Visit the Auvergne Volcano Park: Bookings & Rates

One might believe that visiting the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne is simply walking between hills and old magmatic structures... Well, no.

In fact, since 1977, the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne is a natural territory that spans nearly 147 communes. It is almost 395 000 hectares that, over the millennia and centuries, have shaped themselves. Today you can discover many different landscapes and make many activities. This is really an auvergnate getaway, a parenthesis in life, to find and connect with nature.

History of the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne

It was in the mid-1960s that the idea of creating a park was born. Promoted by the Departmental Committees of Cantal (15) and Puy-de-Dôme (63), it will be implemented in early 1977, after many studies. Between 1967 and 1974, many studies and projects were put in place to work towards the final park.

The basic idea is structure this vast natural space and raise awareness of the environment that surrounds them. The first perimeter that was determined to create will evolve a lot. In 1988, for example, the regional park extended to 153 communes, instead of the original 104. The common interest is always to play a crucial role in the development of the territory.

In the 2000s, the protection policy was strengthened: the elected officials of the territory were trained, the guards were monitoring and sensitizing visitors. Hiking trails and equestrians are arranged, and various educational materials are available. The park was awarded the title Grand Site de France® in 2007.

Today and until the 2025 horizon, a land project is being established. It involves the establishment of a common action of citizens, professionals and elected officials. In other words, local actors. This project aims to boost the region, manage its strengths, and stimulate innovative and supportive approaches. All, for the ultimate purpose of find a balance between all current issues (preservation of the environment, sustainable development...). And of course, their solutions.

Our tips to visit the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne

Are you coming to visit the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne? To discover them in the best conditions, here are our best tips.

Best times

The Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne is visiting all year round. However, at the end of the year, time is rather maussade. It is sometimes difficult to enjoy the landscape by stormy weather. We recommend visiting the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne spring and summer . The sun is beautifully fixed and the temperatures remain pleasant.

Intinéraires

The Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne is discovered through different 8 hiking routes or various motor routes . For the latter, we recommend you to travel the Route des volcanoes, which takes place in 3 to 4 hours depending on your rhythm. This route allows you to discover the park as a whole.

Here is the route we recommend:

• Start in the city of Mont-Dore where you can admire Puy de Sancy.
• Continue to Rochefort-Montagne to discover the Roche Tuilière.
• Then join Pontgibaud, then the Col des Goules to see the Puy of the same name.
• Make a stop at Puy-de-Dôme with the aim of taking a picture of the entire volcano chain from the top.
• Finish by the city of Orcival, not far from the pass of Guéry.

Don’t hesitate to rent a car to perform this mini road-trip auvergnat.

To take in his backpack

• Many water, especially during the summer!
• Your picnic. You can still find restaurants around the park.
• Sunscreen and dressings in case.

The little +

• Events are organized on an ad hoc basis, like exhibitions or days “cleaning”. All information is in the “To see, to do” section of the park site.
• A “Valeurs Parc” brand has been set up to value the products that act in favor of the park and its preservation. Some of them can be purchased in the surrounding shops.

What to see and what to do in the Auvergne Volcano Park?

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Lucien Mollard

Tickets/activities related to:

clermont-ferrand,France

hiking

Hiking

There are many hiking trails in the heart of the park. Each of them has its peculiarities. We recommend that you visit the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne site to consult the forms and guides available. These elements will allow you to learn everything you need to know about the hike you want to do. Path, fauna, flora and even denivels and other important elements. Usually, hikes are not very long, and are accessible to children (from 5 to 6 years). There are many more practicable trails, here are three that you have selected.

• Puy de Dôme, Grand Site de France ® since 2008 : 5.2 kilometers, 374 meters of positive elevation, 2 hours of walking. View of the entire Puys Chain and the Limagne Fault. Parking is on the parking lot of the Maison de Site.
• Puy Montenard : 5.5 kilometers, 174 meters of positive elevation, 2 hours of walking. View of the Puys Chain, Massif de Sancy and the village of Saulzet-le-Froid. Garage in Zanières, near Saulzet-le-Froid.
• Puy de la Vache : 1.9 kilometer, 156 meters of positive denial, less than one hour walk. View of the Massif de Sancy, the Puy de Dôme, the lakes of Aydat and the Cassière. There is a parking lot along the Departmental 5 to park. Be careful, it is a busy site.

