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Puy de Lemptégy: A Journey into the Heart of a Volcano

Explore the heart of a volcano at Puy de Lemptégy, a unique geological site in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

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Puy de Lemptégy, a volcano in the Chaîne des Puys, offers a unique glimpse into the inner workings of a volcanic landscape. Mined for its volcanic slag, the open-pit mine reveals the colorful layers of strata, creating an amphitheater of volcanic history. Visitors can explore the site on foot or via a guided train tour.

A brief summary to Puy de Lemptégy

  • Saint-Ours, FR

Local tips

  • Book your train tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you get a seat.
  • Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be uneven.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as some activities are weather-dependent.
  • Take advantage of the free shuttle from Clermont-Ferrand on weekends.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Clermont-Ferrand, take the bus line Vulcania-Lemptégy. This shuttle departs from the Clermont-Ferrand SNCF train station and stops at Volcan de Lemptégy. A regular T2C ticket is required, but the shuttle is free on weekends. The journey takes approximately 52 minutes. A single T2C ticket costs around €1.60.

  • Car

    From Clermont-Ferrand, Puy de Lemptégy is approximately a 15-minute drive. Take the A89 and exit at Saint-Ours (exit 26). Follow the signs to Volcan de Lemptégy. There is free parking available on site. Note that the site is located 3 minutes from the Grande Traversée du Massif Central (GTMC).

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    A taxi or ride-share from Clermont-Ferrand to Puy de Lemptégy will take approximately 22 minutes. The fare ranges from €25 to €35, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Puy de Lemptégy

Puy de Lemptégy presents a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of a volcano. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, this volcano is part of the Chaîne des Puys, a chain of volcanoes recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Born approximately 30,000 years ago, Puy de Lemptégy was formed through Strombolian eruptions, characterized by moderately explosive activity. Over time, the volcano's rich deposits of pozzolana, a volcanic rock, led to its exploitation as a quarry starting in 1946. For about 60 years, mining operations reshaped the volcano, creating a unique cross-section that reveals its internal structure. Today, Puy de Lemptégy is a natural museum, offering guided tours that delve into the volcano's geological history and the story of its industrial past. Visitors can choose between exploring the site on foot or taking a guided tour on a small train. The tour includes interactive exhibits, demonstrations of old mining machinery, and immersive experiences that showcase the formation of the Chaîne des Puys. A 4D film, "Aux Origines", allows visitors to experience a flight over the volcanoes of Auvergne and relive the history of the volcano.

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