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patrimoine naturel
Puy de Pariou - Volcano of the Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault (UNESCO)
From the puy de Pariou, discover a wild and unspoilt natural environment, rewarded by superb panoramic views of the emblematic volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys.
Description
Puy de Pariou is a young strombolian volcano, around 8,000 years old. This youthfulness explains the exceptional sharpness of its forms, making it one of the most emblematic and most visited natural sites in the Chaîne des Puys.
This type of volcano, characterized by fluid lava that rarely overflows the crater, is still active in Italy, whereas the volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys are now dormant.
Nicknamed the "Vesuvius of Auvergne" for its elegant conical silhouette - a purely aesthetic comparison - Pariou is also one of Auvergne's most photographed volcanoes, thanks to the perfect regularity of its crater. It is also famous for having served as the backdrop for the Volvic water advertising campaign.
The ascent to the puy is pleasant and accessible, thanks to wooden staircases that make the climb easy. From the summit, the landscape opens out onto the entire Chaîne des Puys - Limagne fault (UNESCO) and the volcano's perfectly shaped crater. A breathtaking panorama, combining the tranquillity of wide open spaces with the beauty of volcanic landforms.
Environnements
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Mountain view
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Village 2 km away
Tarifs
Free access.
Période d'ouverture
All year round daily.
Localisation
Documents
Animaux
Animaux acceptés : Oui
Must be kept on a lead throughout the site
Thèmes
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Tips for the photographer
The Puy de Pariou offers spectacular views of its perfectly circular crater and the Chaîne des Puys. The summit is ideal for 360° panoramas, especially at sunrise when the light reveals the volcanic relief. From the south-facing slopes, you can take in plunging views of the crater. At the end of the day, the warm light around the summit path is ideal for capturing the volcano's silhouette.
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Tips
The Navette des Volcans links Clermont-Ferrand to the Goules parking lot, the main starting point for access to the puy de Pariou.
By car, you can park directly at the Goules parking lot, located along the D941, after the Fontaine des Bergers. -
Sustainable tourism
Puy de Pariou has been designed to preserve the fragility of its crater and slopes. Staircases and signposted footpaths limit erosion while providing safe access to the summit. By following these itineraries and staying on the paths, visitors contribute directly to the protection of this emblematic volcano of the Chaîne des Puys-faille de Limagne (UNESCO). A respectful discovery on foot, essential to preserving the integrity of this exceptional natural site.
