Walking in the Auvergne Volcano National Park
Situated on the northwestern edge of the Massif Central in
Southeast France is the hauntingly beautiful landscape of the
Parc des Volcans (Auvergne Volcano National Park). It covers an
area of approximately 395,000 hectares and takes in three
extinct volcanic mountain chains that are spread over two French
departments. The park stretches for more than 120kms along a
north-south axis, and has long been a favourite with hikers from
around the world, thousands of whom visit the area every year.
At the Park's northern extent is the Chaine des Puys (Monts
Domes) - a chain of volcanic creations that takes in the
magnificent crater of Puy de Dome. The Chaine des Puys is the
youngest volcanic chain in the Parc de Volcans, its mountains
last spewing lava across the landscape some 6000 years ago. The
Puy de Dome volcano represents the highest peak here and is
easily accessible by foot or by car.
In the central part of the Parc des Volcans is the Monts Dore
volcanic area. It contains Puy de Sancy, which at 1886m above
sea level is the highest peak in the park. The region has many
distinct craters and crater lakes, making for some of the most
spectacular scenery in the Massif Central.
>From a hiker's perspective the southern volcanic chain of Monts
du Cantal is the most enjoyable of the three areas. Here ridges,
valleys and mountains are more easily traversed without the need
for long detours or rock climbing equipment. There is an
extensive network of paths to walk here, as well as some of the
widest ridges in the Massif Central. At nearly five times the
size of the Monts Dore area, the Monts du Cantal is also the
largest of the three areas, and so has the ability to soak up
visitors across its terrain. As a result, even in July and
August, the hiking paths across the Monts du Cantal are quiet.
Getting to the Parc des Volcans
The regional airport at Clermont Ferrand offers easy access to
the entire Parc des Volcans area. The Puy de Dome crater is only
a ten-minute drive from the city. Rodez airport also offers good
access to the southern Cantal region. Car hire can be booked in
advance for pick up from both locations - see
http://www.your-carhire.com