A voyage to the heart of the Auvergne: volcanoes, activities and enchantment

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The puy de Dôme, listed as a “Grand Site de France”, next up: UNESCO!

Candidate representing France for the UNESCO world heritage list, the puy de Dôme is now accessible by an electric rack railway train, a great way for kids to discover the site. For the more courageous, it is possible to hike to the summit by the “Chemin des Muletiers” (Mule Trail). At the top, visitors will find cultural visits, activities and walks. Of course, the biggest attraction is the stunning view of the entire Chaîne des Puys mountain range with its 80 aligned volcanoes. www.panoramiquedesdomes.fr

Three major leisure parks!

Vulcania, a theme park in the heart of the volcanoes, invites you to penetrate underground and discover the mysteries of the Earth, feel the power of volcanoes and the forces of nature. Discover rides, platforms and 5D films. www.vulcania.com

A 1 hour and 15 minute guided tour of a volcano in an open tourist train, you’re at the Lemptégy volcano! Guides will show you the geological wonder up-close, and you can take volcanic rock samples and compare their shapes and colours. www.auvergne-volcan.com

Le Pal: two theme parks for the price of one: amusement park and animal park. A combination made to succeed! In one visit you can hurtle down the slopes of the Twist in a gravity-defying ride, and become an apprentice animal carer for a day, helping the professionals to clean, feed and train their animals. www.lepal.com

A few nearby accommodations:

In the heart of the Chaîne des Puys mountain range, in a preserved natural environment, near Vulcania and the Lemptégy volcano, stay in eco-constructed family lodges! www.volcalodges.com

Extend your stay in Le Pal in a lodge on stilts. Journey to the heart of Southern Africa. Here, you’re in the heart of the savannah, and beneath you is where the extraordinary show takes place, with wild animals, including zebra, antelope, warthogs and cranes, taking centre stage. www.lepal.com