In this article, we give you all the advice you need to prepare for your visit to Vulcania, the volcano-themed park in Auvergne!
What is Vulcania in Auvergne?
Vulcania is a volcano theme park and one of the best things to do in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. It's located in the heart of the Auvergne region, more precisely in the Puy-de-Dôme, 20 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand.
It's a very modern leisure center, having opened its doors in 2002. Vulcania's great strength lies in itsability to combine leisure activities with scientific discoveries about volcanoes from all over the world. It's the ideal place to visit with children, but also for grown-ups who love discovering natural phenomena!
What attractions shouldn't you miss?
When planning your visit to Vulcania, bear in mind that the park offers both thrilling attractions and entertainment.
Sensational attractions
Vulcania has its share of thrill rides, the main ones being :
- Dragon Ride 2: a 3D journey to the land of dragons.
- Le Réveil des Géants d'Auvergne (Awakening of the Auvergne Giants): another must-see attraction in 3D cinema, taking you on an exploration of the Auvergne volcanoes and their potential awakening..
- Premier Envol: a gondola takes you over the Auvergne landscape in 4D.
- Abyss Explorer: explore the deep sea and its submerged volcanoes aboard a bathyscaphe, an abyss exploration device.
- Terre en colère: face the force of the elements aboard a dynamic platform.
- Sacred Volcanoes: embark on a journey to meet the planet's most legendary volcanoes.
- Namazu: a roller coaster that'll give you the thrill of a real earthquake!
Animations
In addition to the attractions listed above, Vulcania offers other attractions:
- Film screenings: two rooms with giant screens show documentary films about volcanoes in destinations all over the world.
- Exhibitions: a range of exhibits on the Puys chain, earthquakes, the Earth and space.
- Animations led by scientists: in the different exhibition areas, real scientists lead workshops.
What to do and see in the Puy de Dôme? The 18 must-sees
What are the fees and opening hours?
Vulcania prices depend on the season. It's best to book your tickets online here.
- In green season (low season): €27 per adult or €25.50 concessions, €22 per child aged 6 to 16 or €20.50 concessions, and €6 for children aged 3 to 5.
- Blue period (school vacations and public vacations): €30.50 per adult or €29 concessions, €25.50 per child aged 6 to 16 or €24 concessions, and €7 for children aged 3 to 5.
- Yellow and violet periods (evenings with fireworks or astronomical displays): €32 per adult or €30.50 concessions, €26.50 per child aged 6 to 16 or €25 concessions, and €8 for children aged 3 to 5.
Reduced-rate tickets, reserved for jobseekers, disabled people and students among others, are not available for online booking. The park also offers various special deals, such as a duo or family pack.
As for opening times, Vulcania is open from mid-March to mid-November. The park opens at 10 a.m., and closes between 6 and 10 p.m. depending onthe season. In March, September and October, the park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The rest of the time, it's open every day.
Practical information to prepare your visit
Below you'll find all the advice you need to prepare for your visit to Vulcania.
How do I get to Vulcania?
The Vulcania park is located on the Mazayes road, in the Puy-de-Dôme region, a 20-minute drive from Clermont-Ferrand. You have several options for getting there:
- By car: from the north via the A71 freeway, from the south via the A75, from the west via the A89 and from the east via the A72, then the A71 and A81.
- By plane: by landing at Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne International Airport.
- By shuttle bus: during school vacations, a shuttle bus runs to Vulcania from Clermont-Ferrand, Chamalières, Royat and Orcines.
- By train: arrive at Clermont-Ferrand station, then take the shuttle or a cab.
How long will it take to visit the park?
Allow at least a day on site, arriving as soon as the park opens, to enjoy the most popular attractions without queuing.
Download the Vulcania app
The Vulcania app, available free of charge on iPhone and Android, lets you plan your visit to the Vulcania park and easily navigate around the site, thanks to live session timetables and waiting times.
When is the best time to visit Vulcania?
The best time to plan your visit to Vulcania is outside the school vacations. If you have no other choice, avoid Wednesdays and Thursdays during the most popular vacation days.
Where and how to park?
Parking is available at the entrance to the park. They are completely free of charge. However, access is only possible up to 2 hours before park closing time, after which they close. The parking lots are also equipped with chargeable electric recharging points.
Can I bring my pets into the park?
No animals are allowed inside the park, with the exception of assistance dogs for the disabled.
Where can I eat at Vulcania?
The park is equipped with several restaurants:
- Le Comptoir du cratère: burgers, salads and cakes featuring local products from the Auvergne region.
- La Cafétéria des Puys: a wide range of starters, main courses and desserts featuring Auvergne specialities.
- Le Panorama: the ideal place to share a platter of charcuterie or other Auvergne products with friends or family.
- Le Kiosque Namazu: offering a selection of sandwiches, pastries and other snacks on the go.
- Magma Café: in addition to home-made sandwiches, you can enjoy pastries, ice creams, crêpes, waffles and other hot drinks.
To find out more, have a look at our articles on planning a trip to Auvergne, the best mountain destinations, or ideas for cheap destinations.
