French region merged with Rhône-Alpes in 2016 (8)

I believe the answer is:

auvergne

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'french region' is the definition.
(Auvergne is an example)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for auvergne that I've seen before include "Central French region" , "Mountainous region of south central France" , "area of France" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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