📍 France

AUVERGNE VOLCANOES: ANCIENT PEAKS, LAKES AND LAVA STONE

Sleeping volcanoes piercing the clouds, crater lakes with shifting reflections, black stone villages, pastures of intense green. Auvergne, land of fire and water.

≈ 8
Days
127
Km
7
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore volcanic Auvergne. Climb to Puy-de-Dôme summit. Cross the Chaîne des Puys. Discover crater lakes. Tour volcanic stone villages. The terrain shapes the landscape.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Clermont Ferrand

red tile city volcanic mountain

Clermont Ferrand - Photo 1Clermont Ferrand - Photo 2Clermont Ferrand - Photo 3Clermont Ferrand - Photo 4Clermont Ferrand - Photo 5Clermont Ferrand - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption cathedral on place de la Victoire, a Gothic building made of black lava stone.
2
Stroll through the medieval streets to place de Jaude and the statue of Vercingetorix.
🎯

Activities

→
Free walk in the historic center of Clermont-Ferrand and its artisan shops.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 12 km
Travel time: 15min
2
Day

Puy De Dome

perfect cone ascends crowns

Puy De Dome - Photo 1Puy De Dome - Photo 2Puy De Dome - Photo 3Puy De Dome - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Ascent of Puy de Dôme by road or the Panoramique des Dômes.
2
Visit of the Gallo-Roman temple of Mercury at the summit and panorama over the Puys chain.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking on the trails around the summit of Puy de Dôme.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 9 km
Travel time: 11min
3
Day

Saint Ours Les Roches

stone village volcanic landscape

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5 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Vulcania park and its interactive exhibitions on the volcanoes of Auvergne.
🎯

Activities

→
Participation in a 3D projection and immersive attractions about volcanic phenomena.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 39 km
Travel time: 47min
4
Day

Le Mont Dore

alpine spa volcanic peaks

Le Mont Dore - Photo 1Le Mont Dore - Photo 2Le Mont Dore - Photo 3Le Mont Dore - Photo 4Le Mont Dore - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Climb to the summit of Puy de Sancy, the highest volcano in mainland France.
2
Observation of local wildlife: marmots, mouflons, chamois.
🎯

Activities

→
Cable car ride or hike to the summit of Puy de Sancy.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 13 km
Travel time: 16min
5
Day

Le Mont Dore

alpine spa volcanic peaks

Le Mont Dore - Photo 1Le Mont Dore - Photo 2Le Mont Dore - Photo 3Le Mont Dore - Photo 4Le Mont Dore - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Hike to the waterfalls of Mont Dore: Grande Cascade, Saut du Loup, Queureuilh and Rossignolet.
2
Observation of the sources of the Dordogne and walk in the thermal village.
🎯

Activities

→
Nature break and photography of waterfalls in the heart of volcanic forests.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 12 km
Travel time: 14min
6
Day

Murol

fortress crowns crater rim

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8 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the medieval castle of Murol overlooking the valley and reconstruction of 15th century life.
2
Discovery of the village of Saint-Nectaire and its traditional cheese dairies.
🎯

Activities

→
Historical show at Murol castle with costumed actors.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 13 km
Travel time: 16min
7
Day

Chambon Sur Lac

crater lake mirror tranquility

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4 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Lake Chambon, volcanic lake located at the foot of the Sancy massif.
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming, canoeing or pedal boating on Lake Chambon.
→
Walk on the beaches and trails around the lake.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 29 km
Travel time: 35min
8
Day

Montpeyroux

lava village dark stone heart

Montpeyroux - Photo 1Montpeyroux - Photo 2Montpeyroux - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of the medieval village of Montpeyroux, classified among the most beautiful villages of France.
2
Climb to the keep for panorama over the plain of Issoire and the mountains of Auvergne.
🎯

Activities

→
Stroll through the cobbled streets lined with golden stone houses.

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

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