Volcanoes in France: The Hidden Auvergne

Bet you didn’t know France had volcanoes!

I only say that because we didn’t before moving there. It wasn’t until we started plotting out road trip routes through the country that we came across the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne, the largest of its kind in Europe.

While most come to France for Paris, Provence, or the French Riviera, this corner of the country offers ancient volcanoes and crater lakes for the intrepid traveler. You can hike trails through landscapes shaped by millions of years of geological activity.

Yes, we got pretty nerdy about it.

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure near Clermont-Ferrand or want to see a side of France most miss, these volcanoes in France are worth the effort.

Want to see what it’s actually like hiking the Puy de Dôme and exploring the region’s volcanic lakes? Watch our YouTube video below:

Where are the volcanoes in France?

There are more than 80 volcanic peaks in the Chaîne des Puys alone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site tucked away in the Auvergne region of central France. 

The largest concentration of them can be found in the Massif Central. This area was shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and ancient eruptions, leaving behind volcanic cones and crater lakes unlike anywhere else in the country.

You don’t need to stress about a visit today, though. The volcanoes of mainland France are mostly extinct or dormant volcanoes, with their last eruptions occurring thousands of years ago.

The main volcanic regions in France are:

• Chaîne des Puys: Located near Clermont-Ferrand, this is the most accessible volcanic area for visitors and one of the best places to experience France’s volcanoes firsthand. That’s where we started!
• Monts Dore: This volcanic mountain range is known for Puy de Sancy, the highest point in the Massif Central, as well as volcanic lakes like Lac de Servières.
• Cantal: Home to one of the widest stratovolcanoes in Europe, the Cantal has been heavily shaped by erosion over millions of years.
• Overseas France: Active volcanoes can also be found on French islands and overseas territories, including Réunion, home to Piton de la Fournaise, and Martinique’s Mont Pelée.

Auvergne is the ideal place to start if you’re a newbie to volcanoes in France. You’ll be treated to easy access from Clermont-Ferrand, scenic hiking trails, historic sites, and volcanic lakes.

Fun fact: The word “puy” is a uniquely French regional term that comes from old Occitan words that mean “hill” or “elevated place.” In the Auvergne region, the word has become closely associated with volcanic peaks, which is why you’ll see so many place names beginning with “Puy,” including Puy de Dôme, Puy de Montenard, and Puy Pariou.

Visiting the Puy de Dôme: France’s Most Famous Volcano

Of all the volcanoes in Auvergne, the Puy de Dôme is the one most visitors know, if they’re in-the-know about the country’s volcanic origins at all. 

Rising 1,465 meters above sea level, this ancient lava dome is the highest point in the Chaîne des Puys. That means it offers some of the best views and photo stops in the region from the top. 

Located near Clermont-Ferrand, the Puy de Dôme is also one of the easiest volcanoes in France to visit, whether you want to hike or take the railway to the top.

Hiking the Puy de Dôme

For our visit, we chose to hike to the summit rather than take the train.

The full trail is about 7 kilometers round trip with approximately 365 meters of elevation gain. It’s labeled a moderate hike, but there were moments it tested me. The steady uphill route definitely requires some effort, especially if it’s warm out.

Note: For the Americans out there, that’s about 4.3 miles and almost 1,200 feet of elevation gain. I prefer not knowing the numbers until after I’m finished.

Along the way, the trail passes through a few different landscapes before opening up to more exposed volcanic terrain near the summit. You’ll also pass alongside the railway tracks used by the Panoramique des Dômes.

The closer you get to the top, the rockier the trail becomes, but the path remains wide and manageable. We had our pup, Kimmy, with us, and she handled the hike easily.

If you’re hiking with a dog, bring extra water because the upper section is very exposed with little shade.

The Views From the Summit of Puy de Dôme

At the summit, the landscape opens up across the entire Chaîne des Puys. From here, you can see dozens of ancient volcanic peaks stretching across the landscape, with Clermont-Ferrand in the distance.

The weather can make a big difference here. We visited in summer with decent visibility, but conditions can change quickly at the summit.

The Puy de Dôme observatory provides live webcams, which can help if you have flexibility with your visit dates.

Fun fact: If you don’t want to hike, the Panoramique des Dômes is a scenic cog railway that takes visitors from the base of the volcano to the top in minutes. It’s a great option for families, travelers short on time, or anyone who wants the views without the climb.

