The Auvergne Volcanoes, France

The Auvergne Volcanoes Nature Reserve is located in central France, in the department of Pouilly-de-Dôme, west of the bustling commercial town of Clermont-Ferrand. Three million years ago, volcanoes regularly erupted and the lava they ejected formed this strange and desolate terrain. The cones that formed, with their bizarre shapes pointing skywards, are a striking sight. Of the three groups of volcanoes, Mont Dom, Mont Dor and Cantal, Cantal is one of the most interesting. Originally huge, it has eroded for the most part, leaving frozen rivers of lava amid several valleys.

The oldest volcano, with its highest point (1464m), is the Puy de Dom and is of the Mont Dom volcano chain. For the Celts, Puy de Dom was a royal mountain on which they worshipped their god of war. After them, the Romans built a huge temple with lava stones and marble at the top of the Puy de Dom, dedicated to the god Mercury. Remains of this temple lie just below the summit, but no visitors are allowed there. The remarkable summit of the Pouilly de Dom can be reached on foot along an original zigzag Roman path, and also by bicycle. There is an information center, observation tables, a restaurant and a geological museum. The view from the top of the chain of more than a hundred volcanic peaks is outstanding, especially at sunset when the palette of colours is stunning. It was only in the mid-18th century that it was discovered that these bizarre formations were of volcanic origin. Until then, it was believed that it was all built by the Romans.

The Mont Dor volcanic range lies to the south and on it is the highest point in central France-Puy de Sancy (1885m). The Dordogne river rises from here. The summit can be reached by cable car from the town of Le Mont Dor. A theme park, Volcania, dedicated to the history of volcanoes in this interesting area has recently been opened here.

It is still believed that the eerie shapes of the frozen volcanoes in the Auvergne area are where wizards and witches meet to perform magical rituals. The town of Thiers is situated on the gorge carved out by the River Dorel. From here the views of the peaks of Mont Dom and Mont Dor are very beautiful. The town is also known as an important centre for the manufacture of cutlery.

The most famous description of a journey on foot through this interesting volcanic region, was by Robert Louis Stevenson, in "A Donkey's Journey through the Seine" in 1878.