Discover Vernines, Puy-de-Dôme: a gem in Auvergne

At the foot of one of the most famous volcanoes in the Chaîne des Puys, Puy de la Vache, you can observe various volcanic phenomena through vegetation, basalt quarries, ponds and magnificent views.

This family hike, with its many panoramic views, takes you to the puys de la Vache and Lassolas, twin volcanoes of remarkable proportions. The surrounding landscape is made up of cooled lava bombs scattered over a soil composed in part of pozzolan.

Lac d'Aydat offers a wide range of water-based activities, with a beach and water sports center. Views over the Chaîne des Puys provide a glimpse of the Auvergne landscape: lakes, volcanoes, villages, megaliths and agricultural valleys.

Lac d'Aydat is a volcanic reservoir. After circumnavigating the lake and enjoying panoramic views of the volcanoes, the path leads the walker to the pontoons above the Aydat wetland, a place rich in flora and fauna.

This itinerary on the Serre plateau, a fine example of inverted relief, offers superb views of the Monts Dômes and Monts Dore, as well as Lac de La Cassière. Attentive hikers will spot dry-stone shepherd's shelters.

Along the way, you'll discover the tomb of Thèdes, where Benoît GONOD, an illustrious 19th-century teacher, is buried. Enjoy the view of the Puy-de-Dôme and the Artière gorges. Marked trails. Hiking map available free of charge at the Escapad' reception desk, where the route starts.

A real family outing, the discovery of Chatrat offers a beautiful view of the Puy de Dôme. Marked trails. Hiking map available free of charge at the Escapad' reception desk, where the route starts.

This tour takes you to the Saint-Aubin chapel, to discover the Chabanat spring, reputed to heal visitors' eyes. Marked trails. Hiking map available free of charge at the Escapad' reception desk, where the route starts.

Bordering numerous fountains near the village of Beaune-le-Chaud, this walk offers a magnificent view of the Chaîne de Puys. Marked trails. Hiking map available free of charge at the Escapad' reception desk, where the route starts.

An area crossed by the Cheire d'Aydat flowing from the puys de la Vache and de Lassolas. The Monne flows into the valley in torrents, making the paths steep and cool, and offering fine panoramic views of the volcanoes.

Family-hotel and restaurant near Lake La Cassière. The inn "Between Lakes and Volcanoes" offers a nature stop for a meal or a stay.

The château will not be open to individual visitors this season Château de Batisse invites you on a fascinating journey through the centuries. Originally a medieval fortress, the Château has been transformed into a prestigious residence, bearing witness to the architectural savoir-faire of each era it has passed through. An exceptional estate is revealed step by step: waterfalls and crystal-clear rivers, pools with silvery reflections, sumptuous parks and formal gardens, a rose garden of a thousand colors and bewitching fragrances.

Want to discover the world of volcanoes and the natural phenomena of planet Earth? Go exploring in Vulcania in Auvergne, unique park in Europe on the theme of volcanoes and the Earth. You can enjoy a 3-hour outing to explore the interior of a totally natural volcano on foot or on a little train, with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide. During this fun visit you’ll encounter some geological treasures and learn about man’s involveme

Explore the heart of a real volcano... Located at the center of the tectonic "Chaîne des Puys - Faille de Limagne" UNESCO World Heritage Site, we offer you the unique and unusual opportunity to discover the inside of a 100% natural volcano. Discover the secrets of volcanology with a 2h30 interactive tour of the Lemptégy volcano, comprising 5 stages: - The "volcano and men" tour: this fun, interactive introduction to the visit will familiarize you with the volcano and give you a better understanding of its metamorphosis. A 30-minute self-guided tour. - Guided exploration of the volcano's anatomy: meet your guide on foot or by train. He'll share all his geological and volcanological knowledge with you: bombs, volcanic chimneys, lava flows... and you'll leave with scoria (solidified lava). A wealth of information to help you better understand the landscape around you. - L'âme de Lemptégy": an unusual journey into the site's industrial past, with a visit to the old pozzolan extraction machines once used by quarrymen. - The immersive "Volcano 'Express" attraction: this sensory and emotional experience reveals all the secrets behind the formation of the Chaîne des Puys and the Faille de Limagne. What if the fault were to reopen... Will you reach your destination? - The dynamic 4D film "Aux Origines": enjoy an unprecedented flight over the volcanoes of Auvergne and relive the history of the volcano as if you were there, from its eruptions to the present day. While you're there, treat yourself to a gourmet break at the Volcan de Lemptégy restaurant. The chef offers traditional regional dishes (sausage/aligot, truffade, petit salé...). You can also stroll through the new boutique and discover a wide range of regional products, souvenirs, books... LE REVEIL DU VOLCAN" NIGHT TOUR: a breathtaking nocturnal experience! Entering at night, you'll be propelled into the heart of the Lemptégy Volcano for an extraordinary experience. Along the way, you'll plunge into an erupting volcano and discover magical creatures. A new world to discover and a new way to experience Volcan de Lemptégy. 1.5 km on foot. Prices and schedule: see website. IN JULY AND AUGUST