Cycling

There are a lot of routes that are offered to amateur or professional cyclists. The landscapes and the relief sometimes give a twist to the less experienced, but it is an excellent way to visit the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne. At your pace, cross the nature reserve and explore its landscapes. In order not to passively visit, animators can accompany you and share with you his anecdotes and knowledge about the region. Moreover, why not try the “Grande Traversée du Volcan” by bike: a 150-kilometre route through the Cantal. An ideal activity to lift the veil on all the cantalous faces.

Discover the four natural reserves

The Volcano Park is home to four natural reserves: Chastreix Sancy, Chaudefour Valley, Sagnes de Godivelle, and the Rocher de la Jacquette. Each of them is defined by a specific environment. But in all cases, fauna and flora are breathtaking. Access to these reserves is free of charge, which gives some freedom when visiting the Auvergne Volcano Park. Dedicated tourist offices offer you the opportunity to discover more on each of the reserves. But above all, you will get all the information you need to go on a hike.

La Maison du Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne

To prolong your experience in the park and learn more about its heritage, there is the Maison du Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne. It is buried in the heart of the Puys Chain. Throughout the year, you can attend an interactive and illustrated exhibition featuring the park and its history. Also, from time to time, temporary exhibitions are installed. On site, a relaxation area is available in addition to a local product shop. The entrance is free, so enjoy it.

Vulcania

Vulcania is a fun way to visit the Auvergne Volcano Park. This is to learn more about the magmatic formations, their evolution and their current life within the park. Vulcania offers many animations on the theme of volcanoes: shows, tours in VolcanoBul ( vitree electric vehicle) or outdoor exhibitions... It's for everyone, adult as a child. Of course, some activities have been designed for children to raise awareness of the nature around them, beyond volcanoes. In the summer, the amusement park offers special evenings from 6:00 to 10:00 : pyrotechnic, presentation of raptors, unique shows...

How much does a ticket cost to the Auvergne Volcano Park?

• Access to the park is free, it is about connecting with nature!
• Vulcania : depending on the period (green, yellow, blue), the dated ticket varies from 25 € to 28,50 € for adults, from 18 € to 20,50 € for children (6 to 16 years old) and from 6 € to 8 € for bambins (3 to 5 years old). Before 3 years, the entrance is free.

How do I book an online ticket for the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne?

It is possible to book directly an unusual activity for the Auvergne Volcano Park online. You are thus sure to discover the park atypically, for example, the time of a hot air balloon ride. Originality is the master word of your trip.

Schedules to the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne

• Visit the Auvergne Volcano Park : accessible daily, all day long. Except as the shops, and other establishments subject to schedule.
• La Maison du Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne : from Wednesday to Monday, from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 17:30. It closes at 6:30 pm between June and September.

How do I go to Auvergne Volcano Park?

By car

• West : via the A71 from Rennes (6h05), via the A85 and the A71 from Nantes (5h29).
• North : via the A28 and the A71 from Caen (6h05), via the A1 and the A71 from Lille (6h25) and via the A71 from Paris (4h20).
• Is it? : via the A36 from Strasbourg (6h25), via the A6 and the A89 from Dijon (3h35).
• Southeast : via the A89 from Lyon (2h10), via the A8 and the A7 from Nice (6h30), via the A75 from Montpellier (3h35).
• South-West : via the A20 and the A89 from Toulouse (3h50), via the A89 from Bordeaux (3h45).

By train

The largest railway access near the park is the Clermont-Ferrand train station (63), which has been almost accessible throughout France. Of course, depending on where to access the park, your stop will differ. But in general, the train you will take will lead you to Clermont-Ferrand. Then you'll take a regional train.

Where to stay near the Auvergne Volcano Park?

You will find near the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne many villages that will seduce you with their charm. To sleep close to the park, we recommend them as well Airbnb only holiday homes or hotels you will find both Mont-Dore and Aydat or Salers.