Auvergne, a land of volcanoes, naturally wanted to offer the public an insight into the world of volcanism. It achieved this in 2002 by opening the Vulcania theme park, in the municipality of Saint-Ours in Puy-de-Dôme, around fifteen kilometres from Clermont-Ferrand.
Located in the middle of the Puys range at the heart of a Regional Natural Park - which led to objections by defenders of nature when the project was first announced - Vulcania is now an unmissable attraction for anyone wishing to discover and understand the mechanism of earthquakes and how our planet works.
This site dedicated to volcanology is half underground and conical in shape, like a volcano. It was dug into a 30,000-year-old lava flow.
It makes learning fun, thanks to the experiences on offer: 5D films, dynamic platforms, animatronics, interactive exhibitions, a scientific theatre, a tethered balloon and more. Vulcania also offers an expedition to learn about deep oceanic volcanism, aboard the bathyscaphe "Abyss Explorer" at depths of 2,500 metres; an encounter with the Jurassic giants; and a giant screen adventure about the lives of tornado hunters.
You might be bowled over by one of Vulcania's most popular attractions, a 4D animation that answers the following question: what would happen if the volcanoes of Auvergne were to re-awaken?
To complete the visit with an immersion in the site's environment, Vulcania offers visitors a scenic tour of around ten minutes aboard the "Volcanbul", a GPS-guided electric vehicle. For a more spectacular experience, climb aboard the "Ballon des Puys" tethered balloon to admire volcanic landscapes from 100 metres above ground, an attraction that's unique in Auvergne!
