The pitch
One day for the Puy-de-Dôme is short, but easily doable if you keep moving. We take you on a loop from Clermont, with three stops that are really worth the detour. No Vulcania on the programme: that takes another day.
10:00. The Panoramique des Dômes
A gentle start: you take the little rack railway that climbs to the summit of the Puy de Dôme. On foot, the summit can also be reached by the Chemin des Muletiers, closed for works from Monday 5 to Friday 16 October 2026, including the weekend. No need to book the train: the ticket can be bought online or on site.
At the top, you get 360° views over the Chaîne des Puys (UNESCO World Heritage since 2018). If the sky is clear, you can see as far as the Monts du Cantal, 80 km away. Stay 1 hour, no more: you're going to need the time.
Our tip: go up on the very first train of the day for the morning light. At noon, it's washed out.
12:00. Lunch break in Royat
Head down to Royat, a spa town right next to Clermont. Old Royat is a quiet little village tucked away in the valley. For lunch: try an inn serving truffade (a potato and cheese dish), or keep it simple with a picnic put together before you set off at the Halle Gourmande Saint-Pierre, the big covered food market in the centre of Clermont.
14:00. Lac Pavin
Next stop: Besse, in the Sancy. Lac Pavin is a crater lake, the youngest in mainland France: an almost perfect circle 800 metres across and 92 metres deep. A legend told in the 19th century places the ruins of the old town of Besse at the bottom of the lake. On a clear day, the bell tower is said to be visible.
The path goes right round the lake for about 2.7 km, through beech woods, with plenty of viewpoints over the water. Swimming is strictly forbidden, and dangerous.
15:30. Murol and its castle
Back towards Clermont via Murol. Perched on its basalt promontory, the castle is worth a quick detour. Depending on the time of year, you meet costumed characters, horsemen jousting and the know-how of craftsmen of old, and from the wall walk the view stretches 360° over the Massif du Sancy. Children love it. Last entry is one hour before closing: from 12 November to 18 December 2026, the castle opens from 14:00 to 17:00, so you need to arrive before 16:00.
18:00. Back in Clermont, drinks on Place de la Victoire
You finish in Clermont-Ferrand with a drink on Place de la Victoire, with a view of the black stone cathedral. The terraces fill up fast, so come before 19:00.
Frequently asked questions
The FAQ
How much does it cost to enter [Château de Murol](/destinations/puy-de-dome/murol/chateau-de-murol)?
Château de Murol charges €11.20 per adult from 10 September to 16 October 2026, €12.50 from 17 October to 1 November 2026, then €11.20 again from 2 November to 18 December 2026. It's free for under-10s.
What's the best season?
May-June and September. Avoid July-August on the Puy de Dôme (crowds).
Can you do it all without a car?
No, Lac Pavin and Murol are poorly served by public transport. You need a car, or hire an electric bike.
Is it doable with children?
Yes, from age 6-7. The Puy de Dôme train and the castle go down well. With a pushchair, the train and the summit site are fine; only the remains of the Temple of Mercury involve steps. Château de Murol, though, can't be visited with a pushchair: bring a baby carrier.