Puy-De-Dôme offers a landscape to explore on a geological scale: the Chaîne des Puys–Limagne Fault UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises the Limagne Fault, the aligned volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys and the inverted relief of the Montagne de la Serre. This landscape formed 35 million years ago in the wake of the formation of the Alps. It is considered an exceptional illustration of continental rifting, one of the five major phases of plate tectonics. The fault, volcanic chain and landforms are part of a single geological picture—an unusual perspective for anyone interested in how landscapes are formed.
Volcanic landscapes and sweeping views
At the summit of the Puy de Dôme, two paths offer different perspectives: the Chemin des Conquérants loops around the summit in about 30 minutes; the Chemin de ronde offers a 360-degree panorama. On the western side, there is a picnic area, a covered picnic shelter and toilets. The Panoramique des Dômes, a rack railway, takes visitors up to 1,465 metres in 15 minutes and provides access to the Puy de Dôme for all visitors. Operating arrangements and facilities may change, so check the latest information before your visit.
The Plateau de Gergovie also offers far-reaching views: this nearly 70-hectare natural viewpoint provides panoramic views across the Auvergne. At the Puy de Dôme, the volcanic landscape is complemented by Roman history. The Temple of Mercury dates from the 2nd century AD and is considered one of the largest Roman mountain sanctuaries in the Western world.
Roman traces and pottery in Lezoux
At the Musée départemental de la Céramique in Lezoux, the focus is on terra sigillata pottery. The museum explores its production during the first five centuries AD and its role in spreading Roman culture across Europe. Its cultural programme is fully accessible; activities are aimed at families, young people, older people and people with disabilities. The outdoor grounds include a leisure and picnic area, as well as free parking for cars, motorhomes and coaches. Access is via the A89, exit 1 Lezoux–Billom, or the D2089. As programmes and facilities can change, it is worth checking the latest visitor information.
More traces of the past can be found in Olby: archaeological excavations around the church uncovered remains dating from the 5th to the 12th century. Walks there lead to the Calvary at Puy de Cros and the Roman bridge at Glavin. The area thus brings together traces from different periods, from the Roman sanctuary to finds from the Middle Ages.
Cycling and walking routes to explore at your own pace
The 83-kilometre Circuit des volcans – La boucle des Dômes cycling loop circles the volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys and starts at the foot of the puy de Dôme. There are two options for shortening the route: Bonnabaud-Champille and St Pierre Le Chastel – Bannières. Check current route conditions before setting off. Another cycling loop, the Circuit aux portes de Riom – Entre pierre et eau, leads to the Gour de Tazenat, an exceptional natural volcanic lake.
The hiking routes of Auvergne VolcanSancy cross high plateaus and a varied succession of puys, volcanoes, peaks, lakes, rivers, forests and natural areas. Another circular route reaches the Sioule River and the Montfermy waterfall, which can offer a refreshing stop. The paths in Olby have a different focus: they lead to specific historical landmarks, such as the Roman bridge and the Calvary.
Cheese origins and seasonal experiences
Cheeses, too, offer a regional point of reference. Saint-Nectaire is made in the Monts Dore at an altitude of over 700 metres between Cantal and Puy-De-Dôme; it is matured in both départements. The geographical area of Bleu d’Auvergne also extends across part of Puy-De-Dôme. The two products therefore represent different areas of origin, each of which extends beyond the département boundary.
