Puy-De-Dôme: Hotels and Accommodation

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Winter and Activities

The Circuit des volcans – La boucle des Dômes is an 83-kilometre cycling loop that circles the volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys and begins at the foot of the puy de Dôme. There are two options for shortening the route: Bonnabaud-Champille and St Pierre Le Chastel – Bannières. The loop offers exceptional views of the puy de Pariou and the neighbouring puys.

The Circuit aux portes de Riom – Entre pierre et eau is a cycling loop that reaches the Gour de Tazenat, an exceptional natural volcanic lake. The loop also reaches the Sioule River and the waterfall at Montfermy, which can provide a refreshing stop.

The hiking trails of Auvergne VolcanSancy lead across high plateaus, puys, volcanoes and peaks, as well as to lakes and rivers, through forests and other natural areas.

Nature

The UNESCO-listed tectonic arena of Chaîne des Puys–Limagne encompasses 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 following the formation of the Alps. The UNESCO site is an exceptional representation of continental rifting, one of the five major phases of plate tectonics.

The Plateau de Gergovie is a nearly 70-hectare natural viewpoint offering 360-degree views across Auvergne.

La Tour d’Auvergne has natural waterfalls and basalt columns in a preserved natural setting. The Lac d’Auvergne in La Tour d’Auvergne offers fishing, supervised swimming and water games.

At the summit of the Puy de Dôme, the Chemin des Conquérants circles the summit in around 30 minutes. The Chemin de ronde offers a 360-degree panorama. On the western side, there is a picnic area, an indoor space for picnicking and sanitary facilities.

The Panoramique des Dômes rack railway takes visitors to an altitude of 1,465 metres in 15 minutes and provides access to the Puy de Dôme for all visitors. The T2C P36 bus route serves the departure station of the Panoramique des Dômes directly.

Culture

The Temple of Mercury on the Puy de Dôme dates from the 2nd century AD and is considered one of the largest Roman mountain sanctuaries in the Western world. Archaeological excavations around the church of Olby have uncovered remains dating from the 5th to the 12th century. In Olby, walks lead to the Calvary of Puy de Cros and the Roman bridge at Glavin.

Vulcania combines dynamic activities, films on a giant screen, a large planetarium, scientific outreach and live shows.

The Musée départemental de la Céramique in Lezoux offers activities for families, young people, older people and people with disabilities as part of a fully accessible cultural programme. The museum also has an outdoor area for relaxing and picnicking, as well as free parking for cars, motorhomes and buses. It can be reached via the A89 at exit 1, Lezoux–Billom, or via the D2089. The museum documents the terra sigillata pottery produced during the first five centuries AD and its role in spreading Roman culture throughout Europe.

Regional Specialities

Saint-Nectaire is produced in the Monts Dore above an altitude of 700 metres between Cantal and Puy-de-Dôme; maturation takes place in both départements. The geographical area of Bleu d’Auvergne extends across part of Puy-de-Dôme.

Local Information

Additional local information is available for Chambon-Sur-Lac, La Bourboule, Murol, Super Besse, Sancy, Besse-Et-Saint-Anastaise, Le Mont-Dore, Picherande, Vertolaye, La Tour-D'auvergne, Murat-Le-Quaire and Le Brugeron.

For the overarching travel overview: Auvergne.