Farnborough to Cannes

Lac Pavin is formed in a "maar" - a crater left by a huge volcanic explosion 6,000 years ago.

The Puy de Dôme is a distinctive feature visible across the wide, open landscape of the Massif Central.

A topographic map, dated 1889, showing the relief and extent of the Massif Central and the bordering Rhône Valley, Alps and Mediterranean Sea.

Panorama from the summit of the Puy de Dôme, running from the Puy de Côme on the left to the Puy de Pariou on the right.

A dramatic view of the Puy de Dôme volcanic chain in winter.

The location of the Massif Central within France - its high elevation and sharp topography can be clearly seen.

1823 - A mineralogical and topographical map of part of the Department of Puy de Dôme, with the ridges of volcanoes and Clermont and Ferrand at the bottom of the map.

The Puy de Dôme is the largest lava dome in the chain, and the most popular attraction, with 500,000 visitors a year.

This reconstruction of the Earth's continents 380 million years ago shows the Massif Central as part of the Ligeria micro-continent in the centre.

Sheep farming still occurs today using the same traditional methods seen across the Massif Central, making the most of summer upland pasture.

Sheep graze the gentle upland pastures of the Massif Central Auvergne hills, as they have done for centuries.

Basaltic columns rise majestically as a cliff face on the Puy de Dôme: this volcanic rock is hard and impenetrable, so little vegetation can grow in these areas.

A view of Clermont-Ferrand c. 1900, before the city grew around the manufacturing industry: traditional rural Auvergne life.

La Banne d'Ordanche, part of the Puy de Dôme, typical upland pasture dotted with snow as winter draws in.

Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée Bleu d'Auvergne cheese, one of the specialities of the region.

Sheep graze on upland pasture on the Puy de Dôme, overlooking Clermont-Ferrand beneath a cloud of communications aerials.

A rural farmhouse, typical of those found across the Massif Central region.

Sheep farming still occurs today using the same traditional methods seen across the Massif Central, making the most of summer upland pasture.

A classic view of the rolling hills of the Auvergne countryside, within the Massif Central.

A traditional Auvergne farm during the snows of winter - farms and villages are often cut off entirely during the winter months.

Due to its high altitude and inaccessibility, the Massif Central is often snow-bound for large parts of the winter.

Cattle graze pasture land beneath the towering Puy de Dôme.

The Romanesque church of the Notre Dame du Port, which has watched over Clemont-Ferrand since the 11th century.

"And now we must drink... to your health, and Michelin tyres drinking up the obstacles!" A 1898 advertisement featuring the famous mascot Bibendum, "the Michelin Man".

The headquarters of Michelin, which is still based in Clermont-Ferrand, although it now has factories and businesses all over the world.

An Art Nouveau window in Michelin House depicting the famous Bibendum, the "Michelin Man", long part of popular culture.

An aerial view of Clermont-Ferrand from the south west, with the Puy de Dôme rising up from the left hand side of the image.

An 18th century map of the still distinct towns of Clermont and Ferrand, with clear outlines of the nearby volcanic hills.

A rooftop view of Clermont-Ferrand from the top of the Cathedral, with the statue of "Notre Dame" looking out over the city.

The Michelin factory in Clermont-Ferrand: now largely shut, it used to employ 30,000 people.

Clermont-Ferrand nestles up against the Puy de Dôme and the extinct volcanic cones behind it.

A ferris wheel lights up the Place de Jaude in Clermont-Ferrand.

A Michelin bicycle tyre - the start of a pneumatic tyre business which would become a major centre of industry for Clermont-Ferrand.

A 16th century map of Clermont-Ferrand, one of the oldest cities in France.

The Michelin old tyre test track, which is about 500m long, remains as a relic of Michelin's association with Clermont-Ferrand.