With the Puy de Dôme, other volcanic formations and Gallo-Roman heritage, Orcines is a destination for travellers looking to combine landscape and history. Around the peaks, you’ll find a variety of views: from a circular route with sweeping vistas to trails with a character all their own. There are also insights into how the landscape was formed and its long history.
Volcanic landscapes and trails on the Puy de DĂ´me
The Puy de Dôme is the highest volcano in the Chaîne des Puys – faille de Limagne. At its summit, the Chemin de ronde circles the peak, offering 360-degree views of the landscape. For a different perspective, visit the viewpoint at the Croix de Ternant: from there, panoramic views stretch across Clermont-Ferrand, the Limagne plain and the Chaîne des Puys.
The trails also each have their own character. Le Tour du puy de Dôme is a hike around the largest dome in the Chaîne des Puys. The Chemin des Muletiers leads to the summit of the Puy de Dôme and is the shortest and most challenging route there. It has been used since antiquity. Choosing this trail means taking not only a route to the summit, but also a historic path.
History at the summit and the Maison de Site
The Temple de Mercure, a Gallo-Roman temple dating from the 1st century AD, stands on the summit of the Puy-de-DĂ´me in Orcines. Its ruins were listed as a historic monument in 1889. The temple provides a historic context for the landscape, distinct from the formation of the volcanoes, adding another perspective to your visit.
The Maison de Site du puy de Dôme provides tourist information and exhibition areas about the formation of the Earth and the Chaîne des Puys. The focus is on natural history and the distinctive forms of the volcanic landscape. A ride on the Panoramique des Dômes also combines views with interpretation: it lasts 15 minutes and takes passengers to an altitude of 1,465 metres; on board, audio recordings explore the history of the Puy de Dôme.
Puy des Goules and Grotte du Sarcoui
The Puy des Goules is a 1,146-metre-high volcano with a regular crater measuring 200 metres in diameter and 40 metres deep. From the summit, there are views of the Grand Sarcoui, the Puy de Dôme and the southern part of the Chaîne des Puys. These distinct landmarks make the summit a destination in its own right for anyone wanting to take in the volcanic landscape from different angles while hiking.
The Grotte du Sarcoui lies on the slope of the Grand Sarcoui (Aydat/Orcines). It is a former Merovingian quarry, hewn into trachyte, where sarcophagi were made. A government order strictly prohibits entry to the interior. The cave can be safely viewed from the Puy des Goules circular hiking trail. This lets you include the historic site in your exploration of the landscape without entering the prohibited interior.
Getting to the departure station
The T2C P36 bus route is also relevant for getting to the Panoramique des DĂ´mes: it goes directly to the departure station at the foot of the Puy de DĂ´me. If you plan to use this service, check the latest timetable before travelling. The Panoramique ride itself takes 15 minutes; this is separate from the time you may want to allow for trails, viewpoints or exhibitions.
Discover more destinations: Sayat, Royat, Miremont, Bas-Et-Lezat, Grandrif, Orcet, Saint-Georges-sur-Allier, Bromont.
For the wider travel overview: Puy-De-DĂ´me.
