was the Massif Central formed?
The Massif central formed 60-million years ago, when the African and European tectonic plates collided. The thrust they produced triggered the formation of the Alpes Mountain ranges. However, the European plate slipped under the African plate.
Are the Massif Central volcanoes active?
The Chaîne des Puys in the Massif Central of southern France is one of Europe’s youngest volcanic fields. The last activity occurred only about 6000 years ago, which is why the volcanoes should be considered still active although there are no signs at present of any new activity to be expected in any near future.
How many departments does France have?
101
Ninety-six departments are in metropolitan France, and five are overseas departments, which are also classified as overseas regions….Departments of France.
| Departments of France Départements français (French) | |
|---|---|
| Found in | Regions |
| Number | 101 (as of January 1, 2021) |
| Possible types | Metropolitan Departments Overseas Departments |
What is Massif Central famous for?
Tourism in the Massif Central The Massif Central is particularly appreciated for its magnificent natural environment, its rivers, forests, lakes and mountains, its wildlife, and its peace and quiet. With hundreds of kilometres of marked trails, it is very popular with hikers and ramblers.
Which city is most associated with the Massif Central?
The Massif Central takes up a huge portion of the centre of France, but only a handful of towns have gained a foothold in its rugged terrain: Le Puy, spiked with theatrical pinnacles of lava, is the most compelling, with its steep streets and majestic cathedral; the spa town of Vichy has an antiquated elegance and …
What is the Massif Central known for?
The Massif Central is particularly appreciated for its magnificent natural environment, its rivers, forests, lakes and mountains, its wildlife, and its peace and quiet. With hundreds of kilometres of marked trails, it is very popular with hikers and ramblers.
What is the biggest volcano in France?
Puy de Dome is the most famous volcano in France. It is also the highest in the Chaîne des Puys, with an elevation of 1,465 m (4,806 ft) so you know you’ll get great panoramic views.
Does France have any active volcanoes?
This is a list of inactive and potentially active volcanoes in France….Download coordinates as: KML.
| Name | Massif du Devès | |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation | metres | 1417 |
| feet | 4649 | |
| Location | Coordinates | 45.02°N 3.38°E |
| Last eruption | 600,000 YA |
Where is the Massif Central Region of France?
The Massif Central encompasses much of the Limousin and Auvergne regions of France, and also parts of Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyrenees and the Rhone-Alpes.
Where are the best places to visit in the Massif Central?
Most visits to Cantal fall within the north of the department which is part of the Regional Natural Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne and also part of the Monts du Cantal region of hills. There are several notable highlights including the summits of Puy Mary and the Plomb du Cantal, both offering exceptional views across the Massif central.
Which is the smallest mountain range in France?
The Morvan is the smallest of France’s mountain ranges, though usually counted in any list of France’s main mountains. It’s a high massif in Burgundy, just west of the Côte d’Or region, known for its wines and wine tourism. The granite and basalt range is really the north-west extension of the Massif Central.
What kind of rocks are in the Massif Central?
About three-quarters of the region is underlain by crystalline rocks, mainly granite, gneiss, and schist, produced by the Hercynian earth movements of the Carboniferous and Permian periods (about 360 to 250 million years ago).