Understand at last the work of the bee, its role on the environment. Workshop to create breeding-cages for insects. Candle making. During a fun and educational visit, the facilitator first presents how the life of bees in the hive is organized. Then, you will discover the essential role of the bee in our environment with the help of the "theater of nature". Then, observe the bees in complete safety in the glass hives. Then comes the most spectacular moment, when the host opens a beehive behind glass. Thanks to a macro video system, we get inside the cells! At the honey house, you will attend a demonstration of honey extraction. And to end this journey well, we offer you a tasting of honey and homemade products. Duration of the visit: around 1h15 The Boutique is open all year round Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. and on the opening days of the museum. Discovery workshops during school holidays. Exhibition on edible insects and children's games.

.Located on the Gergovie plateau - a true natural belvedere over Auvergne, this new generation plunges young and old into the Gallic Wars between Vercingetorix and Julius Caesar. It combines archaeological objects and multimedia tools. More than a visit, the Archaeological Museum of the Battle of Gergovie offers a lively and interactive journey. The space combines graphics, models, archaeological objects and multimedia with the highlight of an audiovisual room plunging the visitor into the atmosphere of the Battle of Gergovie between Romans and Gauls. The route also allows you to discover the civilization of oppida arvernes, to discover the archaeological secrets of Gergovie and to understand the natural and geological history of the Plateau and the magnificent landscapes that surround it.

At an altitude of 850 m, between high plateaux and volcanoes, this renovated former barn offers self-catering accommodation for 15 people. Hammam, natural swimming pool, large landscaped outdoor area, terraces, petanque area... Large detached stone house close to the owners' home. You have access to the entire building for a total capacity of 15 people in 6 bedrooms, each with its own shower room and private bathroom. Spread over 3 floors, you'll appreciate the space and be able to enjoy good times with friends or family. On the ground floor, you can share your meals around the large dining room table. The owners will provide you with everything you need to prepare your meals. There are 2 lounges where you can relax by the fire or enjoy a TV break. A Hammam is available for a truly relaxing moment (extra charge). For total comfort, beds are made on arrival, and cleaning and heating are included. Washing machine. Terrace, garden furniture, children's play area, private car park. Motorbike shelter. Biological swimming pool. Petanque pitch Shops and services at La Goutelle 6 km, Pontaumur 10 km. Access to A89 Bromont Lamothe exit.

A visit to l'Aventure Michelin is astonishing, fun and friendly, and opens the doors to an exceptional world. L'Aventure Michelin is a scenographic journey of 2000m². Thanks to an interactive scenography, you will discover the history, the present and the future of the Michelin group. From the very first detachable tyre to the MICHELIN Visionary Concept not forgetting the famous maps and guides - or the good old Michelin Man - a whole world of excitement awaits you ! The museum exhibition is bilingual (French/English). You can also take a tour in German or Spanish, thanks to the audioguide available at the site reception, or in German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch by downloading the free l'Aventure Michelin mobile application.

Do you love climbing? Then come and discover this 1800m² bouldering park in Vétraz-Monthoux. Large, bright spaces to discover or rediscover bouldering. For experienced climbers, try out Europe's largest indoor "psychobloc". Detailed description

Come and discover the donkey ride from the Marinette farm. Supervised or independent practice. Walks that take you to Chemin Fais'Art. Live a moment of sharing alongside our companions: donkeys or ponies. Whether it's just for the pleasure of being accompanied, to carry your belongings or your toddlers!

