Vulcania
A science park devoted to volcanoes, natural phenomena and the Earth in space, in the heart of the Chaîne des Puys, with shows, films and a planetarium.
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About the museum
The idea of a science park dedicated to volcanoes came from the volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft. After meeting Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, then president of the Auvergne regional council, the Region decided in 1992 to create a science park and a museum of volcanism in the heart of the Chaîne des Puys, on a former military site of about fifty hectares.
The design of the building and the scenography was entrusted in 1994 to the Austrian architect Hans Hollein. A large part of the site was dug into a lava flow. The project, funded mainly by the Region, opened to the public on February 20, 2002. Its operation was entrusted to SEM Volcans, a mixed-economy company, under a public service delegation contract.
The park aims both to share recent knowledge in volcanology and Earth sciences and to attract a wide audience to Auvergne. It therefore combines scientific content, developed with a team of researchers and overseen by an external scientific council, with leisure-park-style animations. Today the visit includes dynamic attractions, giant-screen films, animations led by science mediators, exhibition spaces and a planetarium presented as the largest in France. The site is regularly renewed.
Highlights
- Planetarium with a 22-metre-diameter dome, billed as the largest in France
- Dynamic animations and giant-screen films on volcanoes and earthquakes
- Exhibition devoted to Maurice and Katia Krafft
- Exhibition on the volcanoes of Auvergne and the Chaîne des Puys
- Cité des enfants, Maison Pitoufeu and Forêt des dragons for the little ones
- Summer evenings and astronomy evenings
Permanent exhibitions
- Exposition Maurice et Katia Krafft – This space pays tribute to the volcanologists whose idea of a science park gave birth to Vulcania.
- Exposition Volcans d'Auvergne – This space presents the volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys, which can be reached by outdoor trails.
- Planétarium – The planetarium offers shows led by a science presenter and immersive films under a 22-metre-diameter dome.
- Founded
- 2002
- Operated by
- SEM Volcans (délégation de service public de la Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €28 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €26.50Students, job seekers, adults and children with disabilities, with proof and only at the ticket desk |
| Children & teens | €23free up to age 2 · Child rate for ages 6 to 16; toddlers aged 3 to 5: €7.50 in the green period. Free for children under 3. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €26.50Reduced rate with proof; easier access to the animations for the person and up to three companions on presentation of a disability card, priority card or a card for people who cannot stand for long periods. |
| Students & apprentices | €26.50Reduced rate with proof, sold at the ticket desk only. |
| Groups | –Group rates on reservation; for groups of people with disabilities, one adult is admitted free for every 5 paying people. |
| Toddlers aged 3 to 5 (green period) | €7.50€8.50 in the blue period, €9.50 in the yellow period |
| Billet malin online, adult (green period) | €27Sold online only |
| One-hour discovery tour, adult | €4€2 for children; to be bought in addition to admission |
Prices for 2026 vary by period: in the green period (low season), adults pay €28; in the blue period (school holidays and bank-holiday weekends), €31.50; in the yellow period, €33. The 2-day ticket is sold online; a ticket for a second day is offered on site at a preferential rate, and a season pass also exists. ANCV holiday vouchers are accepted.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The park has the Tourisme & Handicap label for motor disabilities. All animations and services are accessible, with wheelchair spaces reserved in the rooms; most areas are served by lifts. A wheelchair is lent free of charge against an ID. Accompanied visits for groups with disabilities and sign-language tours on request. Only assistance dogs are admitted.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 6 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Playground / play area
- Kids’ birthday parties
Play areas for children from age 3 (Cité des enfants, Maison Pitoufeu, Galerie Pitoufeu, Geyser), the Forêt des dragons, and a young explorers’ booklet given free at the entrance. Parents can take turns attending the dynamic animations if a child is too young. Strollers are lent free of charge subject to availability; birthday offer on request.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
During school holidays, a shuttle links Clermont-Ferrand railway station with Vulcania via Chamalières, Royat and Orcines.
By car
Free parking
Free car parks on site, usable only during park opening hours; 30 paid charging points, including two spaces for people with reduced mobility; motorhome service area.
Access via the A89 motorway, exit Vulcania/Bromont. Nearest SNCF station: Clermont-Ferrand; Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne airport.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
Several food outlets: Cafétéria des Puys, Comptoir du cratère, Panorama, Kiosque Namazu and Magma café. Picnicking is allowed in a covered room and outdoors.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Up to 1,000 guests.
Modular seminar rooms for 15 to 1,000 people, with multimedia equipment and views of the volcanoes.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The park recommends at least one day; the average visit lasts more than 6 hours. There is no set route; a free map shows animation times. A one-hour discovery tour is offered for an extra fee. Entry to the Cité des enfants and the Rivière des minéraux must be booked. You may leave the park and come back on the same day. |
