6 free activities in the Puy-de-Dôme for all the family

What can you do in Terra Volcana during the holidays without spending a single euro? As well as the must-see sites of Parc Vulcania, Volcan de Lemptégy and Grotte de la Pierre, our Auvergne region is packed with free activities to enjoy with family and friends during your stay: hiking trails, walking festivals, gourmet delights… The best thing is to be curious!

1. Gamboling from volcano to volcano on the Jume and Coquille puys

No, there are no “new kids on the block” among the 80 volcanoes in the Chaîne des Puys, even if Puys de Jume and Puys de la Coquille are babies on a geological scale! Less well known than other Auvergne volcanoes, their summits offer superb panoramic views.

The hike gets off to a great start with Thierry Courtadon‘s “Chuchoter”, part of the “Conjuguer la nature” exhibition, visible from the very first kilometres! And their craters, real havens of biodiversity, can be approached even if it is forbidden to enter them. In 2022, these 2 volcanoes were developed by the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne.

What’s more: to find out everything you need to know about our volcanoes, tour leaders and hiking guides will be delighted to share their insights with you!

2. Explore the rhinolophe trail in Volvic

In Volvic, the LPO Auvergne – Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux – launched the Rhinolophe Trail in 2022, an exciting family trail.

The Réserve naturelle des cheires et des grottes de Volvic is the largest bat hibernation site in Auvergne. Along its 500-metre length, fun themed panels await young and old alike to show them the richness of the Reserve.

The many other signposted paths and orienteering trails in the Parc de la Source are close by for further adventure. Your children are sure to love following Rodolphe the rhinolophus, the star of the trail!

Plus: find out more about the formation of the Chaîne des Puys at the new Maison de site UNESCO in Volvic, 12 rue des Sources.

3. Marvel at Mozac Abbey

If you’re a lover of old stones, there’s one building in particular that has many treasures to show you:Mozac Abbey, a jewel of Auvergne Romanesque art.

Here, just a few hundred metres from Riom, you can admire over 40 historiated capitals in an admirable state of preservation. As a bonus, another treasure is hidden in Mozac Abbey, the Châsse de Saint-Calmin, a masterpiece of 12th-century Limousin enamelling.

And for those who want to add a pleasant stroll to their visit, Mozac Abbey can be reached on foot from the nearby town centre of Riom via the Coulée Verte de l’Ambène, a particularly pleasant soft path just like the park that adjoins the monument!

4. Enjoy a unique walking festival in Auvergne

Every year in October, the Festival de Balades delights young and old alike during the All Saints’ Day holidays.

From music to theatre, on foot, on two wheels or in a pushchair, in the vineyards or on the volcanoes, most of the Festival walks are free.

The natural areas of Terra Volcana will hold no secrets for you, starting with the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Would you like to share these moments with the locals? Then you’re in luck! Local associations and guides from the area have come up with the ideas for these events. So come and enjoy our volcanoes with the locals!

Consult the diary

5. Get curious about our craftsmen and producers

In Terra Volcana, you’ll discover passionate craftsmen and producers who are happy to open their doors for visits, often free of charge.

Fancy a tasty treat? Le Safran des Puys in Saint-Ours-les-Roches offers tours and tastings all year round. The Vensat and Blotoil mills share their well-kept secrets by appointment.

The winemakers of the Puy-de-Dôme welcome you to reveal the aromas of their volcanic wines. In Riom, head for the Benoît Montel cellar or Cave Sicard Wine.

As for arts and crafts, why not plan a visit to the Verrerie du Marais in Riom to admire the glassblower at work?

All our craftsmen and producers

6. Taking it easy along the Allier

Ah, the gentle sound of lapping water! In the Puy-de-Dôme we are lucky enough to have one of Europe’s last great wild rivers, the Allier!

In Terra Volcana, it meanders past Maringues and the hamlet of Vialle. It’s here that the paths that run alongside it offer peaceful, bucolic walks for couples and families alike.

Better still, small pebble beaches invite young and old alike to dream a little, soak up the sun, have a laugh or share a picnic by the water… In short, to really get away from it all!