Puy-de-Dôme is a department in central France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It takes its name from the Puy de Dôme, the volcanic peak that rises above the area and gives the department its character. For visitors, it is a place of volcanic scenery, quiet countryside and a capital city with an industrial history.
The volcanic landscape
The department is known above all for its volcanic landscape. The Chaîne des Puys, a range of volcanic domes and craters, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is the feature most visitors come to see. The walking routes that cross it offer long views over the surrounding plains and a clear sense of how recent and varied this volcanic activity has been.
Clermont-Ferrand and the surroundings
Clermont-Ferrand, the capital and largest city, is the natural base for a visit. It is the home of Michelin, the global tyre manufacturer, and this industrial presence shapes the city's economy and its everyday life. From the city, the Chaîne des Puys and the wider countryside are within easy reach.
- Landscape: volcanic peaks, craters and open walking country
- Heritage: the Chaîne des Puys, listed by UNESCO
- Base: Clermont-Ferrand, the capital and largest city
- Setting: central France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region
Puy-de-Dôme suits visitors who want to combine outdoor walking with a stay in an ordinary French city. It is a destination for those interested in geology and landscape, and for anyone curious about the region's mix of volcanic terrain and industry.
