Visit Vulcania: Everything you need to know before you go

Think you know Vulcania, the picturesque amusement park in France’s volcano-packed Auvergne region? Think again — there’s so much more to this park than fascinating science that, quite literally, gets beneath Earth’s surface. It’s home to an array of head-spinning rides, including the award-winning Namazu roller coaster. Plus, the biggest planetarium in France, activities and workshops for budding scientists, and jaw-dropping screenings like “Ouragan” that tracks the journey of a tropical cyclone. When you visit Vulcania, science is brought to life in the most mesmerizing and immersive ways. If you and the family are ready to be wowed by the volcanic scenery and exciting experiences, this guide to Vulcania has all you need to plan an incredible trip.

Vulcania at a glance

Suggested duration: At least a day, but two will let you really take your time experiencing it all. Multi-day tickets are available.

Best time to visit

• The park is open from late March until early November. Spring and summer have the most favorable outdoor weather.
• Weekends are quieter during the summer and Easter breaks when student groups visit midweek.
• If you visit in the “green” off-peak periods, there are shorter lines and cheaper tickets.

Opening hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM most days; there are closures on some Mondays and Tuesdays.

Address: 2 Route de Mazayes, 63230 Saint-Ours, France

Interesting facts about Vulcania

• The park was the brainchild of several French volcanologists who were keen to educate little and large scientists on natural phenomena in fun and interactive ways. Today, it does all that and more — with rides, robots, and IMAX-size screens.
• Vulcania is home to the biggest planetarium in France, a 72-foot-high dome where you can gaze at the constellations, see the position of the planets, and pretend to travel through the solar system.
• The park was designed by Austrian Pritzker Prize-winning architect Hans Hollein. Its metaphorical volcano centerpiece leads visitors underground, descending into a cone-shaped, gold-lined structure resembling magma flowing to the surface.

Why is Vulcania worth visiting?

The amusement park is on a mission to educate and inspire visitors about the natural phenomena of our planet, and where better for it? Auvergne is a region of no fewer than 80 dormant volcanoes. But it’s also a ton of fun.

• Ride on the award-winning Namazu rollercoaster, which twists and turns through the park’s forests and fields.
• Bring textbooks to life — kids will see the wonders of Earth in a whole new light, and leave with a new appreciation for the planet.
• Have so much fun with the interactive and immersive exhibits, shows, and rides that learning just feels like a bonus — but there’s a lot to learn!
• Look to the skies in France’s largest planetarium — an unparalleled view into the galaxy and beyond.

Best time to visit Vulcania

Vulcania is open from late March to early November. Summer is the driest, warmest season. In July and August, Vulcania’s at its busiest, but there are more shows to catch. You’ll still be able to enjoy all the rides and interactive experiences in spring and fall, when it’s much less crowded, albeit with more chance of rain. There are always plenty of daylight hours to enjoy the countryside setting — with robot tours around the fields and forests and the opportunity to picnic or grab lunch in the park’s cafés.

As with most amusement parks, spring and summer break periods are generally busier, although school groups tend to visit on Wednesdays and Thursdays, so consider the weekend then for shorter lines. Tickets are less expensive during the “green” off-peak periods, when the park is less busy.

What is there to experience at Vulcania

Interactive workshops, roller coasters, all set within bucolic French countryside. A trip to Vulcania combines beautiful scenery, scream-inducing rides, and fun learning opportunities, all in one big day out.

Namazu

For over half a millennium it was believed that a giant underground fish, whose spine held up the country of Japan, had been responsible for the country’s earthquakes. Of course, science has proved that’s not the case, but today that legend is the inspiration behind this incredible roller coaster, which mimics an active seismic zone.

Sacred Volcanoes

Sacred Volcanoes: Hop inside a “lava flow car” which will take you on an immersive journey — packed with special effects — to learn how humans have lived alongside volcanoes for thousands of years. It’s a must-do for younger kids over 80 cm (31 inches) tall.

Dragon Ride

This special effect–laden 3D film takes you on a journey with renowned cryptozoologist Henri de Dragoniac and his phoenix to come face to face with dragons. Unexpected twists and realistic natural phenomena await.

Planetarium

The Planetarium at Vulcania is not only France’s largest, it’s also one of the best in the world. Seeing the solar system under its huge dome is something you’ll never forget.

