Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Puy-de-Dôme), France
Vulcania is France's unique volcano-themed science and adventure park located in the heart of Auvergne's volcanic region, just 20 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand. With 25 attractions combining thrilling rides, immersive 3D experiences, educational exhibits, and spectacular shows, this award-winning park offers families an unforgettable journey through Earth's most powerful natural phenomena. Over 8 million visitors have explored volcanoes here!
Park Highlights
Namazu - Award-winning earthquake-themed family launch coaster! Experience the power of seismic forces as you drop through the floor and race through twists representing tectonic plate movements. Winner Best New Ride Europe 2021! One of France's most thrilling family coasters.
Dragon Ride 2 - Cult 3D dynamic attraction returned in 2020! Ride the legendary dragon through volcanic landscapes with cutting-edge 3D effects and motion simulation. Roar into adventure!
Premier Envol (First Flight) - Spectacular flying theatre experience! Soar like a bird over Auvergne's magnificent volcanoes on a motion simulator platform. Feel the wind, experience the freedom of flight with breathtaking aerial cinematography!
Dynamic Attractions
Thrill Rides
Namazu - Family launch coaster simulating earthquake! 120cm minimum. Drop through floor, race through seismic adventure. Award-winning 2021!
Immersive Experiences
Dragon Ride 2 - Dynamic 3D attraction with motion! 110cm minimum. Ride the dragon through volcanic realms with spectacular effects.
Réveil des Géants d'Auvergne (Awakening of Auvergne Giants) - 110cm minimum. Witness dormant volcanoes awakening! Dynamic cinema experience.
Terre en colère (Angry Earth) - 110cm minimum. Feel Earth's fury! Immersive experience showcasing natural disasters.
Premier Envol (First Flight) - Flying theatre! 90cm minimum. Soar over Auvergne's volcanoes in breathtaking flight simulation.
Abyss Explorer - 90cm minimum. Dive into ocean depths! Submarine adventure exploring underwater volcanic activity.
Volcans Sacrés (Sacred Volcanoes) - 80cm minimum. Journey to sacred volcanic sites worldwide. Cultural and geological exploration!
Educational Attractions
Planetarium
Planetarium Shows - Explore universe, stars, planets! Regular programming with different shows throughout season. Learn astronomy in comfortable theatre.
Volcanic Sky - Special planetarium show connecting volcanoes to cosmos! How volcanic activity relates to our solar system.
Interactive Exhibitions
Earth Explorers - Interactive exhibition hall! Hands-on experiments with geological phenomena. Touch real volcanic rocks, create earthquakes!
Volcano Laboratory - Scientist-led demonstrations! Watch real volcanic experiments, ask questions, learn from experts.
Magma Chamber - Descend into Earth's core! Exhibition showing formation of magma and volcanic eruptions. Stunning visuals!
Volcanic Landscapes - Outdoor walking trail through recreated volcanic environments! Discover how volcanoes shape our planet.
Activities with Scientists
Meet the Geologists - Daily sessions with real scientists! Ask questions about volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics. Fascinating insights!
Experimental Workshops - Hands-on science activities! Create mini-volcanoes, test earthquake resistance, explore rocks.
Scientific Talks - Regular presentations covering volcanic topics. From Auvergne's history to volcanoes worldwide!
Shows & Entertainment
Volcanic Awakening Show - Spectacular outdoor show! Witness eruption recreation with special effects, sound, and light!
4D Cinema - Multiple 4D film experiences! Sensory effects including wind, water, scents accompanying volcanic documentaries.
Animation Theater - Live performances throughout day! Educational entertainment for children exploring Earth sciences.
Family Zones
Kids' Discovery Area - Young explorers zone (3-7 years)! Age-appropriate activities, gentle attractions, learning through play.
Volcanic Playground - Outdoor play structure themed as volcano! Climbing, sliding, exploring for energetic children.
Picnic Areas - Shaded spots throughout park with volcano views! Bring lunch, dine surrounded by Auvergne's natural beauty.
Dining & Facilities
Restaurant with Panoramic View - Hot meals overlooking volcanic landscape! Regional Auvergne cuisine.
Cafeteria - Quick-service meals! Sandwiches, salads, snacks, drinks.
Volcanic Snack Bar - Grab-and-go options! Ice cream, refreshments throughout park.
Gift Shop - Volcanic souvenirs, science kits, minerals, educational toys, books! Take home geological treasures.
Practical Information
- Season
- usually late March to early November (around 208 opening days at our last check); check the park's official calendar for this year's dates.
- Hours
- Generally 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (varies by season, check website)
- Admission
- Adults: €32.50
- Children (6-16 years): €27
- Young Children (3-5 years): €7-€9
- Under 3: FREE
- Pack DUO (2 adults): €46 (an early-season offer at our last check)
- Pack TRIBU (2 adults + 2 children): €86 (an early-season offer at our last check)
- Smart Ticket: Save up to €2 booking 5+ days advance
- Season Pass
- Unlimited visits for 208 days! Pays for itself after 2nd visit. Includes shop/restaurant discounts.
- Parking
- FREE for cars! Camping-car area with services €10 overnight.
- Height Requirements
- 80cm+: Volcans Sacrés
- 90cm+: Abyss Explorer, Premier Envol
- 110cm+: Dragon Ride, Terre en colère, Réveil des Géants
- 120cm+: Namazu (coaster)
- "Young kid solution" available for most attractions (not Namazu)
- Location
- Route de Mazayes, Saint-Ours-les-Roches
- 20 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand
- Heart of Auvergne Volcanoes Natural Regional Park
- UNESCO World Heritage volcanic landscape nearby
- Perfect for
- Families with curious children, science enthusiasts, geology lovers, school groups, anyone fascinated by Earth's power, educational trips, volcano fans
- What Makes Vulcania Unique
- France's only volcano-themed park! Combines thrills with education. Set in real volcanic region where you can visit actual dormant volcanoes. Award-winning attractions. Scientists on staff!
- Awards
- Namazu - Best New Ride Europe 2021
- Language
- French and English available
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible. Special provisions for visitors with disabilities.
- Contact
- +33 4 73 19 70 10
Visit www.vulcania.com for dated tickets, season passes, special events, school programs, and workshop schedules. Experience the explosive adventure of France's most immersive educational theme park!
- Sources