Puy-de-Dome Volcano, Clermont-Ferrand

One of the youngest volcanoes in the region, Puy-de-Dome Volcano is a large lava dome in a chain of volcanoes that includes numerous cinder cones, lava domes, and maars (volcano craters). This is a well-known area for paragliding as the summit offers expansive views of the Chaîne des Puys and Clermont-Ferrand. You can stop in the restaurant, shops, or the visitor center to get information on the history and geology of the area. Walk the pedestrian path that was formerly a Roman road leading to the Temple of Mercury. The vehicle road previously leading to the summit is now closed so visitors must hike up on foot or take the Panoramique des Dômes, a rack railway. Hikers can also reach the Puy using a footpath on the northern side, which runs past the Nid de la Poule (Hen Nest) crater. The GR 4 long-distance European trail uses this footpath and the sentier des muletiers (mule trail) to traverse the mountain. Plan your visit to Puy-de-Dome Volcano and a wealth of other attractions, well-known and undiscovered, using our Clermont-Ferrand trip planner.