Puy de Dome

Puy de Dome (1,464m) is the oldest and highest extinct volcano of the Monts Domes chain. The summit was once a place of worship for Celts and Romans, and for sorcerers’ rituals.

Today it is still a popular place of enchantment - though now sporting a restaurant, museum and information centre.

The ascent is a gruelling leg of the Tour de France but most travel part by car or shuttle bus and on foot to enjoy panoramic views. Please note that from March 2010, 2 years of works to the access road to the summit  means that access is available only to pedestrians. Parking is available at Col Ceyssat and you should allow at least 45 minutes for the steep walk to the pinnacle. Best visit early or late to avoid the crowds.

Parc Naturel Regional des Volcans d’Auvergne

On the western edge of the Massif Central, this unique landscape has almost 80 extinct volcanoes or ‘puys’ some active as recently as at the end of the Ice Age.

The park includes the Monts Domes chain, Monts Dore - rising to 1885m on Puy de Sancy - and Monts du Cantal along with high plateau pastures, creating an area rich in fauna and flora, in a landscape of crater lakes, rivers, waterfalls and spectacular views.

Sparsely populated, the park has only recently become more accessible to the tourist - great for green outdoor activities and nature lovers. Various information centres ‘maisons du parc’ include museums devoted to aspects of the area such as shepherding.