Ouragan

Dive into the eye of a storm in this 20-minute film projected onto one of the largest screens in Europe — a whopping 4,400 square feet (415 square meters). You’ll track the journey of Hurricane Lucy as it forms on the African continent and travels across deserts and oceans before arriving in Cuba as a category-five storm. Together with real-life footage and a dramatic soundtrack, it’s an eye-opening look at one of nature’s most unforgiving forces.

Tips for visiting Vulcania

Who is Vulcania best for?

This is a park for all ages, from little explorers who want to learn about the world in a unique and engaging way outside of the classroom to adults fascinated by volcanoes, cyclones, and earthquakes. Even those with just a fleeting interest are soon blown away, leaving in awe of — and with a bag of knowledge of — the world’s natural phenomena. Some of the experiences have height restrictions of 80 cm (31 inches), but there’s still plenty for toddlers, with play areas, bike circuits, and a Dragon’s Forest. Handily, the park has strollers you can borrow for free.

Is buying an online ticket to Vulcania worth it?

Absolutely — if you’re visiting over peak periods, like summer or weekends, it can help you bypass lines at the entrance and maximize your time inside if you buy your ticket online.

Are there different entrances for Vulcania?

There’s just one entrance to the park at 2 Route de Mazayes, 63230 Saint-Ours.

How to get to Vulcania

A Vulcania shuttle takes visitors from Clermont-Ferrand station every day in the summer and during school holidays. In spring and fall, you can book a shuttle in advance; 48 hours’ notice is required. You may prefer to book a taxi from the town instead; Clermont-Ferrand’s tourist information site has the numbers you need. If you’re driving to Vulcania, parking is plentiful. It’s around a 40-minute drive from Clermont-Ferrand airport, 20 minutes from the town, and approximately 2.5 hours from Lyon. The parking lot can be entered up to two hours before the park closes.

Vulcania FAQs

How do I book tickets to Vulcania?

You can simply turn up and buy a ticket from a cashier on the day, but it’s best to buy them online in advance. You’ll avoid lines, ensure the park is open on your chosen day, and you can save money that way. Tickets have one- or two-day options and are priced according to the time of year and day. Dated tickets for specific dates have a green period (low season, cheapest tickets), blue period (French school holidays and weekends), and yellow period (the most expensive summer tickets with access to evening fireworks displays).

Are there concession tickets available?

Students, children aged 3–16 (kids under 3 get free entry), job seekers, and people with disabilities can purchase reduced-rate tickets at Vulcania. Proof of eligibility is required.

What should I bring when visiting Vulcania?

Prepare for all types of weather, with sunscreen, a hat, light layers, and a raincoat. Wear good walking shoes and always have water with you — there are places to buy water and food inside Vulcania too.

Are there height restrictions at Vulcania?

For safety reasons, some experiences require a minimum height, the lowest of which is 70 cm (27.5 inches). However, many activities are still suitable for smaller children.

Is Vulcania suitable for those visiting without children?

Definitely, the park is designed with fun and learning in mind for all ages, with interactive displays, screenings, rides, and workshops.

Is there a place to eat at Vulcania or can I bring a picnic?

The park has numerous cafés and restaurants where you can grab hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals. If you bring your own lunch, there are dedicated shaded outdoor pitches and sheltered rooms inside. It’s fine to leave your lunch in the car, you can get your wrist stamped at the reception desk to reenter the park.

What is the best way to reach Vulcania by public transport?

There are good rail and bus links to Clermont-Ferrand from major French cities. In the summer, regular shuttles leave Clermont-Ferrand station and take around 20 minutes to reach the park; in spring and fall, these can be requested with 48 hours notice. You can also get a taxi from the town.

Is there car and campervan parking parking at Vulcania?

There is ample free parking, and a 65-pitch motorhome area, too, with rates from €10 per night (€ 18 for 2 nights). Pitches cannot be booked in advance and trailers are not accepted.

Are EV chargers available for visitors to use in the parking lot?

Yes, charging for electric vehicles is available at Vulcania.

Are guided tours at Vulcania recommended?

If you speak French, the one-hour guided tour (€4) is a great way to familiarize yourself with the park and understand its history, architecture, and attractions.

Is Vulcania accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Vulcania has been awarded the “Tourism and Handicap” label for motor, hearing, visual, and cognitive impairments. Staff are trained to offer services adapted to all disabilities. Assistance dogs are accepted. People with a valid proof of disability card, plus up to three accompanying adults, have easier access to attractions. Events have waiting areas outside of lines and restaurants are accessible. For more detailed information, check out Vulcania’s accessibility page.