Located in the heart of the Chaîne des Puys, the Maison du Parc offers a vast reception and information area... On site, you'll find a permanent illustrated and interactive exhibition on the Park and its natural and cultural heritage, temporary exhibitions, a store selling ecological products, hiking guides and accessories, and local produce. An out-of-bag room for groups and a 100-seat conference room are available on reservation. Departure point for discovery and hiking trails. Nature discovery trails for families and schools (nature musette on the Vichatel trail). Free admission.

With a surface area of 395,000 hectares, the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne is the largest Regional Nature Park in mainland France! The Parc des Volcans, in the heart of Auvergne, is made up of remarkable landscapes, flora and fauna. But it also owes its singularity to an entire rural community that has been able to retain its know-how and culture. The area encompassed by the Parc des Volcans has 4 national nature reserves: the Réserve de la Vallée de Chaudefour, the Réserve des Sagnes de la Godivelle, the Réserve du Rocher de la Jacquette and the Réserve Chastreix Sancy. Through its valleys, on the high plateaux and ridges, alongside the rivers and lakes, in the forests and through the fields, the park provides all outdoor enthusiasts with some fantastic trips along the trails, which are marked GR or PR.

The Puy de la Vache reaches a height of 1,167 metres. Its main lava flow, together with that of the Puy de Lassolas, is known as the Cheire d'Aydat. By blocking off valleys, it created various lakes including the Etang de la Cassière to the north and the Lac d'Aydat to the south in the Veyre valley. These 8,000 year old volcanoes are the most recently-formed of their kind in the Chaîne des Puys. Puy de la Vache rises to an altitude of 1,167 metres. Its main lava flow, together with that of the Puy de Lassolas, is known as the cheire d'Aydat. By damming the valleys, it created a number of lakes, including Lac de la Cassière to the north and Lac d'Aydat to the south in the Veyre valley. At 8,000 years old, they are the youngest volcanoes in the Chaîne des Puys. The Chaîne des Puys stretches for fifteen kilometers, reaching as far as the present-day communes of Saint-Saturnin and Saint-Amant-Tallende. The particular color of these puys, due to oxidation, ranges from red (for those left exposed to the heat of the crater) to black, resulting in surprisingly chaotic landscapes, reinforced by the presence of numerous voluminous slags left over from the eruption. Pets are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash.

The former Aydat wetland, naturally present until the 1960s-1970s, was revived in May 2012. This zone alone represents a rich and important environment for the lake's biodiversity. Its main role is to purify the waters of the Veyre thanks to the presence of suitable vegetation that limits phosphorus inputs into Lac d'Aydat. You can stroll through this area along a path of pontoons with footbridges and observatories overlooking the pond, where you can see many species of birds. Guided outings are organized on Thursday mornings from July to November to discover the richness of this biodiversity. Click on the orange "Reserve" button (top right) for more information and to book your outing online...

Laschamps retains a 12th century Romanesque-style church, Église Saint-Nicolas, close to the remains of a public space. Prior to the French Revolution, the parish of Laschamps was under the control of the Abbaye de Beaumont, whose abbess appointed the priest. After the Revolution, when the parishes were being rearranged by the Concordat, the Prefect wanted to eliminate the Laschamps chapel of ease in 1806 but the Bishop had it maintained as an independent parish of Saint-Genès-Champanelle. Built from arkose in Romanesque style, Église Saint-Nicolas dates from the 12th century. With a Latin cross floor plan, it features a single smooth barrel-vaulted nave. The entire transept is also barrel-vaulted, including on its crossing, which makes a very original combination. The choir apse features a decor with five arches with columns and capital with leaf designs. On the western façade, the rose window dates back to the 19th century. Today the church serves as a departure point for the walk to Notre-Name d’Orcival, an important pilgrimage site. The remains of a public space can be seen downhill from the church: an area in the village centre with a bakehouse, wash house, drinking fountain, well and blacksmith’s shop. Today only the bakehouse, the wash house and the drinking fountain remain. Opposite the church, a monument with an unusual form, which gave its name to the “place du Bonnet”, was built to commemorate the great fire of 17 September 1865, which ravaged multiple residences, killing 4 people and injuring 3.

