Volvic

Visit Volvic, Auvergne

Located in central France 14 km north of Clermont-Ferrand, Volvic is nowadays most famous its high quality natural spring water. Volvic mineral water is bottled in the town and sold all over the world, and has been popular for almost 70 years.

Exploring Volvic

In Volvic itself the key sites include:

- the 'Maison de la Pierre' - a visit to the old quarries and rock-workings in the town. Volvic stone is a very hard rock that for several centuries was held in very high esteem. If you visit nearby Clermont-Ferrand or Riom you will see famous examples of the use of volvic rock when you see the dark stone cathedrals. Many other buildings in the region around Volvic and the Auvergne are also constructed using or incorporate elements of the easily identifiable stone

- you can visit the source of Volvic water and take a guided tour.

- the Chateau de Tournoel, a medieval castle (constructed 11th - 16th centuries) standing in a naturally defensive postion over the entrance to the Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne and on the slope of an attractive wooded hillside

- the Church of Saint-Priest, a 12th century church in the roman style (although a substantial part is a 19th century reconstruction in neo-roman style)

A stroll around the town is recommended and there are various highlights to discover including small fountains and interesting architectural uses of the local stone.

To visit close to Volvic

It is of course the scenery of the region and its proximity to the beautiful 'extinct volcano' landscapes, now with forests running up the volcanoes to their craters, of the Chaine des Puys that attracts most visitors here

It is perfect countryside for hiking and cycling and other outdoor activities, while recommended towns nearby include Riom and Mozac.

Note: photo is copyright.

See Auvergne and Puy-de-Dome (the region and department for Volvic) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Volvic: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*;

Suggested places to visit near Volvic, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Saint-Saturnin 24km; Orcival 26km; Montpeyroux 30km; Saint-Nectaire 32km; Murol 33km; Saint-Floret 36km; Charroux 36km; Mont-Dore 37km; La Bourboule 39km; Chateldon 39km; Thiers 40km;

Volvic tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Marsat - town of art and history (3km) : Parc du château de Blanzat - remarkable garden (5km) : Abbatial church de Saint Pierre de Mozac (Mozac) - religious monument (8km) : Cathédrale Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Clermont-ferrand) - religious monument (10km) : Basilique Notre Dame du Port (Clermont-Ferrand) - religious monument (11km) : Eglise de Saint Léger (Royat) - religious monument (12km) : Jardins du château d'Opme - remarkable garden (16km) : Collégiale Saint-Victor et Sainte-Couronne d'Ennezat (Ennezat) - religious monument (16km) :

See more places and a map at places near Volvic