Chaîne des Puys – Limagne fault – UNESCO | Tourism Office Terra Volcana

An exceptional volcanic landscape in the Auvergne

At the heart of the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d’Auvergne, the Chaîne des Puys – Faille de la Limagne is a unique and essential geological site. Since 2018, this site has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of its scientific interest and natural beauty. Stretching for around 45 kilometres, the Chaîne des Puys features almost 80 volcanoes: cones, domes and maars follow one another in a landscape of forests, lakes and pastures.
Each summit reveals a stage in the volcanic history of the Auvergne, illustrating the evolution of the earth’s crust as a result of volcanism and tectonics.

Discover this tectonic hot spot - Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault

A unique heritage! The Chaîne des Puys-Faille de Limagne complex, a UNESCO site

Did you know that the Chaîne des Puys-Faille de Limagne tectonic complex includes no fewer than 80 volcanoes? And that these volcanoes are all around thirty kilometres long and only 4 kilometres wide? Quite simply, it’s a line-up of volcanoes that’s unique in the world, and in 2018 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional value. But what does this complex volcanic complex tell us about the history of our planet?

The Chaîne des Puys-Faille de Limagne was in fact the witness to an extraordinary phenomenon that radically changed the geography of our planet: the break-up of the continents! Formed between 95,000 and 8,400 years ago, in response to the formation of the Alps, the Chaîne des Puys is young. Very young indeed! And it’s precisely this youthfulness that makes it so easy to appreciate its varied shapes, which have been little affected by erosion. This is the only site in the world to truly illustrate this phenomenon, also known as “rifting”.

Objective Preservation of the UNESCO site

The site’s inscription on the UNESCO list in 2018 rewards more than ten years of research and local commitment.
It is based on criterion VIII, which distinguishes sites that illustrate the major stages in the Earth’s history.

UNESCO’s World Heritage programme aims to preserve places of universal value so that they can be passed on to future generations. And preservation is what our volcanoes need. So when you come to survey our peaks and touch our craters, there are a few golden rules for you, the nature lover:

Stay on the marked trails. Because of its fragility, the Chaîne des Puys is prone to erosion. Let’s all respect the flora and fauna of our 80 volcanoes.
It is forbidden to pick protected flowers in the Auvergne. But don’t forget to sling your camera over your shoulder so you don’t miss out on any of the fabulous technicolour shows!
Sustainable is the future! Instead of disposable crockery, opt for reusable bottles and tins. And make sure you don’t leave any rubbish on the ground. Our volcanoes deserve it!
Many of the meadows on our volcanoes are private. So herds of sheep and cows abound. Think of their comfort and peace of mind and don’t get too close.

A must-see The Volvic UNESCO Site House

Located at the Goulet site in Volvic, the UNESCO Site House at the northern entrance to the “Chaîne des Puys – faille de Limagne” site offers an immersive first contact with an exceptional area.
Inaugurated in July 2022, it houses the Terra Volcana tourist office and features a modern, fun-filled exhibition area with 3D models, video projections, touch screens and panoramic photos of the volcanoes, to help visitors understand volcanism, the geology of the Limagne fault and the issues involved in preserving it.

A visit to the Maison de site is the ideal way to start your discovery of the Chaîne des Puys with solid reference points: orientation, advice, ideas for walks and sites to see.

It also encourages a respectful approach to the natural landscape. If you’re curious about geology, love nature, or are looking for an educational place to visit with the family, don’t miss the Maison de site de Volvic: an excellent starting point for exploring the richness and beauty of this UNESCO heritage site.