Église Notre-Dame de la Visitation was the site of a very popular pilgrimage. In the 12th century, Beaune and Pardon formed a small manor that was a fiefdom of the Dauphin d’Auvergne and under the control of the manor of Montrognon (Ceyrat). It then passed under the control of the manors of Châteaugay, Les Giac and Les Laqueuille until the French Revolution. The village had a small chapel where a statue of the Virgin Mary attracted many pilgrims. Stillborn babies were taken there to be brought back to life and baptised. In 1727, the bishop forbade this practice and a manuscript from 1747 mentions that the statue was moved to the château’s chapel. After the Concordat, the small chapel in the village was bought by the inhabitants who repaired it and placed the preserved statue there. During the 19th century, the Notre-Dame-de-Beaune pilgrimage underwent a revival. Travellers going from Clermont to Mont-Dore paid homage to Notre-Dame-de-Beaune as they passed. Today, Notre-Dame-de-Beaune is still celebrated each year on the first Sunday of July. The church was restored and extended in 1863 according to plans by the architect Ledru.

Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption de Nadaillat dates back to the 19th century. It was built thanks to the efforts of the inhabitants. Under the Ancien-Régime, the territory of Nadaillat was under the control of the parish of Chanonat, whose communalist priests came to celebrate mass and administer the sacraments. Pastoral visits confirmed that the building was in good condition and indicated that it was vaulted. After the French Revolution and the Concordat in 1801, the Église de Nadaillat became attached to the Église Saint-Genès at Saint-Genès-Champanelle. Mass was celebrated there only sporadically on certain religious holidays. In 1838, the inhabitants fought tooth and nail to have their church one again part of the parish, as a chapel of ease to Église Saint-Genès in Saint-Genès-Champanelle. A new building was put up to replace the former church. The parishioners financed the project and helped with the work. The church was consecrated in 1842 by Monseigneur Féron, bishop of Clermont, and dedicated to Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption. The bell tower completed the church after 1852. The church’s architect is not known, and its style is neo-Gothic with bay frames, buttresses and a bell tower made from Volvic stone. The façade is set off by two buttresses framing the entrance and two niches. Above the niches, partly erased inscriptions give the date of 1842 on the right and “Hoc potuit pietas vici” (Here piety triumphed). A triangular pediment crowns the façade, providing a hint of neo-Classicism.

Inaugurated in 1954, the Chapelle Saint-Aubin houses a spring whose water is thought to have many virtues. During World War II (1939-1945), the inhabitants of Manson, fearing for their village, promised to build a chapel if their village was spared. Their wish was granted and the work began in 1952, on the site of an older building of which only vestiges of the foundations remained in the early 20th century. The new chapel was inaugurated in 1954. The villagers took the statue of Saint Aubin there from the church in Manson. The statue was then placed in a niche above the outlet of the spring known as “Chabana” or “Chabanat”, which flows inside the chapel. Its water is thought to have many virtues, including the ability to cure eye diseases. A legend recounts that thieves entering the chapel to steal the offerings suddenly went blind. They didn’t recover their sight until they had repented. This is thought to be the origin of the old French adage “Saint Aubin gives sight and takes it away”. The spring water, downhill from the chapel, supplies a drinking trough with several vats for migrating cattle herds. The frescoes inside the chapel were created by André Siramy in 1954. They illustrate the legends related to this site. Beneath the vault, an archangel endows Saint Aubin with miraculous powers. On the left the saint is curing the blind. On the right he is freeing prisoners, reminding us that the men of Manson, imprisoned during World War II, returned safe and sound. The original frescoes were damaged by humidity and renovated between 2013 and 2015.

