Discovery of the Panoramique des Dômes
Let yourself be guided to the top of the mountains of the Chaîne des Puys-faille de Limagne for an unusual experience
An innovative project in the heart of the Auvergne
The Puy-de-Dôme department has long believed in the importance of revitalising the Auvergne hinterland. This is why it has set out to offer visitors an authentic excursion in a protected tourist site that has been developed for them.
Several characteristics had to be taken into account to welcome thousands of tourists:
- Road safety in all seasons;
- Respect for sustainable development;
- Access for all;
- Not to distort the exceptional landscape;
- A timeless activity with a panoramic view;
- An awareness of the natural environment of volcanoes
To achieve this, they reworked the tracks of the train linking Clermont-Ferrand to the summit of the Puy de Dôme and in 2012 created the cogwheel train.
Getting to the top of the Puy-de-Dôme by electric rack train
In about 15 minutes, reach the top of the 80 volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys-faille de Limagne. This unique site in the world is accessible by a hiking trail. However, a popular alternative for tourists is the electric cogwheel train, which can carry up to 400 passengers per trip.
Take in the sights as you travel on the train. You won't see this anywhere else. In the blink of an eye, the Puys chain, the Limagne plain, the Sancy Massif and Clermont-Ferrand in the background pass before your eyes. When you arrive, you only have a few steps to take to see the immensity of the site.
At the top, you have an appointment with :
- A panoramic view of the Auvergne volcanoes;
- The remains of Mercury's temple and its museum;
- A discovery museum on the Grand Site de France;
- A souvenir shop;
- Restaurants...
- 3 hiking trails lead you to discover the site in a natural setting.
Practical information
The departure station is at the Maison du site, at the foot of the Puy-de-Dôme, in the town of Orcines.
Lieu-dit La Font de l'Arbre, Chemin du Couleyras, 63 870 Orcines.
How to come from Clermont-Ferrand?
- By shuttle bus (available soon)
- By TER
- By Moovicité shuttle (for people with reduced mobility)
