For a stay in Saint-Ours, you can choose between volcanic attractions and hiking as different focuses. Vulcania, a theme park about volcanoes, natural phenomena and planet Earth, is located in Saint-Ours-les-Roches. Seven hiking trails start there, and a guided tour about bees is also available. When planning, it is worth keeping the theme and time required for each experience in mind.

Experience and understand volcanoes

Vulcania focuses on volcanoes, natural phenomena and planet Earth. The interactive tour at Volcan de Lemptégy takes two and a half hours and is divided into five stages. This specific duration gives you a guide for planning your day. The nighttime experience trail “Le Réveil du Volcan” adds to the offerings: the route is 1.5 kilometres long. As this is a seasonal experience, check dates and availability before your trip.

Volcan de Lemptégy is located in the tectonic area “Chaîne des Puys – Faille de Limagne,” which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The geological history of the landscape can also be seen at La Cheire de Côme: it is one of the most significant lava flows in the Chaîne des Puys and was formed around 15,000 years ago by the eruption of Puy de Côme. Numerous marked hiking trails cross the Cheire. It is also an important orienteering site; several challenging courses are available, with maps obtainable from the Office de Tourisme Auvergne VolcanSancy.

Choose hikes by time and difficulty

Seven hiking trails start in Saint-Ours-les-Roches. They range from six to over 15 kilometres in length. One specific longer route is the 15.5-kilometre circular hike “Les puys de Jumes, de la Coquille et des Gouttes.” It is rated difficult and takes five hours. The details on distance, difficulty and duration give a more precise idea of the time and physical effort required for this hike than distance alone. There are panoramic views from Puy de Jumes and Puy de la Coquille.

Puy Chopine also tells the story of the landscape’s volcanic origins. The distinctive rock pinnacle formed when cold, acidic magma emerged through the crystalline bedrock. Along with the formation of the Cheire de Côme, this offers a second perspective on the geology: here, the focus is both on the shape of an individual rock pinnacle and on a large-scale lava flow.

Bees, beekeeping and honey

At La Ruche des Puys, guided tours explore the social organisation of bees. Glazed beehives, an apiary and observations using a macro camera are among the insights on offer. Historical beekeeping equipment is displayed in a former vaulted stable; this visit is free during the shop’s opening hours. When planning your visit, therefore, check the shop’s opening hours.

La Ruche des Puys also offers tastings of different types of honey. These include acacia, mountain, buckthorn and chestnut honey; the specific selection may vary. The visit combines insights into beekeeping with a tasting, while the historical exhibition offers a separate perspective on the craft.

Getting to Vulcania

During school holidays, a shuttle connects Vulcania with Clermont-Ferrand railway station. Along the way, it passes through Chamalières, Royat and Orcines. If you plan to use this connection, check the timetable before your trip, as the shuttle operates seasonally.

Discover more destinations: Les Pradeaux, Saint-Victor-La-Rivière, Saint-Beauzire, Pont-Du-Château, Naves, Chassagne, Le Quartier, Saint-Genès-Champespe

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