5 family activities in the Puy-de-Dôme: our top picks in less than ’1h from the campsite
Discover 5 activities to do with your children in the Puy-de-Dôme, less than ’1h from Camping Les Volcans. Dinosaurs, animals, hikes and creative workshops: ideas for family memories!
Most of the time you won't have to drive more than 25 minutes for your activities, visits and hikes around the campsite. But we have selected 5 activities a bit farther away in the Puy-de-Dôme, but they are worth the detour!
Paléopolis, 55 minutes away, in Gannat.
The whole family will dive into theworld of dinosaurs! This family park is perfectly suited for a day of discovery, experiences and play. Kids and adults will find what they are looking for. Some activities, such as the fossil hunting in the conditions of real little paleontologists, will inevitably remain a striking memory!
Small catering is offered on site but the large picnic area with playground is also a good option.
Info on the Paléopolis website
Auvergne Wildlife Park, 55 minutes away, in Ardes-sur-Couze
A very beautiful zoological park situated on a hillside (watch out, it climbs a bit!) and now focuses solely on endangered species. It's the first park in the world to make this choice! The route is well designed with passages inside some enclosures, the possibility to see all animals well with suitable viewpoints. Red panda, lion, tiger, giraffe, wolf, panther... Your favorite animals will surely be there!
We recommend a day when the sky is gray and not too warm, as these are the best conditions to see the animals come out and move.
Info on the wildlife park website
Amethyst House, 55 minutes away, in Vernet-Chaméane
This place is dedicated to this violet semi-precious stone to which many virtues are attributed. Children will love the proposed activities: from outdoor prospecting to find their own amethyst, to workshops to polish their stone, see it turned into jewelry! Depending on the chosen activities, you will need to plan between 2h and a full day on site.
Reservation highly recommended, the number of spots per activity is limited.
Info on the website of the amethyst house
Cutlery workshop, 50 minutes away, in Thiers
Set out to discover the cutlery capital in Thiers! Start with a visit to the knife museum (allow 1h30 for the visit) and head to l'Atelier Le Thiers to make your own knife! This activity is suitable for the whole family, from age 4 with a butter knife. The experience promises to be memorable (still, be careful, it cuts!) and you will leave with your own vacation souvenir.
The added bonus: this workshop is committed to a solidarity tourism approach by working for the professional integration of its passionate employees.
Info on the Atelier Le Thiers website
Hiking ideas within 50 minutes of the campsite:
- The Valley of the Saints, in Boudes. This roughly 2h hike will completely change the scenery. No volcanoes or lakes and waterfalls here, but remarkable geological formations that give it a true Colorado feel! The colors, the chimneys... make us travel.
- Lac Chauvet, a very beautiful lake tucked away on l'autre side of the Sancy massif and which remains very wild. Several hikes are possible starting from 2h. Note, it is not possible to do the tour. But you will have beautiful viewpoints up to the Cantal massif!
- Queuille Meander, very photogenic, this meander has a true Auvergne Canada vibe! You can discover it from an arranged viewpoint or by taking the hiking trails that wind through the forest of these perfect gorges :-)
The Les Volcans campsite is located in the center of these 5 activities! You can enjoy it without adding extra driving time. Don't hesitate to ask us for advice at the reception upon your arrival. And to continue your stay preparation, you can consult our FAQ.
