Smart tips
- How far from Clermont-Ferrand is Vulcania?
Vulcania is about 15 km away from Clermont-Ferrand, about 20 minutes are required to reach the Park.
- How long does the visit last?
We advice you to spend at leat a day in order to serenely discover the park: the average time of visit is higher than 6 hours.
You may temporarily leave the Park during the day: you will be required to get your wrist stamped at the exit of the Park for that. During the summer time and on bank holidays, it is strongly recommended to arrange your visit on 2 days.
- Are restaurants available on-site?
Vulcania offers a range of catering facilities, from sanwich to self-service: the Comptoir du Cratère, the Cafétéria des Puys, the Panorama, the Kiosque Namazu and the Magma Café.
> Come and discover our catering facilities.
The Park does not offer an evening catering service, except on summer evenings.
During busy periods, take advantage of a smart lunch and avoid rush hour.
The Cafétéria des Puys is open from 11.30am to 2.30pm every day during the school holidays, and from 11.30am to 3pm only at weekends in the low season. You can also buy your sandwiches at the Magma Café from the time the Park opens until it closes.
- Can I visit the park when the weather is bad?
Vulcania is 2/3 underground and thus gives you protection against rain and heat! However, we recommend you to plan your visit on sunny days in order to take advantage of our 57 hectares outdoors.
- Can I visit the park when the weather is bad?
Vulcania is 2/3 underground and thus gives you protection against rain and heat! However, we recommend you to plan your visit on sunny days in order to take advantage of our 57 hectares outdoors.
- From what age is the park interesting?
Vulcania is accessible to children from 3 years old and offers lots of activities to them. 'La Forêt des Dragons' (Dragons' forest), the animated fim 'Mission Vulcania : opération sauvetage', 'La Cité des enfants' (Children's lab), Pitoufeu's house, the Geyser and the playgrounds are all suitable activities to the youngest explorers. The minimum age to better appreciate and understand most of the Parks' content is 6 years old, indeed some of the attractions are subject to height limits for the visitors' comfort and safety.
- Can I bring an animal into the park?
Animals are not allowed in the park, with the exception of assistance dogs for the disabled. If you come with a dog, find out about the kennels near the park. Parc Vulcania does not currently offer a pet-sitting service.
- What days to visit?
Saturdays and Sundays are the quietest days in summer. In summer, the busiest days in general are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. During the Ascension weekend, the busiest day is Friday.
- How to organise your visit of the park?
You do not have to go round the park in a set direction. You are free to organise your day as you like, to make the most of all of the events available. Take a look at the map for suggestions of routes that you can follow around Vulcania. A guide map will be supplied on the first day of your visit (the times of all event are detailed on it).
Our staff are available to advise you how best to organise your visit. It is advisable to seek their advice on the busiest days.
Vulcania offers a one-hour tour to discover the history of the park, its architecture and contents. You are well advised to take this tour to help you find your way around the site. There is an additional charge for the tour which should be booked on arrival at the park. > Find out more
- Is there a charge for parking?
The car parks and entrance are closed 2 hours before the park closes.
The car parks at Vulcania are free of charge. It is advisable to note the name of your car park and the letter of the alley in which are parked. You can note these details on the guide map given to you on entry into the park.
The car parks are open only during park opening hours.
There is a parking and service area for motorhomes at Vulcania. Please find all related information on this page.
- What clothes should I wear?
Vulcania is at an altitude of 1000 metres above sea level. The weather can change quickly during the day and may result in significant differences in temperature between the morning and the evening.
If you are attending a summer event, bring warm clothing with you for the evening.
Children can have fun in the water fountains at the geyser: bring a change of clothes for them.
- Is the park safe?
Vulcania is a Sécuri-site (site safety label) and makes safety a priority for all visitors.
Due to this, bags are checked on entry to the park to stop potentially dangerous objects being brought into the park (knives, glass objects, blunt instruments ...) For the same reason, alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the site.
We would therefore be grateful if you do not bring such objects to the park. If necessary, you can leave these articles in your car and use them in the car park (it is possible to leave and return to the park with a hand stamp at any time during the day).
