16 918 618 views
| Geography |
|
| Place |
Le Lioran - Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes - France |
| Latitude |
45.0533281 |
| Longitude |
2.7923456 |
| Altitude |
1249 meters |
| Orientation |
|
| Good to know |
|
| Owner |
Le Liorans |
| Camera |
Reolink |
| Visitors |
16 918 618 visits |
| Specificity |
|
| Format |
360 4K 8 Million Pixels |
| Category |
Mountain |
Informations
The Chaîne des Puys, also known as the Auvergne volcanic chain, is a remarkable group of dormant volcanoes located in the heart of the Massif Central, in the Puy-de-Dôme department, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
It stretches over approximately 45 kilometers from north to south, forming a spectacular alignment of cones, domes, craters, and lava flows, bearing witness to volcanic activity that began nearly 95,000 years ago and ended around 8,400 years ago.
This unique site in mainland France was recognized in 2018 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding geological value, particularly the juxtaposition of the Chaîne des Puys with the Limagne fault, a gigantic tectonic fracture illustrating continental rifting.
The site thus showcases a rare and spectacular phenomenon: the formation of a continental rift, where the Earth's crust stretches, cracks, and thins, giving rise to a succession of aligned volcanoes.
The most iconic volcano of this chain is undoubtedly the Puy de Dôme, which rises to 1,465 meters above sea level, overlooking Clermont-Ferrand and the entire Auvergne landscape. This Pelean-type volcano, formed by an explosive eruption, offers a breathtaking panorama of the entire chain and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The ascent can be made on foot via the “Chemin des Muletiers” or aboard the Panoramique des Dômes, an electric cogwheel train providing a comfortable and eco-friendly route to the summit.
Other notable volcanoes include Puy Pariou, famous for its perfectly bowl-shaped crater; Puy de Côme, a wide and harmoniously shaped structure; and viscous lava domes like Grand Sarcouy.
The diversity of volcanic forms in this area allows for an understanding of all major types of effusive and explosive eruptions, making the region invaluable for geologists, volcanologists, as well as nature and hiking enthusiasts.
The chain is also characterized by rich vegetation, combining beech forests, heathlands, high-altitude meadows, and peat bogs, where wildlife such as deer, roe deer, foxes, common buzzards, and owls find refuge in a well-preserved environment.
Numerous marked trails crisscross the region, including the GR 441, which circles the Chaîne des Puys, allowing visitors to explore these unique landforms through panoramic hikes.
Additionally, the Regional Natural Park of the Auvergne Volcanoes, which includes the chain, works to preserve the landscapes, promote environmental education, and support sustainable local development.
The Auvergne volcanic chain is not just a landscape—it is also a major site for scientific exploration, a source of artistic and literary inspiration, and a symbol of Auvergne identity, combining natural power, raw beauty, and deep historical roots.
In summary, the Chaîne des Puys offers a fascinating glimpse into Earth's dynamics, an immersion in landscapes both gentle and powerful, and a rare sensory experience—between sky and earth, rock and plant, silence and the whisper of the wind.
If you'd like, I can provide more details about the local fauna and flora, geological history, or specific tourist activities such as paragliding, guided tours, or interpretation centers like Vulcania.
Le Lioran
Le Lioran is a mountain resort located in the heart of the Massif Central, in the Cantal department, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Nestled in the Regional Natural Park of the Auvergne Volcanoes, it stretches across the slopes of the Plomb du Cantal, one of the most iconic peaks of the Cantal volcano, reaching an altitude of 1,855 meters.
The Lioran site is accessible via the national road N122, which crosses the Font-de-Cère pass, and also by train, thanks to Le Lioran station—one of the few ski resorts in France served directly by rail.
The resort is known as one of the largest in the Massif Central and the most significant in the Auvergne region.
It offers a diverse ski area ranging from 1,160 to 1,850 meters in altitude, with over 60 kilometers of marked slopes suitable for all levels: beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers.
There are 43 slopes spread across different areas, served by 18 ski lifts, including an iconic cable car that links the resort to the summit of the Plomb du Cantal in just a few minutes.
This cable car also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes, in both summer and winter.
Le Lioran is not limited to alpine skiing.
The resort offers a wide range of winter activities: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, dog sledding, snowparks, and boardercross.
It also has a well-equipped beginners’ area, a snow garden for children, and a dynamic ski school run by ESF instructors.
Facilities are complemented by modern amenities such as equipment rental, mountain restaurants, friendly bars, an ice rink, and a wellness and fitness center.
During the summer season, Le Lioran transforms into an ideal destination for lovers of the outdoors and nature.
The resort then becomes a prime starting point for hiking in the Cantal mountains—on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback.
Several marked trails allow visitors to discover spectacular landscapes, deep forests, volcanic ridges, and stunning viewpoints.
The Plomb du Cantal remains a popular destination for hikers, with the option to reach the summit on foot or by cable car to enjoy a 360° panorama over the Cantal mountains.
Other summer activities include trail running, rock climbing, paragliding, treetop adventure courses, and even a bike park for downhill mountain biking.
Le Lioran is also a vibrant place to live, offering a wide range of accommodations, from hotels and tourist residences to chalets, campgrounds, and holiday rentals.
The village center of the resort remains lively all year round with markets, cultural events, concerts, and sports activities.
In winter, the resort regularly hosts ski competitions, torchlit descents, and festive entertainment for both children and adults.
Historically, Le Lioran was one of the first winter sports resorts created in the Massif Central.
Its development began as early as the 1900s with the arrival of the railway, but it was after World War II that the resort truly expanded, with the construction of ski lifts, hospitality infrastructure, and lodging.
Over the decades, Le Lioran has successfully modernized its facilities while preserving its natural environment, thanks to responsible land management and continuous efforts to limit the ecological impact of tourism.
Finally, Le Lioran stands out for its warm atmosphere, authenticity, and proximity to iconic Cantal destinations such as Murat, Aurillac, Saint-Flour, and Salers.
It offers an accessible, family-friendly mountain experience, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Auvergne.
Whether for a winter sports holiday, a summer getaway, or simply a breath of fresh air in nature, Le Lioran is a destination of choice—lively, welcoming, and full of charm.