At the summit of the Puy de Dôme, visitors can discover the remains of one of the largest mountain sanctuaries of the Roman Empire, built in the middle of the 2nd century AD: the Temple of Mercury. Unearthed at the end of the 19th century, the remains of the Temple of Mercury are difficult to read at the beginning of the 21st century. Following a programmed excavation campaign, a project to restore and enhance the sanctuary of Mercury has been launched by the Département and the State. Today, the remains of the Temple of Mercury give only a limited idea of the sanctuary's monumentality. In ancient times, the southern flank of the summit of the Puy de Dôme was the site of a complex system of processional walkways leading the faithful to the entrance of the temple. Access was gained from the Col de Ceyssat settlement, located at the highest point of Agrippa's road. So, in the 2nd century, the largest mountain temple in Roman Gaul stood at the summit of the Puy de Dôme! Mainly dedicated to Mercury, this large terraced sanctuary was a major pilgrimage site. The temple was therefore built around 2,000 years ago, in a period known as "Gallo-Roman", almost two centuries after the Roman conquest of Gaul. Mercury seems to have been appreciated by the Arvernes, and was one of the most venerated gods, both god of trade and protector of travelers. His attributes include small wings, a purse and a caduceus. The construction of this temple at the summit of the Puy de Dôme was no accident. From an ideal vantage point overlooking the capital of the city of Augustonemetum - today's Clermont-Ferrand - the sanctuary was in plain sight.

The tomb of Thèdes is a funeral chapel with an original structure designed for Benoit Gonod and his wife in the 19th century. At the age of just 23, Benoît Gonod (1792-1849) was appointed Professor of Rhetoric in 1815, at the Collège Royal de Clermont-Ferrand. Very well-read and a great philosopher, he joined the Académie de Clermont-Ferrand in 1824. In 1826 he was appointed librarian of the city by the mayor, Antoine Blatin. In 1832, Gonod collaborated with André-Marie Ampère (1775-1836), the famous physicist whose name is given to a unit of measurement. Gonod invented the first stenotype in 1827, a machine that transcribes speech in phonetic script. He was a collector and built a personal library that enhances Clermont Ferrand’s municipal collections through a donation by his widow in 1850. Gonod owned a summer residence at Thèdes and had this tomb built for himself and his wife in the middle of the 19th century. The chapel’s circular layout is unique in the region, and is covered by a flagstone dome around which runs a sentry walk boasting a panoramic view of the village, the Circuit de Charade car-racing track and the Limagne plain. The three levels, the crypt, nave and attic, are connected by an interior staircase. The arch of the entrance features the sculpted initials of Benoît Gonod and his wife, as well as the following inscription translated from the Latin: “Quiconque aura prié dans ce lieu, réponds-lui de ta demeure” [Whoever prays in this place, answer him from your dwelling]. And above it, around the rose window: “La bénédiction de Dieu soit sur nous et sur le fruit de la terre” [May the blessing of God be upon us and upon the fruit of the earth]. The nave features an altar and a stained-glass window (1992) dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of the village. In 1943, Pauline de Varenne, the heir, donated the chapel to the diocese of Clermont-Ferrand. In 1983, Monseigneur Dardel passed it on to the municipality, which renovated it.

In the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park, 20 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand, the restaurant is ideally located on the beach of Lake Aydat. The chef offers traditional cuisine and a range of pizza, burger, salad and snack.

Local and traditional restoration in the exceptional historical site of Gergovie. This restaurant offres a panoramic setting 15 minutes from Clermont-Fd.

Traditional cuisine.

Traditional cuisine using local produce.

Annie and Pascal Delpeuch will welcome you in their establishment Le Chavanon and offer to treat you to good regional dishes.

This restaurant is located close to Lastioulles water sports centre and to the municipal campground. Tourist area for fishing, hunting and mushrooms gathering. Bar - tobacconist’s - restaurant - catering delivered Menu during high season - closed on Mondays during low season

Lacustra is a semi-gastronomic restaurant offering cuisine made exclusively with fresh, seasonal produce. Located on the banks of the Etang de la Ramade, the restaurant features a dining room and terrace with panoramic views over the water. * Cuisine: Benoit Pireyre, our head chef, will offer you a culinary discovery based on local seasonal produce. Our menu is designed around quality products and their producers. To make the most of the moment, we invite you to trust us with the preparations and discover your dish at the last moment. * The menu: Every day, we'll be offering 3 starters, 3 main courses and 3 desserts suggested by our chef, made exclusively from fresh produce, with an emphasis on small-scale producers, local market gardeners and livestock breeders.

