An open-air volcano you can visit. A walk into the heart of the volcano, a little train, a 4D show to understand how it formed.
A volcano you visit from the inside: the old quarry split it in two, and you walk among the chimneys and lava flows. A former pozzolana (volcanic gravel) quarry, worked from the post-war years until 2006, turned into a scientific visitor site. You go down on foot or by little train, and you look at the chimneys, the lava flows, the volcanic bombs. At the end of the visit, a 4D film flies over the Chaîne des Puys and tells the volcano's story, then the Volcan'Express ride plunges you into the formation of the Chaîne des Puys. Allow 2.5 hours, in four stages that follow on from each other. The visit is suitable for children from age 4.
What you will find
- The little train that runs down from the top of the volcano to the volcanic chimneys
- The bombs, chimneys and lava flows, seen up close
- The 4D film with motion seats, from age 4
Local tip
Two options to choose from, on foot or by little train: the train is the smart choice with young children.
Ideal for
- You're travelling as a family: the site is designed for children
- You want to finally understand how a volcano works
- You want to walk into the heart of a real volcano
Maybe not for
- You dream of the wild outdoors: this is a developed site
- You're coming in flip-flops: the pozzolana path needs closed-toe shoes
Good to know
- In 2026, the site is open to the public from 10 February to 1 November; the rest of the year, only to groups and seminars, outside the Christmas holidays.
Practical information
- Prices
- In 2026, guided visit on foot: €14 per adult (13 and over) and €11.50 per child aged 4 to 12, €14.50 and €12 in July and August. By little train: €18 and €15, €18.50 and €15.50 in July and August. Free for under-4s.
- Booking
- Book online, it's strongly recommended, especially for the little train: on site, tickets depend on the places left. No bookings by phone or email, except for the carriage that takes a wheelchair.
- Getting there
- The site holds the Tourisme & Handicap label (the French accessibility label). In a wheelchair, you can get around the reception, the shop, the immersive trail, the restaurant and the attractions. One carriage of the little train takes a wheelchair, booked by phone. The train stops and the old-machinery stage are not accessible.
- Parking
- Free parking on site.
- What to bring
- Closed-toe or walking shoes, the ground is stony.
- With a dog
- Dogs allowed on a lead for the walking visit only: not allowed on the little train or in the attractions.
- Accessibility
- Partly wheelchair accessible
