Puy de Dôme Volcanic Park

The Puy de Dôme park and surrounding volcanic hills are located about 2 hours' drive south in the Auvergne region just outside Clermont-Ferrand. (You can go a bit quicker if you take the motorway.) You can also plan to pop into the Volcania Science Center on the way to this park atop one of the principal extinct volcanoes in the area— Puy de Dôme.

The park features hiking trails and picnic areas. At the top, you can "see forever". There' s an education center with interactive presentations about the geologic history of the region. Insider are gift shops and a cafe with stunning views. You can also launch your hang-glider or para-sailer when weather conditions permit.

How to get there

From Préveranges, look for and follow signs to Montluçon.
At Montluçon pick up the N-144, direction Clermont-Ferrand, and follow it to Riom.
When you get to Riom, there are several possibilities depending on how much sightseeing you want to do en route.

(Click photo for larger version)

Most direct route

Continue south toward Clermont-Ferrand. At the northen outskirts you want to look for signs to Chamalières and/or Royat... or if you see them first, for Puy de Dôme itself. It's the principle attraction in the area and there are plenty of roadsigns for it.

We highly recommend a good map such as the Michelin France. Lacking that, you should be able to pick up brochures and maps at the tourist office in Boussac.