Easter holidays in the Puy-de-Dôme: what to do in spring?

Picture it… Broom starting to bloom, volcano tops still dusted with white, and trails all to yourself. In spring, the Puy-de-Dôme gently wakes up, far from the summer crowds.

From Camping de la Croze in Châtel-Guyon, the main sites of the Chaîne des Puys are 30 minutes away, and the loveliest walks just a few minutes. Here are our ideas to make the most of your Easter holidays in Auvergne.

Why visit the Puy-de-Dôme in spring?

April is the ideal time to discover the volcanoes: the days get longer, nature turns green again and you visit the top sites without queuing. Days are mild and evenings cooler, so pack a good fleece and walking shoes.

And when you get back from your outings, your heated mobile home is waiting, for cosy family evenings.

Volcanoes and major sites: open from the spring holidays

Vulcania (30 min)

The European park of volcanism reopens in spring. Motion rides, immersive films and a planetarium: your children will love diving into the heart of eruptions, even on a grey day. Discover our campsite near Vulcania.

The Lemptégy Volcano (30 min)

Here, you really go inside a volcano! On board a small covered train, you discover chimneys, lava flows and volcanic bombs. The visit runs even in the rain, ideal for an uncertain day. Find out all about the Lemptégy Volcano.

The puy de Pariou and the Panoramique des Dômes (30 min)

Our tip: climb the puy de Pariou in the morning and walk around its perfect crater, then head to nearby Lemptégy in the afternoon. For an effortless 360° view, the rack railway of the Panoramique des Dômes takes you up to the summit of the puy de Dôme. Hiking info on the puy de Pariou.

Spring walks close to the campsite

The Enval gorges (5 min)

Our favourite walk, under the oaks and along the stream, with its little waterfall. An easy outing for the whole family, and your dogs are welcome too.

The Gour de Tazenat (20 min)

This almost perfect crater lake can be walked around in under an hour. In spring, its wooded shores are especially peaceful.

Volvic and the Château de Tournoël (10 to 15 min)

Stroll through the stone lanes of Volvic, then admire the silhouette of the Château de Tournoël overlooking the plain. More ideas in our most beautiful castles near the campsite and our hikes from the campsite.

Easter egg hunts and events

If your stay falls on Easter weekend, make the most of it: several sites organise egg hunts, such as the Panoramique des Dômes at the top of the puy de Dôme or the Lemptégy Volcano. Dates change every year, so check the tourist offices’ events calendars.

Another treat for food lovers: local markets and producers, to taste Saint-Nectaire cheese and Auvergne specialities. Our favourite local food addresses.

If the weather plays tricks

A spring shower? No problem, there are plenty of indoor ideas:

• Parc Écureuil (5 min): it reopens in April, for a first tree-top adventure in the heart of the forest;
• Centre aquatique Béatrice Hess in Riom (10 min): indoor pools and a 68 m water slide;
• Aïga Resort in Châtel-Guyon (5 min): thermal water pools, with a 10% discount thanks to the voucher available at reception;
• L’Aventure Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand (25 min): a fun museum for young and old.

Find all our ideas for rainy days and our family activities in the Puy-de-Dôme.

Spring at Camping de la Croze

The campsite opens its rentals in early April and its pitches in mid-April. In a quiet setting under the oaks, your children enjoy the playground and trampoline, and when it turns chilly, the library and its board games take over.

Camping de la Croze in spring means:

• heated mobile homes for cosy evenings;
• Vulcania, Lemptégy and the puy de Pariou 30 minutes away;
• the Enval gorges and Parc Écureuil 5 minutes away;
• a quiet, natural setting at the foot of the volcanoes.

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