Designed for all seasons, Vulcania is a leisure park unlike any other. Set in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes, it features indoor attractions, giant screens, sensation simulators and special effects to take visitors to the center of the Earth, the heart of the universe or under the oceans.
By Béatrice Demol
The risk is great. Barely out of their textbooks, on the way to the vacations or on a trip to Auvergne, they are offered a park without roller coasters, wild rivers or cotton candy, but with physical and chemical experiments and the promise « to learn something »... could cause schoolchildren a little anxiety.
The heat rises and the rumbling intensifies...
And yet, once you've passed through the gantry in the shape of a volcanic cone covered in lava slabs, and descended into a reconstructed crater, the journey is captivating for everyone. This is all the more true when you consider that the animations often use the technologies favored by children and teenagers: screens, virtual reality, holograms, multisensory simulators and real-time experiences. It doesn't take long to find yourself at the heart of an erupting volcano, with the heat rising and the dull roar of the monster about to spit out its lava... it calms even the most excited.
Vulcania aims to be both a «theme park» and a «leisure park», because the notion of fun is as important as the scientific backing for each proposal.
It's not rocket science!
Vulcania is a well-hidden architectural work in the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, tucked away in a lunar landscape, as if the 57-hectare park didn't want to disturb the forces of nature, awaken the real volcanoes or anger the heavens. Every tree removed for construction was replanted. The aim is above all scientific and educational, and most of the attractions, reconstructions and animations are located underground, in tunnels that are former lava flows. We enter at the invitation of Jamy Gourmaud, presenter of the science TV show «C'est pas sorcier» - a solid validation of what's to come in the exploration.
A host of events
Dedicated to volcanoes and planet Earth as a whole, the park offers three universes: volcanoes, natural phenomena and space. These are explored through some forty immersive, dynamic and experimental activities. Dive into the bowels of the earth, escape into space, explore underwater and discover local biodiversity. The aim is to make visitors, more aptly called explorers, the actors of their own discoveries. And it works for all age groups. Without resorting to the spectacular attractions and thrills that are at the heart of the competition with traditional amusement parks.
Namazu, S layout and drop-track!
Namazu is the park's only drop coaster. It adapts to the relief of the ground and does not exceed the height of the trees to respect the environment and the flight of bats in the evening. There are no loops or reverses, but two drops to simulate earthquakes, with an attractive pre-show and a winding road. « Not bad for a family coaster, the launch surprised me, the S-turn layout is well designed, the G-laterals are good but the drop-track is weak, »says a teenager discovering it. That's all there is to it. Connoisseurs will understand.
On the back of a golden eagle
Other dynamic attractions shake things up a little, gently. They are accessed via themed waiting corridors to keep you on your toes.
First flight in a dynamic gondola on the back of a golden eagle over the Chaine des Puys - a journey of breathtaking beauty. Dragon Ride which uses the four elements: air, water, fire and earth. The Awakening of the Auvergne giants and Sacred volcanoes to experience an eruption and lava flow with all your senses. Abyss Explorer which takes us aboard a bathyscaphe to discover underwater volcanoes.
France's largest planetarium
Surprisingly, it's when you're comfortably seated under the 750m2 dome screen of France's largest planetarium, without any shaking or special effects, aboard a spaceship, discovering extraterrestrial volcanoes or chasing the Big Bang, that you feel most drawn into the experience. The sensation of being literally sucked into space is undoubtedly the most extraordinary part of the visit.
The 5 senses on constant alert
The youngest visitors are in high demand - they're the scientists of tomorrow! Guided by the mascot Pitoufeu and the voice of singer Aldebert, they can be introduced to a series of concepts and worlds that bring the natural elements to their level and appeal to their five senses. In the Cité des Enfants, they can try out a sensory trail, rub shoulders with legendary figures to learn about the unknown, play interactive games and watch cartoons where the heroes are dragons or astronauts.
In the Astrodôme, a laser projection and immersive sound system, they set off in search of their ideal planet, in the company of grown-ups who are just as fascinated as they are. The wonder of these youngsters in the face of impressive, high-quality images is as striking as when we observe them trying to understand what was previously impalpable to them. And sometimes even for us, we must admit.
Dragons and dinosaurs
Three interactive workshops, led by scientists, offer the chance to experiment with physical phenomena that are often too abstract, such as static electricity, optical illusions and chemical reactions. The first is reserved for manipulations. The second is space - with experiments in weightlessness, communication in the cosmos, planets, stars, exploits. And, because you can't change a winning animal, dinosaurs are also used to lure youngsters into becoming paleontologists, who leave with a paw print of their favorite archosaur.
Raising ecological awareness
Outdoor activities are also geared towards the youngest members of the family. Vulcan trail to cover on BMX, Tambora draisienne, Mineral river for mini gold diggers, Egg hunt dinosaurs at Easter, entertainment and live performances, Forest of dragons to understand natural phenomena. Honestly, even adults glean a little new information every time. Visit Botanical trail and geyser fountains help to raise ecological awareness and give a gentle feel to this slightly timeless stroll, which nonetheless explains nature's fury.
The catering offer is also well thought-out. In the various restaurants, which offer well-balanced menus as well as burgers, choux stuffed with cantal cheese and crêpes, you can feel the strong local commitment.
New this year
2025 saw the construction of new facilities:
Angry earth. In fact, it's a new version of the dynamic, interactive flagship attraction that literally swings us between eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis against a backdrop of climate emergency.
