Monts Dôme and
Le Puy de Dôme

Visit the summit of the Auvergne

The range of volcanoes known as the Monts Dôme lies to the west of Clermont-Ferrand, high above the Limagne plain. More than 80 extinct volcanoes stretch along a line over 40km (25miles). The highest is the Puy de Dôme, at 1,465m/4,806ft, with a stunning view that spans the entire range.

The Monts Dôme volcanoes are comparatively recent, being created in the Quaternary Period, which began with an ice age about 1.8 million years ago, and is often called the Age of Humans since it continues up to the present time and is the period we live in today.

The cones stand on a plateau of rocks up to 1,000m (3,280ft) high, although few of the volcanoes exceed 300m (985ft) in height, with the exception of the Puy de Dôme, which reaches to 500m/1 640ft above it.

The summit reception and information centre (Open: May-June and September 1000-1800 (weekends 1900); July-August 0900-1900; October 1000-1800. Tel: (0)4 73 62 21 46. www.planetepuydedome.com). The view is said to extend over 11 departments, almost one-eighth of the total surface area of France, but the best reason for visiting Puy de Dôme is for the sunset. Nearby is the Temple of Mercury (not open to the public), built by the Romans, and originally twice as large as the ruins you see today. It was long regarded as one of the wonders of the ancient world.

There is a toll road almost to the summit of Puy de Dôme, open when weather permits (Mar-April and November 0800-1930; May and September 0800-2130; June-August 0700-2200. The charge is about 7€ per car, but be aware that between May and September the road is reserved for cyclist on Wednesday and Sunday mornings between 0700 and 0900. Current information is available at www.planetepuydedome.com). There is also a shuttle bus service between the railway station in Clermont-Ferrand and Puy de Dôme.

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