Puy de Dôme, France

Puy de Dôme

A dormant volcano looking out over a chain of volcanic cones.

  • Apr–Oct
  • 1 night
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Things to do

2 days in Puy de Dôme

Day 1

  1. MorningTake the Panoramique des Dômes rack railway up to the summit of the volcano.
  2. AfternoonWalk around the summit and its Roman temple ruins, with views over the 80 volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys.
  3. EveningReturn to Clermont-Ferrand for dinner near its black lava-stone cathedral.

Day 2

Visit the Vulcania volcano park, or walk inside the Lemptégy volcano.

What to eat

Truffade, potatoes melted with Cantal cheese, and Saint-Nectaire.

Local tips

Make the most of Puy de Dôme

Beat the crowds

Weekends and summer afternoons are busy. Clear mornings give the best views.

Best photo spot

The chain of volcanic cones stretching north and south from the summit.

Getting there

A rack railway runs from the base to the summit. Buses run from Clermont-Ferrand in summer.

Don't miss nearby

Clermont-Ferrand and the Vulcania volcano park.

Good to know

You can also walk up the old mule path in about an hour. The summit is often windy and cool.

Plan your visit

Getting to Puy de Dôme

Getting there

  • Clermont-Ferrand Airport (CFE)16 km away
  • Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS)165 km away
  • Lyon145 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Oct
TypeNature spot
Good forNature
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryFrance

Questions

Puy de Dôme: good to know

Is Puy de Dôme worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature. A dormant volcano looking out over a chain of volcanic cones.

How many days do you need in Puy de Dôme?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Puy de Dôme?

The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. Weekends and summer afternoons are busy. Clear mornings give the best views.

How do you get to Puy de Dôme?

The nearest airport is Clermont-Ferrand Airport (CFE), about 16 km away. A rack railway runs from the base to the summit. Buses run from Clermont-Ferrand in summer.

What is there to see near Puy de Dôme?

Nearby hidden places include Conques (138 km), Lyon (145 km) and Rocamadour (151 km).

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