Located in France’s Massif Central in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Puy-de-Dôme, which shares its name with a famous dormant volcano, is one of the most popular French destinations!
Probably the most accessible tourist destination in France because of its location in the Central Massif, Puy-de-Dôme is part of the Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne. There you will find the Puy-de-Dôme volcano, which gave its name to the town. Located to the west of Clermont-Ferrand, the region has a rich past. Roman-gothic style abbeys and churches and old castles are mixed harmoniously with the whimsical geography of a volcanic area that’s been sleeping for 10,000 years.
The Puy-de-Dôme volcano is without a doubt the jewel of the region. The dormant volcano is a must for hiking enthusiasts. Around 5,000 km of drawn trails can be done with the magnificent sleeping giant in the background. The best of all is that these trails vary in difficulty, which makes them attractive to both serious trekkers and more laid back hikers.
One of the most beautiful hiking outings in the area is the ascent of the nearby Puy de Pariou, an extinct volcano whose crater is now a covered in green. Your path will take you up the Puy-de-Dôme itself right to the Panoramique des Dômes. During this magnificent hike you'll get to discover the nature of one of France’s least crowed spots that will fill you with a renewed sense of well-being!
The volcanic hills in Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne make for impressive, adrenaline boosting downhill mountain bike trails. A superb biking excursion is the 666km long, 10 to 20 day long route from Clermont-Ferrand to Montpellier which will take you across the Massif Central. Also, the lush greenery allows for interesting quad biking excursions. Pack light, because you’ll be on the road for a long time!
The best way to explore a mountain is from above. At Puy-de-Dôme, you can glide over ancient dormant and extinct volcanos with a paragliding flight. Parting from Puy-de-Dôme’s summit, you will witness a bird’s perspective the once lava filled hills now thriving with nature!
Another way to defy gravity in Puy-de-Dôme is during via ferrata outings at Domaine de Moidas Issoire. Up to 25 meters above the ground, you’ll be walking on thin cables ma2king your way from ravine to ravine while experiencing landscapes you can access that way!
During winter, Mont-Dore and Super-Besse are the main skiing destinations in the area. Set at the base of Puy de Sancy, these two resorts combine more than 80 slopes and almost 200 km of cross-contry skiing. Considered more as familiar ski resorts; they welcome skiers of all levels.
Puy-de-Dôme was originally going to be called Mont-d'Or (Golden Mountain) and you can witness its worth its weight in gold.
Located in France’s Massif Central in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Puy-de-Dôme, which shares its name with a famous dormant volcano, is one of the most popular French destinations!
Probably the most accessible tourist destination in France because of its location in the Central Massif, Puy-de-Dôme is part of the Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne. There you will find the Puy-de-Dôme volcano, which gave its name to the town. Located to the west of Clermont-Ferrand, the region has a rich past. Roman-gothic style abbeys and churches and old castles are mixed harmoniously with the whimsical geography of a volcanic area that’s been sleeping for 10,000 years.
The Puy-de-Dôme volcano is without a doubt the jewel of the region. The dormant volcano is a must for hiking enthusiasts. Around 5,000 km of drawn trails can be done with the magnificent sleeping giant in the background. The best of all is that these trails vary in difficulty, which makes them attractive to both serious trekkers and more laid back hikers.
One of the most beautiful hiking outings in the area is the ascent of the nearby Puy de Pariou, an extinct volcano whose crater is now a covered in green. Your path will take you up the Puy-de-Dôme itself right to the Panoramique des Dômes. During this magnificent hike you'll get to discover the nature of one of France’s least crowed spots that will fill you with a renewed sense of well-being!
The volcanic hills in Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne make for impressive, adrenaline boosting downhill mountain bike trails. A superb biking excursion is the 666km long, 10 to 20 day long route from Clermont-Ferrand to Montpellier which will take you across the Massif Central. Also, the lush greenery allows for interesting quad biking excursions. Pack light, because you’ll be on the road for a long time!
The best way to explore a mountain is from above. At Puy-de-Dôme, you can glide over ancient dormant and extinct volcanos with a paragliding flight. Parting from Puy-de-Dôme’s summit, you will witness a bird’s perspective the once lava filled hills now thriving with nature!
Another way to defy gravity in Puy-de-Dôme is during via ferrata outings at Domaine de Moidas Issoire. Up to 25 meters above the ground, you’ll be walking on thin cables ma2king your way from ravine to ravine while experiencing landscapes you can access that way!
During winter, Mont-Dore and Super-Besse are the main skiing destinations in the area. Set at the base of Puy de Sancy, these two resorts combine more than 80 slopes and almost 200 km of cross-contry skiing. Considered more as familiar ski resorts; they welcome skiers of all levels.
Puy-de-Dôme was originally going to be called Mont-d'Or (Golden Mountain) and you can witness its worth its weight in gold.