For a seasonal choice, two very different activities can be compared: in winter, the Sancy Ouest Nordic area offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. At Lac d’Auvergne in La Tour d’Auvergne, activities include fishing, supervised swimming and water games; supervision and facilities may vary by season. Check the latest conditions before visiting. This lets you plan your trip around either winter activities or waterside options, without assuming a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Jean-des-Ollières, Saint-Victor-La-Rivière, Combronde, Saint-Victor-Montvianeix, Saint-Pierre-Colamine, Saint-Étienne-Sur-Usson, Briffons, Chambon-Sur-Lac, Chassagne, Clermont-Ferrand, Cros, Cunlhat, Domaize, Échandelys, Gelles, Gerzat, La Bourboule, Mareugheol, Maringues, Messeix, Montpeyroux, Murol, Saint-Genès-La-Tourette, Saint-Ignat, Saint-Jacques-D'ambur, Saint-Julien-Puy-Lavèze, Saint-Nectaire, Saint-Ours, Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle, Teilhet, Super Besse, Bagnols, Sancy, Saint-Jean-Saint-Gervais, Saint-Germain-Lembron, Saint-Maurice-Près-Pionsat, Saint Gal Sur Sioule, Thônes, Thiers, Saint-Gervais-Dʼauvergne, Saint-Flour, Besse-Et-Saint-Anastaise, Royat, Riom, Puy-Guillaume, Pérignat-Lès-Sarliève, Orcines, Nébouzat, Naves, Le Mont-Dore, Issoire, Chamalières, Aubière, Cournon-D'auvergne, Lapeyrouse, Fournols, Le Monestier, Châteaugay, Egliseneuve-D'entraigues, Volvic, Enval, Saint-Beauzire, Avèze, Condat-En-Combraille, Montaigut-Le-Blanc, La Celle, Mons, Saint-Just, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, Saint-Saturnin, Aigueperse, Les Ancizes-Comps, Saint-Priest-Bramefant, Pont-Du-Château, Augnat, Coudes, La Godivelle, Pontaumur, Picherande, Thuret, Le Quartier, Villosanges, Miremont, Parent, Pionsat, Billom, Vernet-La-Varenne, Saint-Eloy-Les-Mines, Tauves, Chapdes-Beaufort, Saint-Sauves-D'auvergne, Beaumont, Vollore-Ville, Ceyrat, Vertolaye, Orcival, Saint-Anthème, Doré-L'église, Saint-Julien-La-Geneste, Menat, Bort-L'étang, Montaigut, Saint-Dier-D'auvergne, La Crouzille, Pontgibaud, La Tour-D'auvergne, Landogne, Vic-Le-Comte, Neuf-Église, Vodable, Olloix, Parentignat, Ceilloux, Saint-Pierre-Le-Chastel, Peschadoires, Boudes, Charensat, Murat-Le-Quaire, Sauxillanges, Le Brugeron, Laqueuille, Châteauneuf-Les-Bains, Vergheas, Buxières-Sous-Montaigut, Trémouille-Saint-Loup, Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze, Saint-Rémy-De-Chargnat, Cébazat, Brassac-Les-Mines, Sainte-Agathe, Chaumont-Le-Bourg, Espinasse, Égliseneuve-Des-Liards, Giat, Lezoux, Lachaux, Chastreix, Saint-Bonnet-Le-Chastel, Sauvessanges, Olby, Jumeaux, Aubusson-D'auvergne, Saint-Genès-Du-Retz, Baffie, Randan, Olliergues, Durtol, Bertignat, Sauret-Besserve, Viscomtat, Ménétrol, Bas-Et-Lezat, Mazaye, Gouttières, Chambon-Sur-Dolore, Biollet, Chaptuzat, Sayat, La Sauvetat, Medeyrolles, Saint-Jean-D'heurs, Arlanc, Charbonnières-Les-Vieilles, Villeneuve, Champeix, Saint-Floret, Saint-Bonnet-Lès-Allier, Aulnat, Saint-Clément-De-Régnat, Aydat, Valcivières, Thiolières, Saint-Sylvestre-Pragoulin, Les Pradeaux, Grandval, Saint-Germain-l'Herm, Mirefleurs, Ennezat, Bromont, Lisseuil, Collanges, Vollore-Montagne, Singles, Bongheat, Grandrif, Blot-l'Église, Auzelles, Saint-Genès-Champespe, Saint-Georges-de-Mons, Orcet, La Roche-Noire, Égliseneuve-près-Billom, Châtel-Guyon, Saurier, Saint-Pierre-Roche, Le Vernet-Sainte-Marguerite, Montel-de-Gelat, Servant, Courpière, Manglieu, Rochefort-Montagne, Antoingt, Ardes, Marsac-en-Livradois, La Chapelle-Agnon, Saint-Georges-sur-Allier, Saint-Amant-Roche-Savine, Brousse, Joze, Vertaizon, Vernines, Orbeil, Sauviat, Corent, Charbonnier-les-Mines, Champs, Saulzet-le-Froid, Saint-Agoulin, Saint-Rémy-de-Blot, Dallet, Usson.
For the wider travel overview: Auvergne.
