Around 80 volcanoes stretch 40km westwards from Clermont, between the Sioule gorges and Grande Limagne. They are fascinating all year round, beginning with the Puy de Lemptégy (1018m), a fine example of an open-crater volcano. After hiking to the Puy de Pariou (1 209m), a climb up the Puy-de-Dôme (1 465m) is a must - the view from the summit is extraordinary. The contours of the Puy de la Vache (1 167m) are typical of this mountain chain.