To the west of Clermont-Ferrand, stretching 40 kilometres from north to south, lies the Chaîne des Puys, a range of around a hundred extinct volcanoes of varying shapes. This natural area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its vast green expanses are ideal for hiking. It is the perfect region for a camping holiday in Auvergne in the Puy-de-Dôme.
The history of the volcanoes of Auvergne
First, a little history. The origins of the Auvergne volcanoes date back 65 million years. The Alps and Pyrenees rose up and shook the Massif Central. The Earth’s crust bulged and cracked, allowing molten magma to escape. Volcanoes were born. The oldest ones appeared around 22 million years ago south of Limagne, the large plain in the centre of Auvergne. Next came the Cantal (between 13 and 2.8 million years ago) and Mont-Dore (between 3.5 million and 200,000 years ago) massifs. Finally, the volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys appeared approximately 100,000 years ago. The last eruptions seem like they happened yesterday, but they actually date back 7,000 years. The work of glaciers added the finishing touches to this landscape, shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity. Between 75,000 and 10,000 years ago, the highest parts of the region were covered by glaciers, which levelled the plateaus, carved out valleys and created lakes
You may be surprised by the number of volcanoes in Auvergne. The Chaîne des Puys has more than 80 volcanoes spread over an area 40 kilometres long and a few kilometres wide. This density can be explained by the fact that these volcanoes were monogenetic, meaning they erupted only once. Once the eruption was over, the lava cooled and solidified in the fissure. During the next eruption, the magma used another fissure and created a new volcano. This explains the large number of volcanoes that make up the landscapes of Auvergne, where you can camp with your caravan, tent or motorhome. As you wander around your campsite in Auvergne, you can admire volcanoes of various shapes. There are three types of volcanoes in Auvergne: cone-shaped cinder cones, maars, which are quite similar but often have craters filled with water, and finally lava domes, where the lava is too viscous to escape and forms a dome with a rounded top.
During your camping holiday in Auvergne, should you be concerned about these volcanoes erupting? No, according to volcanologists, there is no risk of any of the volcanoes in Auvergne erupting. However, it cannot be ruled out that the region may experience volcanic activity again one day. Don’t worry, it won’t happen tomorrow, and scientists are keeping a close eye on the region.
Walk on the slopes of Puy de Dome
All honour to whom honour is due. The Puy de Dôme is undoubtedly the most famous volcano in the region. So much so that the department was named after it. At 1,465 metres, it is the highest volcano in the Chaîne des Puys. It also stands at its centre. However, it is not the highest volcano in Auvergne. That title goes to Puy de Sancy, which rises to 1,885 metres. Classified as a Grand Site de France, Puy de Dôme offers a magnificent panorama of the Chaîne des Puys. Depending on the weather and the time of day, from the summit of Puy de Dôme you can see no fewer than 11 departments. That’s one eighth of France! There are several ways to reach the summit. The easiest is the little rack railway that leaves from the village of Orcines, at the foot of the volcano. The journey takes 15 minutes and offers beautiful views throughout the climb. The more adventurous can choose the mule track starting from the Col de Ceyssat, where there is a car park. The climb takes about an hour and covers a height difference of 350 metres. It is advisable to wear good walking shoes before tackling these slopes. An extra jumper may also be welcome. Depending on the season, you may be surprised by the wind or temperatures when you reach the summit. The Puy de Dôme is topped by an interpretation centre that presents the site in its various aspects (spiritual, legends, human conquests, etc.) through a fun and interactive scenography. You will also discover the remains of the Temple of Mercury. In the 2nd century, the Romans built the largest mountain temple in Roman Gaul on the Puy de Dôme. A temple dedicated to Mercury, god of commerce and travellers. There is a museum dedicated to this temple (closed in winter) where you can learn more through films, models and games for children.
From volcano to volcano in the Chaîne des Puys
Although it is the most famous, you should not limit your visit to the Chaîne des Puys to just the Puy de Dôme. Many other volcanoes are worth hiking during your camping holiday in Auvergne. The Puy Pariou (1,290 metres) is undoubtedly the most photographed of all due to its distinctive silhouette. It appears in numerous advertisements for Volvic water. The climb to the top is fairly easy, via wooden steps. The view of the crater from the summit is breathtaking. You can then descend into the crater. The Lemptégy volcano is also worth a visit, especially if you have children. This interpretation centre immerses you in the history of Auvergne and the emergence of volcanoes through a 4D film (3D glasses and dynamic seats, sensory effects: wind, heat, etc.) as well as other immersive attractions: www.auvergne-volcan.com.
The summit of the Massif Central
Although the Chaîne des Puys comprises a large number of volcanoes, these are not the only volcanoes in Auvergne and the Massif Central. Further south, the Monts Dore are home to volcanoes that are older than those in the Chaîne des Puys, having been formed around 3 million years ago. This is where the highest peak in the Massif Central is located, the Puy de Sancy, which rises to 1,885 metres. Needless to say, the view from the top is breathtaking. There are several ways to get there. The easiest is by cable car, which takes you there in a few minutes from the Puy de Sancy car park (please note: there are 864 steps to climb on arrival). If you prefer hiking, allow about 3 hours of walking and a 546-metre climb. This is a fairly difficult hike. Good footwear is recommended (stony path). If you have time, the route to Puy de Sancy via the Chemin des Crêtes is a superb hike that follows two GR trails (GR4 and GR30). Magnificent landscapes await you. This hike is for experienced walkers only. Allow approximately 6 hours. Further south, leaving the Puy-de-Dôme for the Cantal, you can explore the slopes of Europe’s largest volcano, in the Monts du Cantal, the Puy Mary massif. This massif was formed by several eruptions over several million years and now forms a circle 80 km in diameter. This massif, which rises to 1,855 metres, was then carved out by glaciers, which created several valleys. As in the Sancy or the Chaîne des Puys, the landscapes of the Monts du Cantal are ideal for hiking, with countless hiking trails including the GR400, which circles the Cantal volcano.
Vulcania: learn more about volcanoes during your camping holiday in Auvergne
To learn more about volcanoes during your camping holiday in Auvergne, don’t miss Vulcania, a theme park dedicated to volcanoes and natural phenomena. This theme park is unique in Europe. With activities that are as interesting as they are fun, this theme park will thrill children and their parents alike. Among the most popular attractions is a 4D film that plunges you into the heart of Auvergne, where volcanoes are awakening. Impressive! And in 2022, Vulcania will open the largest planetarium in France. In summer, fireworks displays enliven several evenings. If you would like to attend, be sure to choose your dates for visiting Vulcania carefully on the website www.vulcania.com.
Auvergne, land of fire and water
With its volcanoes, even extinct ones, Auvergne is a land of fire. But it is also a land of water. Several craters have been filled with water and formed natural lakes throughout the Auvergne volcano region. Among the best known is Lake Pavin in Besse, the youngest volcanic lake in France (around 6,000 years old). It offers an idyllic setting for hiking or fishing. Another lake that is very popular with families is Lake Chambon, a 60-hectare volcanic dam lake. It is equipped for swimming and water sports. In addition to its crystal-clear lakes, Auvergne is renowned for its thermal waters and popular spa resorts such as Saint-Nectaire, La Bourboule and Le Mont-Dore. All these resorts offer wellness activities such as spas, hammams, saunas and balneotherapy. You can enjoy them between hikes during your camping holiday in Puy-de-Dôme and the Auvergne volcanoes.
Our campsites in the Auvergne volcano region
A selection of campsites for caravans, tents or motorhomes in Puy-de-Dôme or Cantal, in the heart of the Auvergne volcano region.
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