Puy de Dome

this is how it looked like in the 19th century

at the top you get a better view of the temple ruins.

up there is where we are going

climbing higher, the city of Clermont Ferrand comes in full sight

checking our tickets for the ride down.

we are back at the railway track.

the TV-tower from 1956. Note the hunkered down class hiding for the brutal wind.

a class of youngsters gathers around the teachers. The wind is blowing hard.

In the Massif Central there is a vast volcanic field, called the Chaine de Puys, which was formed about 100,000 years ago by tectonic activity.
The area has been a protected regional park since 1977 with lava domes, cinder cones and water-filled maars dominating the views.

At 1464 meters, the lava dome of the Puy de Dome is the highest point in the park. The peak has been a spiritual center since prehistoric times.
At the top is the ruin of a Mercury temple, built by the Romans in the 2nd century. A visitor center with shops and restaurant caters for the tourists.

Towering another 73 meter high, the white TV mast from 1956 dominates the view.

From the top, in good weather, there is an impressive view over the Chaine de Puys and the nearby city of Clermont Ferrand.

Two footpaths lead to the top, but luckily there is also a modern cog railway, Panoramique des Domes, which we took when we visited here in May 2025.

Here comes the scenic train that will transport us to the top of the Puy de Dome, still covered in clouds

from the train there is a nice view of the many domes and cinder cones

the partly restored wall of the Mercury Temple has sparked some controversy

and here comes the train, right in time.

you can walk around the top and enjoy the landscape. But behold of the wind.