Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Parc régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, established in 1977, is the largest regional natural park in metropolitan France, covering over 395,000 acres within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is centered around the Chaîne des Puys, a chain of dormant volcanoes extending some 40 kilometers north to south, including the famous Puy de Dôme, which rises to 1,465 meters. The park’s varied geography includes volcanic peaks and craters, vast forests, open meadows, and deep valleys shaped by ancient lava flows and glacial activity. Ecologically, it supports a broad range of habitats, from subalpine flora near mountain summits to mixed broadleaf-conifer forests that provide refuge for mammals such as red deer, wild boar, and foxes, along with numerous bird species. Historically, the area reflects centuries of rural life influenced by volcanic soils and volcanic geology, with small villages and farming traditions that coexist alongside outdoor recreation. Visitors are drawn to the park for hiking on extensive trail networks, mountain biking, paragliding from volcanic summits, and exploring the unique volcanic formations. The Puy de Dôme summit is accessible by a panoramic train as well as on foot, featuring an observation platform with sweeping views of the region’s varied landscapes. Other notable landmarks include the Puy de Sancy, the highest peak in the Massif Central, and the Lac Pavin, a volcanic lake with remarkable clarity and depth. The park also promotes sustainable tourism and conservation of this geologically and biologically important area, balancing visitor access with habitat protection.