At the summit, you’ll find viewing platforms overlooking the Chaîne des Puys, walking paths around the volcano, a café and restaurant, and picnic areas. There’s also a summit museum and an archaeological site that I’ll highlight next!

The Temple of Mercury at the Summit of Puy de Dôme

Sitting right at the summit are the remains of one of the most important Roman sanctuaries in Gaul: the Temple of Mercury.

Built in the 2nd century AD, the temple was dedicated to Mercury, naturally, the Roman god of travelers, merchants, and communication. Its location was no accident. 

Long before the Romans arrived, the Puy de Dôme was already considered sacred by the Gauls. The Romans later transformed the summit into an important religious site, taking advantage of its prominent position overlooking the surrounding landscape.

At its peak, the sanctuary was a huge complex with terraces and multiple buildings spread across the mountaintop. Archaeologists have been studying the site for more than a century, uncovering clues about what life looked like nearly 2,000 years ago.

Today, visitors can walk around the remains and imagine what this mountaintop sanctuary must have looked like during the Roman era. There’s also a museum at the summit where you can learn more about the archaeological discoveries and history.

Kimmy’s favorite part was freaking out about the diving swallows here, but for us, it was a cool reminder that this is a site of cultural and spiritual importance, too.

READ MORE: Since we’re talking about Rome, maybe I’ve got you thinking about a visit there? Start with my three-day itinerary!

Paragliding From the Puy de Dôme

For those looking for a little more adventure, the Puy de Dôme offers paragliding, an unforgettable (and friggin’ scary??) way to experience this volcanic landscape.

Thanks to its elevation, open terrain, and incredible views across the Chaîne des Puys, the summit is one of the most popular paragliding launch sites in Auvergne.

From above, you can soar over the ancient volcanic cones and take in the landscape like one of those birds Kimmy loved.

Tandem flights are available for beginners, so you don’t need any previous experience. An instructor handles the flying while you simply sit back and enjoy the views.

It’s definitely a bucket-list way to experience the Puy de Dôme, although Kimmy was perfectly happy keeping all four paws firmly on the ground. (We were all good with that, too.)

More Volcanic Hikes in Auvergne

While the Puy de Dôme is the obvious star of the Chaîne des Puys, one of the best parts of exploring Auvergne is discovering the quieter volcanic landscapes nearby.

After hiking the Puy de Dôme, we headed to the Puy de Montenard (5 km/3.1 mi), a much less crowded volcanic trail. Instead of the busy summit facilities and railway, this hike felt more peaceful and immersed in nature, despite my tired legs.

This one was more rolling hills, sleepy cows, and forests before getting to the views across the surrounding peaks at the top. I was admittedly a little cranky because the first hike took quite a bit out of me, but I’m glad we did it for the added perspective.

If you have more time, bonus volcanic hikes to consider in Auvergne include:

• Puy Pariou (6 km/3.7 mi): This one is known for its perfectly shaped crater and classic volcano silhouette. It’s a popular alternative (or addition) to the Puy de Dôme hike.
• Puy de la Vache and Puy de Lassolas (8 km/5 mi): These neighboring volcanic cones offer lava fields and colorful volcanic rock.
• Puy de Sancy (7-10 km/4.3-6.2 mi): This is the highest peak in the Massif Central, located in the Monts Dore volcanic range. This one is definitely more challenging!
• Puy des Goules (3 km/1.9 mi): This is a shorter hike near the Puy de Dôme that offers excellent views of the Puy de Pariou.

The Volcanic Lakes of Auvergne

The same volcanic activity that shaped the mountains in the region also created a collection of beautiful lakes throughout the region. 

From crater lakes tucked into the mountains to larger lakes perfect for swimming, these spots offer a completely different way to experience the volcanic landscape.

We didn’t take a dip in any of these lakes as we hadn’t packed our suits, but the scenery didn’t suck.

Lac de Servières

Located in the Monts Dore volcanic area, Lac de Servières is one of Auvergne’s most beautiful volcanic lakes. Formed by volcanic activity, it’s surrounded by forest today, making it feel worlds away from the busier viewpoints of the Chaîne des Puys. 

