Puy de Pariou

Volcano Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

What to expect

The Puy de Pariou is a young volcano, about 8,000 years old, of the strombolian type. It is considered to be the Vesuvius of Auvergne, as it bears a modest resemblance to the famous Italian volcano, only in appearance. The Puy de Pariou is the most photographed of the Chaîne's buildings because of the regular shape of its slopes illustrating a perfect volcanic crater. It is also known for its performance in the Volvic water advertisement. The ascent to the puy is pleasant and simple, and is made by recent wooden stairs. At the top, the landscape opens up to the tranquil immensity of the volcano, the beauty of its crater and the entire Chaîne des Puys. There are several hiking trails near Puy Pariou, ranging from moderate to hard, that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and the chance to explore the natural beauty of the area

Plan your family visit to the Puy de Pariou with these blog insights 👇

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Auvergne with family: 20 things to do on vacation and weekends

Auvergne with family: 20 things to do on vacation and weekends
This family's experience:

Activities: We hiked up the Puy de Pariou, made famous by its appearance in a Volvic water advertisement. The ascent was easy, taking about two hours. The summit offered stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes, including the nearby Puy de Dôme

Highlights: The hike up the Puy de Pariou was a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The views from the top were magnificent, showcasing the impressive landscape of the Auvergne region ✨

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Visiting Auvergne in 4 days: our favorites

Visiting Auvergne in 4 days: our favorites
This family's experience:

Activities: We hiked to the Puy de Pariou and enjoyed the view from the top, although we couldn't descend into the crater

Highlights: The view from the top was nice, with the Puy de Dôme and Clermont-Ferrand visible ✨