In Volvic, lava stone, Romanesque architecture and stone craftsmanship come together. The Musée Sahut, Saint-Priest Church, Grotte de la Pierre and local craft activities offer different ways to explore this theme.
Art and History at the Musée Sahut
The Musée Sahut is housed at the Bosredon estate and château, where it has been located since 1988. Its three exhibition levels are devoted to stone art, the 20th century and the 19th century. The exhibition “De Mortelèque à Michelin – Un siècle d’émaillage sur lave” traces the first hundred years of enamel art on lava, from Mortelèque’s earliest known work in 1827 to the approval of Michelin road signs in 1931. The focus is thus on the development of a craft and two precisely dated milestones.
Romanesque Architecture and Lava Stone
Saint-Priest Church is Cluniac and is listed as a historic monument for its typically Auvergnat Romanesque apse and a 12th-century grille. Its features also include three radially arranged chapels and two Carolingian stone slabs.
The Grotte de la Pierre de Volvic was excavated in the lava flow of the La Nugère volcano and is considered an emblematic site in the Chaîne des Puys. It was used for its Volvic stone from the 13th century onward. The cave therefore brings together geological formation and the history of stone use. Visitors can choose from three tour formats at one location, suitable for all visitor groups.
Stone Crafts and Tastings
Traces de Pierre is a collective based in Volvic that brings together sculptors, stonemasons, designers and craftspeople. Its shared workshop teaches the public how to work with stone; the collective also offers introductory courses. The Maison de l'Artisanat Les Arts de la Pierre presents enamel work on lava, stonework, sculptures and engravings in an exhibition and shop. The offerings therefore have distinct focuses: training in the shared workshop, and works on display and for sale at the Maison.
Volvic O’rigines is an immersive educational attraction featuring an exhibition, projections and tastings. At the tastings, visitors can try the Volvic product range: Volvic natural mineral water, Volvic Juicy, Volvic Zest, Volvic Thé, Volvic Infusion Bio, Volvic Essentiel Bio and Volvic Vitamin +. The program, opening hours and product selection may change; check the latest information before your visit.
Two Routes, Different Destinations
The Sentier du Docteur Moity leads to the crater of the La Nugère volcano. The green-marked trail is 7 km long and takes two hours. Le tour du puy de la bannière starts at the Sources de Volvic, passes the Grotte de la Pierre de Volvic and climbs toward Notre Dame de la Garde. The routes therefore differ in their stated destinations: one leads to the crater, while the other passes the cave and climbs toward Notre Dame de la Garde.
The route details for the Sentier du Docteur Moity may be revised for maintenance or safety reasons. Check the latest information before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Cébazat, Le Quartier, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, Champeix, Peschadoires, Marsac-en-Livradois, Saint-Rémy-Sur-Durolle, Échandelys.
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