That also makes it a perfect picnic spot. We saw lots of French folks having perfectly charming picnic lunches on the banks of the lake, shaded by the trees. There was wine involved. 

A short walking trail circles the lake, or you can walk straight to the lake if you’re carrying snacks and such.

Lac d’Aydat

Lac d’Aydat is one of the largest natural lakes in Auvergne and one of the easiest volcanic lakes to visit near Clermont-Ferrand.

Unlike some of the region’s crater lakes, Lac d’Aydat was created when lava flows from nearby volcanoes blocked a valley, creating a natural dam. Today, it’s a popular recreational spot where visitors come to swim, kayak, or walk along the lakeshore.

This one was way busier than Lac de Servières, but that’s because there are so many amenities here. There are even donkeys you can hire for rides around the area. This is a fun one for families, but you won’t be choosing this one for any peaceful solitude. 

Other Volcanic Lakes to Add to Your Auvergne Itinerary

If you have more time to explore, here are a few more options to enjoy that lake life:

• Lac Pavin: This circular crater lake near Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the region. It’s definitely on our list for next time!
• Lac Chauvet: This is a quieter crater lake near the Monts Dore, offering peaceful walking trails and fewer visitors than some of the more famous options.
• Lac de Guéry: Located at a higher elevation near the Monts Dore, this scenic lake is surrounded by mountain views, making it a popular stop for hiking.

READ MORE: One of our favorite lakeside towns in France is Évian-les-Bains. Check out this guide to help you plan your time there!

Visiting the Volcanoes of France From Clermont-Ferrand

Clermont-Ferrand is a great base for exploring the volcanoes in France. Located at the foot of the Chaîne des Puys, this historic city puts you within easy reach of some of Auvergne’s most impressive volcanic landscapes.

The Puy de Dôme is only a 20-minute drive from Clermont-Ferrand, and many of the region’s other volcanoes and volcanic lakes can be reached within an hour. 

Note: Having a car makes exploring the area much easier, allowing you to combine mountain hikes, scenic viewpoints, and lakeside stops in a single day.

Clermont-Ferrand itself is worth spending some time in, too. The city is famous for its dramatic black volcanic stone architecture, including the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, which was built using local lava stone. We loved the fun street art, too.

As far as where to stay, we booked a pet-friendly room at the Hotel Clermont Estaing. It was super cheap, clean, and quiet, with free parking.

I’d skip adding breakfast to your room unless you really can’t handle fending for yourself in the morning. We thought it was overpriced and pretty mid.

Browse the map below for more options in Clermont-Ferrand:

One Day Auvergne Volcano Itinerary

Here’s our itinerary for experiencing some of the best volcanoes in France in one day:

• Puy de Dôme (Morning): Start early at the Puy de Dôme to hike to the summit or take the Panoramique des Dômes. Enjoy the views, visit the Temple of Mercury, and explore the summit trails.
• Puy de Montenard (Midday): Add a quieter volcanic hike nearby for a more peaceful experience away from the crowds.
• Volcanic Lakes (Afternoon): Head to Lac de Servières for a scenic crater lake walk or visit Lac d’Aydat for swimming and more amenities. You can also do both if you want some variety, but if you just want a break, choose one.
• Clermont-Ferrand (Evening): Return to the city for dinner and a walk through the historic center, including the famous black lava stone cathedral.

Why Auvergne’s Volcanoes Belong on Your France Itinerary

France is famous for its castles, vineyards, coastal towns, and historic cities, but you shouldn’t ignore its volcanic landscapes.

Exploring Auvergne feels like discovering a side of France that many visitors never see.

You can hike ancient volcanoes, walk among Roman ruins, relax beside crater lakes, and take in views across a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological history. How could you not be into that??s

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a unique road trip stop, or simply a quieter corner of France to explore, Auvergne is well worth adding to your list.

Traveling elsewhere in France? Check these out:

• Christmas Fans, Don’t Miss Colmar
• How to Spend the Day in Bordeaux
• My Ultimate France Trip Planner
• The Pros and Cons of Visiting Paris
• How to Plan One Day in Toulouse

More French destinations with cool natural sites:

• See the Incredible Cliffs of Étretat
• Is the Dordogne Valley Worth Visiting?
• Plan Two Perfect Weeks in Brittany
• An Itinerary for Historic Avignon
• Should You Visit Rocamadour?

Want to see more?