Our ideas for free family activities

4 free family activities in Puy-de-Dôme

Family holidays are great, but between entrance fees, restaurants and other expenses, the budget can quickly get out of hand. But don’t panic! To keep young and old alike happy without breaking the bank, we’ve come up with some free activities that will help you create unforgettable memories without spending a penny. Discover our best ideas for free family activities around Riom, Volvic and Châtel-Guyon.

1. Easy walks and hikes

When it comes to free family activities, hiking is a must. Put on your trainers, strap on your rucksack and let’s go for a walk full of excitement and discovery! Climb a volcano in the Chaine des Puys, walk around a pond, stroll through the forest or go to a waterfall – Terra Volcana gives you everything you need!

Léa and Tino" walks

These loops range from 45 minutes to 2 hours and are designed for families. 5 of these trails are in Terra Volcana:

Enval: Les Gorges d’Enval, 3km – 1h30
Volvic: Le Château de Tournoël, 3.5km – 1h15
Ménétrol: Le vallon de Mirabel, 2.3km – 45mn
St-Sylvestre-Pragoulin: Contrée couleur Sylvestre, 5km – 1h45
Maringues: The Butte de Montgacon, 4.6km – 1hr30mins

The sculpture trail In Châtel-Guyon

There’s nothing like a game to motivate children during a hike! More than 50 wooden statues are hidden along Châtel-Guyon’s fitness trails. These works of art were carved with a chainsaw by Loïc Bertrand, the local authority official in charge of cutting the trees for sanitary purposes. There are 3 trails, ranging from 1.4km to 3.4km . So, who can find the most?

Starting point: the sculpture trail

From waterfall to waterfall Refreshing walks

Imagine walking along shady paths through undergrowth, the perfect setting for a summer’s day. The sound of running water intensifies as you get closer to the ultimate goal: the waterfall!

In Châtel-Guyon, take the Vallée de Sans-Souci loop to reach the pretty Écureuil waterfall. To do this, extend the route by 1 km round trip. All in all, you’ll enjoy a 5km walk through the forest, with only a slight gradient.

In the Gorges d’Enval, there are several options to choose from, depending on the age and stamina of your party. For those with weaker legs, there’s a 3km trail leading to the first waterfall. For more experienced walkers, there’s a 10km loop that leads to two other waterfalls.

Developed paths Discover biodiversity

In Volvic, the Parc de la Source – a nature reserve located on the lava flows of the Puy de la Nugère – is where the rainwater that feeds the Volvic spring seeps in. It’s also the place our friends the bats have chosen to settle down and spend the winter. Take a stroll along the 500-metre Rhinolophe educational trail to learn all about these little inhabitants. Please note that the trail is not accessible to pushchairs.

For the early risers, head for theÉtang Grand de Pulvérières and its 2.4 km trail designed for observing biodiversity. A haven of peace for the birds that flock here to feed. Our advice: make as little noise as possible to stand a chance of spotting them. Remember to bring binoculars if you have them.

Discover all our walks

2. Discover Orienteering

Orienteering is a fun, free activity for all the family! As well as having fun, children learn to find their bearings in space. To spice up the game with older children, why not set up a challenge, girls against boys or parents against children? May the best player win!

Treasure hunts and trails

In Châtel-Guyon, two treasure hunts for children aged 3 and over have been set up in the Parc Thermal and the Parc des Gunchères. Players will have to reconstruct animals or monsters by finding hidden beacons. Grab your smartphone and scan the QR code at the start of the trail to start the game.
In Volvic, in the Parc de la Source, there are two beginner-level map-based orienteering courses. Ask for the maps at the Volvic Tourist Office or at the Volvic O’rigines reception desk and off you go!

Escape games and treasure hunts in Puy-de-Dôme

3. Swimming in natural waters

The Gour de Tazenat

In summer, there’s nothing like a refreshing afternoon dip in a natural lake.

Swimming in a volcano, isn’t that what you were dreaming of when you came to the Auvergne? Just 30 minutes from Riom and 20 minutes from Châtel-Guyon, this magnificent crater lake forms a near-perfect circle and has an equipped, but unsupervised, swimming area. You can also walk around the Gour de Tazenat on a 3.5 km loop.

The Fades Besserves dam

The Fades Besserves dam is located 35 minutes from Volvic and 45 minutes from Riom. It has 3 beaches equipped with children’s play equipment, a leisure centre and an O’vergne Surf water sports centre for wake boarding, wake surfing, towed buoys, etc.

Lake Aydat

Just 45 minutes from Riom, Lac d’Aydat is the largest natural lake in Auvergne, formed by lava flows from the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas. There is a supervised swimming area and plenty of play equipment for children. There is a 6.5km hiking trail around the lake. A sailing school offers a variety of water-based activities (pedalos, sailing, paddling, etc.).

Where to swim in Terra Volcana?

4. A picnic in the countryside

A trip to the market to stock up on good local produce, and off you go for a family picnic. This simple practice is sometimes more popular with our toddlers than a restaurant. Discover our favourite places for a picnic with a view or in bucolic surroundings.

Picnic with a view

At the summit of Puy des Gouttes for good walkers, after having climbed this magnificent volcano on the 6km loop.

In the Limagne region, there are a number of small peaks that are easily accessible with children and offer breathtaking views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Limagne fault: the Butte de Montgacon in Maringues, the Butte de Montpensier in Aigueperse and the Puy Saint-Jean in Artonne.

Waterside picnic

In the hamlet of Vialle, on the banks of the Morge river, which flows into the Allier, Europe’s largest wild river. The small pebble beaches make an ideal place to enjoy your meal and spend the afternoon playing by the water.