What to Do in Puy-de-Dôme When It’s Hot: Our Ideas to Stay Cool

The sun beats down on the volcanoes, the heat rises over the Limagne plain… Why not set off in search of the coolest spots in Auvergne? Around Camping de la Croze in Châtel-Guyon, there’s no shortage of shady gorges, crater lakes and rivers. Here are our ideas to enjoy your holiday, even in the height of summer.

Cool spots just a stone’s throw from the campsite

1. The Enval gorges, our favourite walk (5 min)

It’s our favourite on hot days! In the Enval gorges, the coolness hits you from the very first steps, even in a heatwave. The path follows the stream under the trees, to the sound of waterfalls. A loop of about 1 hour 30 that delights young and old alike. Discover all our family walk ideas.

2. The Sans-Souci valley and the Écureuil waterfall (5 min)

Starting from Châtel-Guyon, this shady walk follows the stream up to the waterfall. The name says it all: here, you really switch off from everyday life. More ideas in our hikes between the volcanoes and Châtel-Guyon.

Swimming in natural water

3. The Gour de Tazenat, a crater of pure water (20 min)

The Gour de Tazenat is the closest crater lake to the campsite: a perfect circle nestled in the forest, with exceptionally clear water. The site is wild and very peaceful, ideal for a quiet morning swim. Swimming is not supervised.

4. The beaches of Lake Aydat (40 min) and Lake Chambon (55 min)

Fancy a real beach? These two Blue Flag lakes have lifeguarded swimming areas in July and August, picnic areas, paddleboarding and pedal boats. All the best spots are in our guide where to swim in Puy-de-Dôme.

5. Canoeing down the Sioule (40 min)

Glide along the water between the cliffs of the Sioule gorges! In summer, the current is gentle and the routes suit beginners and families alike. From the river, you see the gorges from a whole new angle.

Head for the heights or take shelter

6. The summit of the Puy de Dôme (30 min)

At 1,465 metres, it’s several degrees cooler than on the plain. Take the Panoramique des Dômes rack railway, preferably early in the morning, and enjoy a breathtaking view over the Chaîne des Puys. Our guide to the Panoramique des Dômes.

7. The Grotte de la Pierre de Volvic (10 min)

Underground, the heat disappears! In the galleries of this former lava flow, it stays cool even in the middle of August. Remember to bring a warm layer.

8. Vulcania during the hottest hours (30 min)

Films, planetarium, exhibitions: most of Vulcania’s attractions are indoors. It’s ideal for spending the middle of the day out of the sun. More sheltered ideas in our article what to do in Puy-de-Dôme when it rains.

At the campsite: shade and coolness

9. The shade of our oak forest

At Camping de la Croze, you enjoy the shade of an oak forest. A nap in the shade or a drink under the trees: you can enjoy the cool at the campsite too.

10. The heated pool and paddling pool

Nothing beats a dip after a hike. Our campsite with a heated pool in Puy-de-Dôme welcomes you from 15 June to 15 September, with a paddling pool and sun loungers.

11. Air-conditioned accommodation for a good night’s sleep

New for 2027: our cottages and our Zen and Détente mobile homes are air-conditioned. Discover our air-conditioned mobile homes in Auvergne for cool, restful nights.

Our tips for enjoying the heat

• Set off early: walks and summits are more pleasant before 11 a.m.;
• Choose supervised swimming areas with children, such as Aydat or Lake Chambon in July and August;
• Bring water, a hat and a lake-friendly sun cream;
• Pack water shoes for rivers and lake shores;
• Leave no trace: volcanic lakes are fragile environments.

Summer at Camping de la Croze means:

• the shade of an oak forest;
• a heated pool with a paddling pool;
• the Enval gorges 5 minutes away and the Gour de Tazenat 20 minutes away;
• air-conditioned cottages and mobile homes.

Don’t wait any longer: book your stay in Châtel-Guyon today!