{"id":4226,"date":"2026-10-02T22:13:34","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T20:13:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.campingdelacroze.com\/?p=4226"},"modified":"2026-11-05T16:53:28","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T15:53:28","slug":"trail-running-routes-puy-de-dome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.campingdelacroze.com\/en\/blog\/trail-running-routes-puy-de-dome\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Trail Running Routes Near Camping de la Croze"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Craving fresh air? Lace up your trail shoes!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camping de la Croze sits right at the doorstep of a real playground for trail runners. About fifteen minutes away, Volvic and its volcanoes host two of Auvergne’s benchmark trail running events every year, the Trail de Vulcain<\/a> and the Volvic Volcanic Experience<\/a>, as well as a marked route open all year round. Here are 5 routes to try, from the most accessible to the most extreme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Volvic Nature \u2014 the most accessible<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The “short distance” route of the Trail de Vulcain, ideal for a first trail outing in the area. It follows trails and paths around Volvic, with serious elevation gain for the distance but no major technical difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practical info<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Distance<\/strong><\/td>13.5 km<\/td><\/tr>
Elevation gain<\/strong><\/td>570 m<\/td><\/tr>
Start \/ finish<\/strong><\/td>Volvic sports complex<\/td><\/tr>
Distance from the campsite<\/strong><\/td>about 15 minutes by car<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Map<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Route of the Trail de Vulcain<\/a> race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Above Volvic \u2014 the permanent route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unlike the race routes, this one is marked as a loop and can be done all year round, outside of any event. It starts from the centre of Volvic and climbs up above the village, offering views over the Cha\u00eene des Puys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practical info<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Distance<\/strong><\/td>16 km<\/td><\/tr>
Elevation gain<\/strong><\/td>480 m<\/td><\/tr>
Estimated time<\/strong><\/td>about 2h<\/td><\/tr>
Start<\/strong><\/td>Place de l’\u00c9glise, in front of the tourist office, Volvic<\/td><\/tr>
Distance from the campsite<\/strong><\/td>about 15 minutes by car<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Map<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

GPX track and full route sheet on Cirkwi<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Exp\u00e9rience Volcanique \u2014 the rolling route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The flagship route of the Volvic Volcanic Experience, described by the organisers as one of the most accessible and popular of the event despite its 26 km. The route crosses rolling terrain and passes by the Puy de Paugnat, with beautiful views over the UNESCO-listed Cha\u00eene des Puys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practical info<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Distance<\/strong><\/td>26 km<\/td><\/tr>
Elevation gain<\/strong><\/td>580 m<\/td><\/tr>
Terrain<\/strong><\/td>Rolling, not very technical for the distance<\/td><\/tr>
Start \/ finish<\/strong><\/td>Volvic<\/td><\/tr>
Distance from the campsite<\/strong><\/td>about 15 minutes by car<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Map<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Route of the Volvic Volcanic Experience<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Riom Limagne & Volcans \u2014 the sporty option<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A notch up in distance and elevation gain, this Trail de Vulcain route starts from the Volcan de Lempt\u00e9gy and explores the volcanic terrain in more depth. A good goal for already seasoned trail runners who want a demanding outing without tipping into ultra territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practical info<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Distance<\/strong><\/td>27 km<\/td><\/tr>
Elevation gain<\/strong><\/td>860 m<\/td><\/tr>
Start<\/strong><\/td>Volcan de Lempt\u00e9gy<\/td><\/tr>
Distance from the campsite<\/strong><\/td>about 20 minutes by car<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Map<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Route of the Trail de Vulcain<\/a> race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Marathon Volcanique and Ultra Volcanique \u2014 the big challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For experienced trail runners looking for a real goal, the Trail de Vulcain offers two long-distance formats starting from the Volvic sports complex, exploring the volcanic terrain of the Cha\u00eene des Puys in depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/td>Marathon Volcanique<\/strong><\/td>Ultra Volcanique<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Distance<\/strong><\/td>48 km<\/td>77 km<\/td><\/tr>
Elevation gain<\/strong><\/td>1,850 m<\/td>2,865 m<\/td><\/tr>
Start<\/strong><\/td>Volvic sports complex<\/td>Volvic sports complex<\/td><\/tr>
Distance from the campsite<\/strong><\/td>about 15 minutes by car<\/td>about 15 minutes by car<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Map<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Full route of the Marathon Volcanique (2025 edition, via VisuGPX).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Map<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Full route of the Ultra Volcanique (2024 edition, via VisuGPX).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practical info before you set off<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Only “Above Volvic” is a permanently marked route, freely accessible all year round. The other routes belong to organised races (Trail de Vulcain in March, Volvic Volcanic Experience in May): they remain good training grounds on public trails outside of race days, but check the markings and bring your own GPX track, downloadable from Cirkwi<\/a>, VisuGPX<\/a> or the races’ official websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the longer formats (27 km and up), bring water, something to refuel with and a charged phone: the volcanic terrain quickly takes you away from villages. Our team at reception can advise you based on your level and the current weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A playground for every level<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From the 13.5 km discovery format to the 77 km ultra, the volcanoes around Volvic offer a genuine trail training ground about fifteen minutes from Camping de la Croze. Plenty of scope to fit in a run during your stay, or to prepare for your next race on the very routes of the local events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to explore further?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fancy riding instead? Discover our 6 mountain bike routes around Camping de la Croze<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To plan your visit, find all our information on our dedicated Ch\u00e2tel-Guyon<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fancy settling in at the foot of the volcanoes? Check our availability and book your 2026 stay<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n