Vulcania is a science park about volcanoes, natural phenomena and the Earth in space. It stands at Saint-Ours, in the volcanic country around the Puy-de-Dôme in Auvergne. Rides, 3D and 4D films, live science shows and exhibitions share the site. You can fly over Auvergne in Premier Envol, go down to the sea floor in Abyss Explorer, ride the Namazu roller coaster and sit in the planetarium, the largest in France. Most explanations and all shows are in French, so plan for that before you go.
A park built around volcanoes and the Earth
Vulcania sits at Saint-Ours, in the volcanic area around the Puy-de-Dôme. The park is dedicated to volcanoes, natural phenomena and the planet's place in space. It combines a science centre with an amusement park, and the two halves are meant to work together. Exhibitions, giant-screen films, interactive experiences and rides all share the same site.
The subject matter is wide. Displays cover geology, palaeontology, astronomy, marine life and a little local history, and hurricanes and space exploration also have their place. Several of the rides and attractions are loosely themed around what people believed before science explained volcanoes and other natural events, so the stories behind the machinery are part of the visit.
The site is modern and well kept, with rest areas, gift shops and a number of places to eat. Food ranges from quick snacks to sit-down meals.
The main attractions
Premier Envol takes you on a flight over the Auvergne. Le Réveil des Géants puts you in front of volcanic eruptions, and Planète Dévoilée looks at volcanoes around the world. Abyss Explorer goes down into the depths of the sea.
Namazu is the park's roller coaster, themed around joining a team of seismologists. Dragon Ride 2 is a 4D experience that makes you feel as if you are flying over a prehistoric landscape or standing near an eruption. Children also take to the many 2D, 3D and 4D films.
The app displays waiting times for the rides, which helps you decide the order of your day.
Shows, demos and the planetarium
Live programmes are a large part of the offer. The science presenters run demonstrations and comedic shows, and the seismology explanation is clear and lively. Some shows are more interactive than others, and a bird show is also part of the programme.
The planetarium is the largest in France and runs sessions of about 30 minutes narrated live by a presenter. If time is short, put a planetarium session near the top of your list.
The exhibitions carry a lot of reading. With children, it is hard to cover all of it when rides and shows compete for attention, so choose the displays that interest you most. The season pass gives unlimited entry plus discounts in the shop and restaurants, which is useful if you plan more than one visit.
Language and access
Almost all the content is in French. An audio guide exists in other languages and switches on by itself at some displays, but the shows are not covered by it, and some films have no English subtitles. Visitors who do not read French may want to bring someone who can translate for children.
The park has a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom and parking lot. Some attractions can be harder for visitors with limited mobility. There is free parking, a playground, a restaurant and an on-site bar.
Getting there and what is nearby
The address is 2 Route de Mazayes, Saint-Ours. The A89 motorway exit 26 is about 10 minutes away by car. Riom is about 25 minutes away and Clermont-Ferrand about 30.
The Lemptegy volcano, a former mine you can walk through, is across the main road from the park and fits well into the same trip. A full day at Vulcania can take up to 8 hours with all the rides and shows, so a visit to Lemptegy is better kept for another time.
Perguntas frequentes
How long do you need at Vulcania?
Plan on a full day. Seeing the whole park, including all the rides and the bird show, can take up to 8 hours.
Is Vulcania in English?
Most explanations and all the shows are in French. An audio guide in other languages is available and starts automatically at some displays, but it does not cover the shows.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Buying tickets in advance is recommended. The season pass gives unlimited entry and discounts in the shop and restaurants.
Is Vulcania good for children?
Yes. It has a roller coaster, 2D, 3D and 4D films and live shows, plus a playground. Adults get plenty of science content too.
Is there parking and wheelchair access?
There is a free parking lot, and the entrance, restroom and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. Some attractions may be harder for visitors with limited mobility.
Is there food at the park?
Yes. There is a restaurant and a bar on site, with quick snacks and sit-down meals.
