Volcan de Lemptégy

About the museum

The Lemptégy volcano formed around 30,000 years ago during two successive eruptions that created the Lemptégy 1 and Lemptégy 2 cones, in the heart of the Chaîne des Puys. Over time, vegetation covered the cones and the geological history of the site disappeared beneath the surface.

After the Second World War the volcano was quarried for its pozzolana, a light volcanic rock used in construction, agriculture and landscaping. Extraction gradually changed the landscape and exposed the inside of the volcano. In the mid-1970s the quarry was put up for sale; Jean-Louis Montel bought it in 1975. The geologist Guy Camus, professor at the University of Clermont-Ferrand, was then allowed to study the site, and the two men eventually recognized the scientific value of this open-air volcano.

The first visitors were welcomed in 1992, without a guide or a train, only with information boards, in the middle of a quarry still in operation. Success was immediate, and extraction ended for good in 2006 to make way for discovery and education. In 2024 the site welcomed its three millionth visitor. It is now run by the Montel family over three generations, and is part of the chain of volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights

• Visit the inside of a volcano on foot or by little train with a geologist as your guide
• Immersive trail on the history of people and of the volcano
• The old pozzolana extraction machines
• 4D film “Aux Origines” and the Volcan’Express ride
• Night trail “Le Réveil du Volcan” in summer

Permanent exhibitions

• Parcours immersif « Un volcan et des hommes » – First stage of the visit, indoors and self-guided: a trail that traces the family and human history of the site and the formation of the volcano.
• L'Âme de Lemptégy – Trail among the old pozzolana extraction machines, to understand the steps from crushing to sorting.
• Attractions « Aux Origines » et « Volcan'Express » – Two immersive attractions: a 4D film that flies over the Chaîne des Puys and a virtual journey back to the time when the volcanoes formed.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Famille Montel (exploitant privé)

Admission & discounts

2026 prices, low season; in July and August the adult price for the walking visit is €14.50 and the child price €12. A 10% discount applies with the Objectif Auvergne ticket from the second site visited. Online payment by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or holiday vouchers; on site in cash, holiday vouchers or chèque culture.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The site is labeled “Tourisme & Handicap”. Wheelchairs can move through the reception, the shop, the immersive trail, the restaurant and the attractions; one train carriage can take a wheelchair by reservation. The train stops and the old-machines stage are not wheelchair-accessible. The guide offers audio description during the guided visit and at the old-machines stage. The reception and the attractions have induction loops, and booklets describing the visit are available at reception. Guide dogs are allowed on the train on presentation of the carte mobilité inclusion. Reserved parking spaces are at the car park entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 4+

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

The visit suits children from age 4; the two final attractions are forbidden for children under 4, and for children under 10 without an adult. The little train offers commentary adapted for children aged 4 to 12; children may pick up volcanic rocks, and a play area is open to ages 2 to 15. Treasure hunts are organized during some holidays (Easter, Halloween). Strollers are allowed on the walking visit on the pozzolana ground, but not on the train or at the attractions; a baby carrier is recommended.

Getting there & parking

The site is about 15 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand and 5 minutes from exit 26 of the A89. It is 3 minutes from the Grande Traversée du Massif Central by bike and holds the “Accueil Vélo” label (free recharging of e-bikes, repair kit).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant “Le Resto’” from 12:00 to 14:00 (also in the evening during night trails), accessible without a reservation and regardless of the visit; snack bar “Le Kiosque” from 10:00 to 17:30 during school holidays; picnic area near the car park. The shop has the same hours as the site and is accessible without a ticket.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 200 guests.

The restaurant hosts groups and events of up to 200 people; the site also offers seminars and packages for works councils.

Plan your visit