Brasserie on the water's edge with a breathtaking view of the Château de Val. The Relais Valcastel and its team offer a varied, high-quality menu. Showcasing regional products and dishes. Drinks, ice creams, pancakes, waffles.

Come and taste the family cuisine and the specialties of the Aixois: Boudin gris aux pommes, terrine, Tête de veau and Tripes à la mode de Caen. Pizza evening cooked on wood fire on Friday evening. Warm bistro atmosphere.

Located in Champs-sur-Tarentaine-Marchal, Le Saint Rémi offers authentic and generous cuisine. Open from Sunday to Friday, for lunch all year round, and for lunch and dinner in August, the restaurant offers: a daily menu at €17, served at lunchtime. A menu featuring burgers, regional dishes and our specialty: frog legs. Come and discover local flavors in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Family-hotel and restaurant near Lake La Cassière. The inn "Between Lakes and Volcanoes" offers a nature stop for a meal or a stay.

Ecolodge in mountain village in Cournols. Construction with ecological materials and feng-shui intervention and geobiology. Fully equipped. Parking and private outdoor space. Rent by week or by night.

Opening 20/03/2020 > 01/11/2020 Stay in the Volcano region of the Auvergne! In the spa town of Royat, Huttopia Royat campsite welcomes you at the foot of the Puy de Dôme in a peaceful, natural setting.

At an altitude of 850 m, between high plateaux and volcanoes, this renovated former barn offers self-catering accommodation for 15 people. Hammam, natural swimming pool, large landscaped outdoor area, terraces, petanque area... Large detached stone house close to the owners' home. You have access to the entire building for a total capacity of 15 people in 6 bedrooms, each with its own shower room and private bathroom. Spread over 3 floors, you'll appreciate the space and be able to enjoy good times with friends or family. On the ground floor, you can share your meals around the large dining room table. The owners will provide you with everything you need to prepare your meals. There are 2 lounges where you can relax by the fire or enjoy a TV break. A Hammam is available for a truly relaxing moment (extra charge). For total comfort, beds are made on arrival, and cleaning and heating are included. Washing machine. Terrace, garden furniture, children's play area, private car park. Motorbike shelter. Biological swimming pool. Petanque pitch Shops and services at La Goutelle 6 km, Pontaumur 10 km. Access to A89 Bromont Lamothe exit.

Do you love climbing? Then come and discover this 1800m² bouldering park in Vétraz-Monthoux. Large, bright spaces to discover or rediscover bouldering. For experienced climbers, try out Europe's largest indoor "psychobloc". Detailed description

In this old hay barn, 4 lovely, cozy and spacious bedrooms await you, peaceful nights guaranteed ! The balconies have a magnificant view of the Puy Chain. Small, antique furniture is set alongside the large cupboerds of yesteryear. The floors are made of local oak. All the woodwork is treated with natural products.

Situated in Corrèze, just a few minutes from the Puy de Dôme, this ground-floor apartment in the owners' house has been converted into a pleasant gîte surrounded by a pretty flower garden. Beyond the veranda, where you can enjoy your meals, the house opens onto a well-equipped kitchen (dishwasher, oven, fridge, induction hob, small appliances...) and a small living room (wifi, TV). The sleeping area comprises a bedroom (1 bed 140, linen supplied) and an adjoining shower room (shower cubicle, WC, linen supplied), to which is added a second bedroom (2 bunk beds 90). With its painted furniture giving it a country feel, without neglecting comfort, the house is an ideal base for exploring the Millevaches plateau and the Auvergne mountains. This accommodation is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Exceptional setting in the heart of the Artense lakes, with panoramic views of the Sancy massif, the Cantal mountains and the Tact reservoir. Tastefully renovated 5-bedroom gîte. At 900 m altitude, close to GR30 and mountain bike trails, 4 km from Lastioulles water sports center. Recommended by Routard, Guide Vert, Lonely Planet, Petit futé, Cantal Destination. Fishing label.

In a quiet hamlet (3 houses), independent thatched cottage. 1 attic bedroom (3 beds 90) 1 ground-floor bedroom with 1 bed 160 and bathroom with bath and toilet, living room with kitchenette, shower room with shower and toilet, electric central heating, terrace, parasol, wooded grounds (730 m²)