Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne: the largest regional park

Our take

A park you cross without realising it. The volcanoes, the AOP (protected designation of origin) cheeses, the designated villages: everything is here, over 395,000 hectares.

The editors · Teddy L.updated on 26 September 2026How we choose our places

Free
With children: yes
Wheelchair accessible
For a fine day

The largest regional nature park in mainland France. 395,000 hectares, the Chaîne des Puys and its more than 80 volcanoes, a living AOP (protected designation of origin) terroir.

The largest regional nature park in mainland France, spread over 395,000 hectares. It takes in the Chaîne des Puys (UNESCO) and its more than 80 volcanoes, the Massif du Sancy, the Cézallier, the Monts du Cantal and the Artense. It is an open, lived-in area where you hike, where you stay, where you eat Saint-Nectaire or Salers cheese straight from the producer. The Maison du Parc, at the Château de Montlosier in Aydat, is closed for works until its reopening, announced for 2028: visitor information goes through parcdesvolcans.fr and the area's tourist offices.

Why we love it

The Chaîne des Puys and the Limagne fault, UNESCO-listed since 2018
395,000 hectares, the largest regional nature park in mainland France
More than 80 volcanoes in the Chaîne des Puys alone, then the Sancy, the Cézallier and the Monts du Cantal

Top tip

The Maison du Parc, at the Château de Montlosier, is closed for works: reopening is announced for the 2028 season. On the Cantal side, the Maison du Tourisme et du Parc in Murat stays open, and the Park's nature outings are listed on parcdesvolcans.fr.

Before you go

The park can be crossed freely, with no opening hours. The Maison du Parc at Montlosier is closed for works until 2028, visitor car park included; on the Cantal side, the Maison du Tourisme et du Parc in Murat welcomes visitors.

Weather for the next 3 days

Today
11°/4°
1 mm · 38 km/h
Tomorrow
14°/3°
dry · 21 km/h
Tue 27
19°/10°
0 mm · 17 km/h

Source: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0). General lowland forecasts, to be cross-checked with specialist mountain forecasts at altitude.

Practical info

Address: Château de Montlosier, 63970 Aydat, France
63970 Aydat

Route

What visitors say

4.6/ 5

Google rating

Average of 16,389 reviews on Google Maps.

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Your logbook

Around Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne

9 spots in and around Aydat, enough to build your day.

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Where to stay nearby

Les Gîtes de Recoleine

4.9

Nébouzat · 3.1 km away

Volcans Vacances

4.6

Aydat · 3.8 km away

Le Marius Hotel

4.3

Aydat · 3.9 km away

Hikes nearby

Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.

On foot

Easy

From Laschamps to Pont des Eaux (stage 1 of the Dômes loop)

Start: Laschamps

12 km
+221 m
4 h 30 min

On foot

Easy

Puy de Combegrasse and narse d'Espinasse

Start: Parking du Puy de Combegrasse

9.8 km
+214 m
3 h

Worth a read

Articles and guides that mention this place.

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