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Puy de Dome - The largest Volcano in the Chaine des Puys which rises to 1464m casts an impressive presence over the City of Clermond-Ferrand. It is also the youngest volcano which formed into a large lava dome many thousands of years ago and which has an extremely impressive vantage point where on a clear day you can see to the four corners of The Auvergne and beyond!
At it's summit is a Meteorological Station and the remains of The Gallic-Roman Temple Of Mercury built as a place of worship in Pre Christian times. There is also a visitor centre where you can learn all about the region's volcanic history. You can take one of the few paths to the summit on foot or out of season you can drive to the top yourself. In high season you must park in the visitor's car park at the base and catch the tourist bus to the summit.
Volvic Visitor Centre - Here you can see the source of the Volvic Natural Spring and even get to help yourself to the water straight from a fountain!
The area has been developed with the visitor in mind but also to develop an awareness of the natural surroundings of The Auvergne. There are several way-marked trails suitable for cycling and walking with varied levels of difficulty. There is also an exercise circuit which is fun for all the family. You can discover the wildlife and plants of the forest with a special woodland trail created for you to explore which is great fun.
Vulcania - This is a 'hand's on' experience and a must for families. It is a Volcanic Visitor Centre where you get to learn all about the fascinating history of Vulcanism with plenty of interactive things to do. You can get headphones which translate into many different languages so everyone gets maximum enjoyment out of the experience.
Chaine of Puys - There are over 80 volcanoes in the chain and you are advised to visit the Puy de Dome Visitor Centre to get the most out of your trip. You can organise a driving circuit taking in many of the volcanoes and also walk to the summit of The Puy de La Vache which has awesome views form the summit. There are many walking trails for the more energetic, taking in many summits of the Chaine.
For families, you are advised to visit The Puy de Lemptegy where you get a three hour guided visit into the heart of a volcano (quite safe as they have been dormant so long they are virtually classed as extinct).You can also ride a train to the centre and experience what an eruption would have been like.
Volcanic Regional Park - Get to experience nature and it's wild beauty in the Regional Park. The park covers an area of almost 980,000 acres and is home to four Volcanoc Ranges extending into the other departments of The Auvergne. It is an extremely interesting and varied lanscape from glacial valleys to clear mountain lakes, high alpine pastures, rocky massifs and undulating domes of the Volcanic Chain of Puys.
Visit Lac Pavin near Superbesse which completely round crater lake with a circular walk and lakeside restaurant. You can canoe on the clear still waters in the summer months and really appreciate the beauty of this natural lake.
Lac Chambon is a beautiful natural lake which is also a popular summer resort and well worth a visit. You can do a complete circuit in around an hour (if you resist the urge to stop at one of the lakeside cafes and reataurants)!
The Park is home to the regions ski resorts of Superbesse, Le Mont Dore and Chastreix worth a visit all year round appealing to walkers and skiers alike. Visit www.sancy.com for more information including ski passes, piste maps and ski schools.
Livradois Forest - Another Regional Park with plenty to attract the active visitor and plenty of walking and cycling trails. Horse Trekking through the Park is also popular. Please visit the site for further information, currently in French (use Google Translate) but shortly to have an English version also www.parc-livradois-forez.org/index.php4
Clermont-Ferrand - This is cosmopolitan city which incorporates the two historically separate areas but not joined areas of Clermont and MontFerrand. Clermont Ferrand has undergone much regeneration over the last couple of years where a lot of money has been spent enhancing the parks and plaza squares of the City Centre. The City now has it's own tram which makes travelling around much easier.
Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral dominates the city and is made of black volcanic stone and gives it a very Gothic look. Please visit www.parc-livradois-forez.org/index.php4 for more information on Clermont-Ferrand.
The Plateau de Gergovie - This vast flat high plateau just south of Clermont has a monument to the famous Battle of Gergovie where Vergingetorix of the Arveni Tribe of The Gauls was defeated by the Roman Army. It has a Visitor Centre and museum. In the Autumn, a huge kite festival is held www.cervolix.com shows this years display complete with hot air balloons.
The Plateau also holds archeological festivals with live re-enactments of historical events.
Saint Nectaire Church - This is an impressive Romanesque Church built in the 12th Century, occupying a stunning site at the top of Mont Cornadore in Saint Nectaire Le Haut. It is a wonderful example of Roman architeture and this can be seen at www.art-roman.net/stnectaire/stnectaire.htm Other churches of note are at Orcival, Brioude, Saint Saturnin and Issoire.
Chateaus - Of Particular note are the Chateau de Murol, Chateau Tourneol near Volvic, Chateau Busseol near Clermont and Chateau Cordes near Orcival.
These are fascinating insights into life in Mediaeval France where feuding was a way of life and feudal Lords built these impressive Castles to protect themselves against marauding tribes. The area has so many that it is impossible to mention them all but they are indeed impressive and can be seen in more detail at : www.route-chateaux-auvergne.org/Puy_de_Dome_francais.htm
Puy de Dome Attractions and Activities