The Volcano Devils. Projected onto a giant 415m2 screen, the film tells the fascinating story of the expeditions made by Katia and Maurice Kraft, the vulcanologists who lived close up to some 175 erupting volcanoes.
Land of volcanoes, volcanic immersion. A sensory dive into the world's volcanoes with interactive mapping and dynamic effects. Heels not recommended.
Vulcania, the night of enchantment. 11 summer evenings when the park and the Théâtre de Verdure are transformed into a grand stage, with sound and light shows, live entertainment, and more. «fun, interactive, acrobatic and pyrotechnic».
Photo: BD
Olympus 2025
This is the name given to the park's development plan, which visitors - this year's target: 450,000 - will be able to enjoy over the coming years. Modernization of dynamic attractions, extension of the Vallée des spectacles and a new outdoor course, a new « a major surprise »And, above all, the creation of 25 immersive ecolodges in the park, which currently offers no accommodation on its site.
Lodges de Lemptégy - green
In the meantime, the Lodges de Lemptégy in Saint-Ours, at the foot of the volcano of the same name, are located opposite the park, and their immersion in the forest extends the experience of a welcoming and soothing nature, despite its spectacular manifestations. The chalets accommodate up to ten explorers, who can order packed lunches. The environment is totally eco-responsible, with nesting boxes and beehives testifying to the park's commitment to restoring a rich biotope, and the footpaths to be explored in a state of near contemplation.
Photo: Fortyproduction.webp
Grand Mess - trendy
Those who prefer to retreat to more modern lands and test an address trendy, the Grand Mess, in Clermont-Ferrand, is the place to be. Around a gigantic central bar, it offers a solid combination of hotel-bouillon-gastronomic brasserie-DJ balcony-rooftops-planted patio-festive evenings-seminar rooms. Phew! With sloping roofs, exposed pipes and wooden cladding, the place is stylish and the rooms charming. The cuisine, of course, favors the short circuit, both in the Grand Restaurant, with its subdued elegance and porcini ravioli, and in the Bouillon du Mess, with its friendly hubbub and sausage-purée.
Around Vulcania
Take advantage of a visit to Vulcania to discover its surroundings. Or take advantage of a stay in Auvergne to visit Vulcania. The region is well worth a visit. There's the Parc naturel des volcans, of course. But also vineyards on the slopes of the dormant volcanoes of the Chaine des Puys, rare AOC wines, cellars for tasting and even a Vine Museum. The Dark Lab brewery in Saint-Ours, just a few pints from the park, serves beer on draught and... in cans - « because there's no air or light, and because it's easier to recycle than glass ». In the barn, you can discover the brewing process, and in the vaulted lava-stone hall or on the terrace, you can taste the local products. craft beers and local cuisine. « The Auvergnat consumes locally. »
Puy de Dôme - Vulcania asleep
Vulcania is also the didactic gateway to understanding the rest of the Parc naturel des volcans, 80 sleeping monsters. Not least the Puy de Dôme, the UNESCO-listed symbol of the country's geological puzzle, the result of an explosive eruption over 11,000 years ago. A rounded relief topped by a few meagre Gallo-Roman ruins and surrounded by plains where cows graze, herds of goats and groups of hikers cavort, and paragliders fly overhead.
You can reach it via the Muleteers' path, like the Roman pilgrims who came to worship in Mercury's temple, close to the gods. Or by the cogwheel train, which climbs in ten minutes, offering a crescendo of panoramic views that, at the very top, embrace the entire valley and volcano range at 360°. The sensation of pure air and silent nature dominates the view from the summit. The mini-museum, orientation tables and information on the site's preserved biodiversity complete the picture of two days of intelligent entertainment.
Fun and educational
There's no doubt that the wish of the designers of Vulcania, whose attendance only increases each year, has been fulfilled. To bring families together around the same entertainment. To transform teaching into a fun, intergenerational experience. We've met quite a few young people who have been reconciled with science, some discovering a vocation as geologists, vulcanologists of course, but also physicists, astronauts or even chemistry teachers! And all while having fun.
Photo: BD
Before you leave:
- From the A71 freeway, take the A89 towards Bordeaux and exit 26 Vulcania. The park is 17kms from Clermont-Ferrand. By train, there is a connection in Paris or Lyon (prefer the latter).
- Parking is free, and an area is reserved for campervans, which can stay overnight.
- In 2025, Vulcania is open until November 2. It has been awarded the «Tourism and Disability» label, and offers a range of facilities including magnetic loops, wheelchair loans, elevators and tours in sign language.
- There are special offers and packages for families, schools and companies to look out for on the site, before booking tickets, workshops or holidays with your travel agent. There are no VIP passes or queue-cutters, so the wait is never very long, and the park wants to remain as accessible as possible.
- A mobile app makes it easy to get around, but a delicious paper map is always available, and everything is well signposted on site.
- Vulcania offers a range of partner accommodations at preferential rates. The Lodges de Lemptégy, at the foot of the park, are the logical extension of the ecological adventure. Le Grand Mess offers a trendier experience for a varied stay.
- No need to worry about the weather, 80% activities can be enjoyed indoors. Alongside a selection of restaurants and snack bars, indoor and outdoor areas are reserved for picnics.
www.auvergne-volcan.com/lodges
