Auvergne Volcanoes: Mountains, Dinosaurs, Science and History
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Vulcania Park, Puy de Dôme © C. Camus, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme
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Paléopolis, Gannat - Park dedicated to the paleontology © J. Chabanne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme
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Paléopolis, Gannat - Park dedicated to the paleontology © P. Busser, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Tourisme
In the heart of France, the Auvergne region, with its high pastures and beautiful valleys, without forgetting its plains, volcanoes or its rivers, offers a unique invitation to immerse yourself in the most marvellous of natural settings.
All along the route, your students will enjoy a wide variety of landscapes while having the opportunity to practice various educational and leisure activities.
A large green territory, the Auvergne is famous for being a volcanic and mountainous region, whose highest point is the Puy de Sancy (1886 m). The Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Park is the largest natural park in France and is located across two departments – the Cantal and the Puy de Dôme. It includes 5 natural regions that offer real geological shows: the Domes, Dore and Cantal mountains as well as the plateaux of Artense and Cézallier.
In addition to the volcanoes, the Auvergne also contains many other treasures to discover: a remarkable array of flora and fauna, as well as a unique culture offering a fascinating history and local flavour.
Dates
Dates available on request
Suggested Activities
Volcano National Park
Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Park – Discover France’s largest Natural Park
The “Parc des Volcans”, located in the heart of the Auvergne region, in the departments of Puy-de-Dôme and Cantal is the largest park in France. Spanning over 395,068 hectares, it is also one of Europe’s oldest, dating back to 1977.
The park consists of five natural regions with a very strong identity, from soaring peaks to expansive plateaus.
The famous Dome Mountains are characterized by an alignment of 80 young volcanoes, of various shapes and sizes.
Why not enjoying a day hiking in the National Park with a guide? Learn about these mysterious natural wonders and maybe experience going into one of the numerous craters? Your students might even be able to pick up their own volcano rock!
Vulcania Amusement Park
Vulcania – a scientific adventure!
Vulcania is a famous amusement park centered around the discovery of volcanoes and planet Earth. It is a great place for school students to have fun and discover the secrets of vulcanology in the same time.
Through experiments, interactive visits, innovative scenographic spaces and unique simulations, students can understand the different facets of our planet. The park is waiting for you for a scientific adventure!
Volvic Water Source
Volvic Water Source
Volvic water begins as rain and snow that fell on the volcanic park in the Auvergne. The water takes years to filter through the mineral rich layers of rocks before it is bottled under strict supervision in a highly sanitary bottling facility after emerging from its source.
Learn about the geological origins of the water with a visit to the Volvic information centre, and maybe have a water tasting!
A guided hike around the area and other activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides or treasure hunts are also possible!
Paleopolis
Meet the origins of life and the dinosaurs!
Go on a journey to the origins of life on Earth! A day in Paleopolis is an excellent opportunity to learn about the scientific process of the world around us.
A team of scientific mediators, exhibitions and experimental spaces are at your disposal to discover the evolution of life over 4 billion years. Observe extinct species such as dinosaurs, mammoths and men of prehistory … Combining pleasure of discovery and questioning, Paléopolis is the ideal setting to learn about the scientific process.
Rural School Museum
Go back in time …
Writing with pen and violet ink.. It is time for black smocks and galoshes. Head back in time to school days of old at the Rural School Museum
Enjoy a private guided visit to discover the exhibition, presenting objects of school children, clothes, toys and photos.
What’s more, your students will have the possibility to become typical 1930s French school children by dressing up and wearing their own old uniform!
Suggested Hotels/Hostels
We have a range of hotels and hostels within the Auvergne and the surrounding area. Please contact us for further details.
Looking for some alternative tours for your school?
Pricing Information
All our quotations are tailor-made to your school’s specific requirements. Our quotes are based on your group’s preferred dates of travel, the number and age range of students, the number of staff you are looking to accompany the group, your preferred means of travel, the specific elements you would like to include in your package and most importantly, your budget.
Please contact us with your group’s requirements and we will gladly piece your individual quotation together.
