In the “extraordinary natural phenomenon” category, few are as fascinating as volcanoes.
An emanation of formidable energy from the bowels of the earth, these monsters of lava and smoke frighten as much as they arouse curiosity.
This is Vulcania's ambition: to move and educate visitors.
To discover
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Surrounded by the Puy de Come, the Puy de Pariou and the Puy des Gouttes, the Auvergne amusement park is at the heart of its subject.
The Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO heritage site since 2018, is made up of ancient volcanoes that have been inactive for 5,000 years.
After an idea of the famous volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft in 1988, the construction of the park began in 1997 under the impetus of the former President of the Republic Valéry Giscard d'Estaing.
Inaugurated in 2002, the park has since welcomed nearly seven million visitors.
In 2022, for its twentieth anniversary, Vulcania was to celebrate the opening of the largest planetarium in France, with Jamy Gourmaud as a
guest star.
But due to a fire in February, it will ultimately have to wait until 2023. Visitors will find comfort in the park's 17 other shows and attractions.
Vulcania being largely built underground, you can walk around on four levels, only one of which is outside.
Three themes are explored: volcanoes, other natural phenomena and the earth in space.
Each attraction aims to provide explanations on the subject to which it is dedicated.
Sometimes the educational side is put aside a bit, as in Le Réveil des Géants d'Auvergne
.
On the contrary, it is at the center of the experience in the documentaries projected on the giant 425 m² screen, such as
In the Eyes of Thomas Pesquet,
or in the interactive educational trail Machine Terre.
An educational positioning that makes all the difference compared to behemoths like Disneyland or Parc Astérix, which attract an older public thanks to their many sensational attractions.
However, Vulcania does not neglect this type of experience, as evidenced by its first roller coasters inaugurated in 2021.
Read alsoFive activities to tame the volcanoes of Auvergne
New: Namazu
The Namazu attraction, an earthquake-themed roller coaster.
Vulcania / Photo press
A seismologist team detects unusual seismic activity in a monitored area.
Your mission, if you accept it, is to accompany the specialists, on site, aboard an all-terrain vehicle.
Be careful, in seismic zones, everything does not always go as planned... After a pre-show giving some explanations on the origin of earthquakes, their different types and the risks they entail, the budding scientists take their place in the only park roller coaster.
No looping or flight several tens of meters above the ground, but the sensations are there: brutal accelerations and unexpected falls draw many cries from the participants.
Voted Best New European Attraction 2021 by Parksmania.
Minimum height: 1m20.
Our favorite attractions
First flight
The Premier Envol attraction, a relaxing stroll alongside the golden eagles that repopulate Auvergne.
Vulcania / Photo press
On board dynamic gondolas that rotate in front of a 180° screen, spectators follow the journey of a golden eagle above the volcanoes, from the saps of the Velay to the Puys chain, passing through the Cantal massif, the plateaus du Cézallier and the crests of Sancy.
A poetic and relaxing immersion alongside this protected species which is gradually repopulating the green landscapes of Auvergne.
Minimum height: 90cm.
Volcano drones
Having become essential working companions for vulcanologists, drones can get as close as possible to volcanoes for shots with thermal cameras or gas sampling.
Spectators discover the different uses of these remote-controlled flying machines thanks to this live show with actors, drones and images projected on a screen.
At night, when the vulcanologists are sleeping, the drones come to life and begin a frenzied choreography.
" That was too cool !
“
, slips a slender voice to the actors at the end of the show.
The awakening of the giants of Auvergne
The awakening of the giants of Auvergne is a dynamic 3D film.
Jerome Chabanne
A peaceful summer day on the Chaîne des Puys.
Suddenly, the birds leave their nests and the animals of the forest decamp.
The earth begins to shake… and our seats with it.
This dynamic 3D film makes viewers experience the possibility (considered plausible by scientists) of a resumption of activity in the volcanoes of Auvergne.
Wind, heat, water and other surprising effects invite themselves into the experience.
Mind blowing!
Minimum height: 1m10.
Restaurant
Three catering areas are located at the end of the esplanade on the right as you enter the park.
The Cafeteria des Puys, in self-service, the Comptoire du Cratère, in fast food, and the
Brasserie des volcans
.
This restaurant offers a cuisine of regional products with Auvergne specialties, such as this Truffade and its Auvergne Label Rouge sausage and this cheese plate with Saint-Nectaire, Cantal and Bleu d'Auvergne.
Starter, main course or main course, dessert: €21.90.
WE love
In the city of children, toddlers can carry out their own experiments.
Vulcania / Photo press
Educational guided tours offered at the park reception.
They make it possible to exploit all the educational dimension of the place, with explanations on the formation of the volcanoes of Auvergne and information on the history and the architecture of the park.
Ideal before strolling freely.
3 € 50 per person for one hour visit.
We love less
Sacred Volcanoes, a scenic route presenting the myths and legends associated with volcanoes by different peoples of humanity, dated and not very thorough.
Abyss Explorer, an immersion aboard a submarine to discover the mysterious depths of the ocean: expected tremors and a discovery limited to a few elements of the fauna and flora through the portholes, with too few explanations .
Preparing for your visit
Rate
Day entry: €26 during the green period, €29 during the blue period (school holidays and certain weekends) and €30.50 during the yellow period (Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July-August).
Children 6-16 years old: €20, €22 and €23.
3-5 years: €6, €7 and €8.
Up to €2 reduction for any online reservation at least five days before arrival.
Opening
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (10 p.m. during the yellow period) until November 13, 2022.
Go
By train: Intercités from Paris-Bercy station to Clermont-Ferrand then shuttles (during school periods only).
By car: from the north, A71 then A89 Direction Bordeaux, exit Vulcania/Bromont.
Vulcania Park, Route de Mazayes – 63230 Saint Ours les Roches.