Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne

Stretching across the volcanic heart of the Massif Central, the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne is Europe’s largest regional park, a dramatic landscape of ancient volcanoes, crater lakes, and rolling pastures. This is a place where the earth’s fiery past is written large—in the perfect cone of the Puy de Dôme, the turquoise waters of the Lac de Servières, and the black lava flows that crisscross the countryside. For international travellers, it’s a paradise for hiking, cycling, and soaking up raw, unspoiled nature, all while discovering the traditions of the Auvergne region.

Highlights & What to See

• Puy de Dôme – The park’s iconic volcano, a 1,465-metre-high dome offering panoramic views from its summit. Walk up the ancient Roman road or take the panoramic train (Panoramique des Dômes) for a less strenuous ascent.
• Chaîne des Puys – A UNESCO World Heritage-listed chain of 80 volcanoes, stretching 40 kilometres. Hike the well-marked trails to craters like the Puy de Pariou, a perfect grassy cone with a deep hollow.
• Lac de Servières – A stunning crater lake formed by a volcanic explosion, with crystal-clear water perfect for a refreshing dip in summer or a peaceful picnic by the shore.
• Le Mont-Dore – A charming spa town nestled in a glacial valley, with Belle Époque architecture, thermal baths, and access to the Puy de Sancy, the highest peak in the Massif Central (1,885 metres).
• Vulcania – An interactive science centre dedicated to volcanology, great for families. Explore a simulated eruption, walk through a volcano model, and learn about the region’s geology.
• Saint-Nectaire – A medieval village famous for its Romanesque church and the eponymous cheese. Visit a local farm to see how Saint-Nectaire is made and enjoy a tasting.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least three full days to explore the park’s highlights. Spend the first day hiking the Chaîne des Puys and ascending the Puy de Dôme; the second day exploring the Mont-Dore area and the Puy de Sancy; and the third day visiting Vulcania and the cheese-making villages. If you have a week, you can add leisurely walks around crater lakes, spa visits, and day trips to the nearby towns of Clermont-Ferrand and Issoire. The park is best visited from May to October when trails are clear and mountain huts are open.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Clermont-Ferrand – A vibrant city built on a dormant volcano, with a striking black-stone cathedral, a lively historic centre, and the excellent Musée d'Art Roger-Quilliot.
• Gorges de la Sioule – A dramatic river canyon with rock-climbing spots, kayaking, and scenic hiking trails through chestnut forests.
• Le Puy-en-Velay – A historic town with a stunning cathedral perched on a volcanic pinnacle, and the start of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
• Valley of the Dordogne – About two hours south, this region offers medieval castles, prehistoric caves, and the charming villages of Rocamadour and Sarlat.
• Auvergne Volcano Route – A scenic drive that winds through the Chaîne des Puys, with viewpoints and picnic spots at every turn.

Please check official sources for current details.