The Chaîne des Puys is a north–south alignment of 80 extinct volcanoes stretching approximately 40 kilometres across the Puy-de-Dôme department of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018 as part of the Chaîne des Puys–Limagne fault tectonic arena, the site is celebrated as an exceptionally well-preserved record of volcanic geology: the 80 volcanoes include scoria cones, lava domes, maars (explosion craters), and lava flow fields, all less than 95,000 years old. The Puy de Dôme (1,465 m) is the highest and most visited point, accessible by the Panoramique des Dômes cog railway or on foot via the Chemin des Muletiers trail. Other notable summits include the Puy de Pariou, whose near-perfectly preserved crater rim can be walked in about 30 minutes from the Col de Laschamps car park, and the Grosmanaux maar, a shallow lake-filled explosion crater. The chain is crossed by several walking trails and by the GR441 long-distance path, which traverses the entire chain in two to three days. The Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, which encompasses the chain, covers 395,000 hectares and includes farmland, forests, and the volcanic uplands. Wildlife includes hen harriers, short-toed eagles, and wild boar. Information and trail maps are available at the Maison du Parc in Orcines, near the base of the Puy de Dôme.
Good to know
- Hours
- Always accessible (outdoor landscape)
- Best time
- Late spring (May–June) for wildflowers; autumn (September–October) for clear views and golden light
Location
Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, 63870 Orcines, France (main access via D941 from Clermont-Ferrand)
45.7754, 2.9729 View on map
Highlights
- 80 well-preserved extinct volcanoes in a 40-km chain — UNESCO World Heritage listed in 2018
- Puy de Dôme summit (1,465 m): panoramic views over the entire chain and Limagne plain
- Puy de Pariou: an almost perfectly preserved scoria cone with a walkable crater rim
- GR441 long-distance hiking trail traversing the full chain in 2–3 days
- Cloud inversion phenomenon in autumn and winter: volcanic summits emerging above a sea of cloud
Tips for visiting
- Begin at the Maison du Parc in Orcines for free trail maps and information on current path conditions.
- The Puy de Pariou crater rim walk (45 minutes from Col de Laschamps car park) is less crowded than the Puy de Dôme and equally rewarding.
- Late May and June are optimal: wildflowers are at their peak and visibility is generally good before summer haze builds.
- The cog railway to the Puy de Dôme summit requires advance booking in summer — book online to guarantee a departure slot.
- Check weather conditions before setting out: the volcanic summits are exposed, and conditions change rapidly.
When to visit
Late May to June for wildflowers and clear visibility. Autumn (September–October) offers golden light and cloud inversions. Summer (July–August) is warm but hazy; early morning visits reduce heat and haze. Avoid the summit railway at midday in peak season.
Accessibility
The Panoramique des Dômes cog railway to the Puy de Dôme summit is accessible to wheelchair users. Walking trails across the chain are generally uneven volcanic terrain and not suitable for wheelchairs. The Maison du Parc visitor centre in Orcines is accessible.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors explore the Chaîne des Puys without hiking?
Yes. The D941 road runs parallel to the chain and gives access to car parks at the base of several volcanoes. The Panoramique des Dômes railway carries visitors to the summit of Puy de Dôme without a hike.
Is the Chaîne des Puys suitable for families with children?
Yes. The Puy de Dôme cog railway and the short Puy de Pariou crater rim walk are both manageable for families. Younger children will enjoy the dramatic volcanic landscape without needing to complete a long trail.
What is the best volcanic formation to visit after the Puy de Dôme?
The Puy de Pariou offers the most dramatic crater experience: the rim walk encircles a near-perfect bowl crater. For a maar (explosion crater), the Grosmanaux site near Clermont-Ferrand is accessible and free.