| Volcanoes |
 |
 |
 |
The Auvergne has hundreds of volcanoes. Long ago, the heart of the Auvergne must have been simmering with volcanic activity. The present landscape is formed by remnants of these active volcanoes. It has large craters (puy), rounded tops (dôme) and every stage of volcano in between. This is the largest nature reserve in France.
The Parc Naturel Régional des Vulcans d'Auvergne measures 395,000 hectares. The reserve stretches over the five volcanic areas of the Auvergne: the Puy range, the Sancy, Cezallier and Artens massifs and the hills of Cantal. The best-known volcano of the region is the Puy de Dôme. This extinct volcano, which rises up sharply from the surrounding landscape, is feared by the Tour de France cyclists. South of the Puy de Dôme you will find the Sancy massif and the Cantal, Europe’s largest volcano. Evidence of these volcanoes, which are millions of years old, is still scattered over the landscape. From the heart of the ancient Cantal volcano, beautiful valleys with mountain brooks and waterfalls now extend into flower-filled pastures. It is a much sought after hiking area with ever-changing landscapes and views: craters, sharp ridges and rounded tops. |