Volvic is a town in Puy-de-Dôme, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 14 km north of Clermont-Ferrand.
Its territory of more than 27 km² extends from 392 to 998 m of altitude and is located between the chain of Puys and the natural regions of the plain of Limagne in the east and Combrailles in the north-west.
Internationally famous for its mineral water marketed since the interwar period and whose advertisements highlight the geological origin (two factories now ensure its bottling), Volvic was previously famous for its stone, the andesite, black in color. Extracted in mines and then quarries from the 13th century, with an intermediate hardness between marble and granite, it is still exploited today for funerary monuments.
Chief town of a viscounty in the Middle Ages then confiscated by Philippe Auguste in 1213, Volvic now has 4,500 inhabitants grouped together in a village (at the foot of the Puy de la Bannière), three large hamlets and localities.
Still covered with forests (half of its land), the locality highlights its natural resources (information space of Volvic sources, Maison de la Pierre) and has a very substantial leisure offer. A choice stopover during a stay in Auvergne near other major sites...
A visit to Volvic can begin with the discovery of its heritage, such as its parish church Saint-Priest, named after a 7th century bishop of Clermont who was allegedly assassinated in the city. It was built in the 12th century: its choir and transept remain original, presenting a Romanesque style, but the nave and aisles were rebuilt in the 19th century in a neo-Romanesque style and its facade like the elements of the 19th century are in local stone. For a time linked to the abbey of Mozac, itself a dependency of the Cluny order, the church is bordered by a stone mission cross of Volvic, recently restored by the sculptor Thierry Courtadon.
However, still carved in the local rock, it is another work, sculpted in 1861 by a religious, Brother Gamaliel, which dominates the city: a monumental statue of Our Lady of the High Guard of 5, 50 m.
Concerning the "civil" heritage, the Château de Boisredon (whose current main building dates from the 18th century and evokes by its style the neoclassical Italian villas) now houses the Marcel-Sahut museum. Painter and collector (1901-1990), the latter bequeathed a large part of his work (portraits, landscapes) and his collections to the city. Works by Emile Bernard, Jacqueline Marval, Willy Eisenschitz and François-Auguste Ravier are therefore also visible. Since Marcel Sahut was the grandson of a stonemason and attached great importance to this material, the museum created a department around stone. The museum also evokes the school of architecture of Volvic (founded in the 19th century) and contemporary artistic forms of creation based on local stone. Open from June to All Saints' Day except weekends except July and August, except Mondays and Tuesdays in July and August. Price: 3 and 6 euros. Information on +33 4 73 33 57 33.
On the same site, the former French formal gardens of the château, made according to designs by Le Nôtre, have been restored and constitute both a work in itself and a pleasant place. walk.
We must also mention the impressive castle of Tournoël (12th, 16th), a medieval fortress of ovoid shape having been altered during the Renaissance. Many defensive elements (towers, walls) have been preserved, and Gothic decorations. Listed in 1889, the castle is the subject of regular restoration work and it reflects the troubled history of Auvergne. Open all year round for groups and in July and August for individuals and families. Price: 3 and 8 euros. Information on +33 4 73 33 53 06. Finally, we can mention the charm of the alleys of the old town lined with old and sometimes picturesque houses and fountains.
Then head to the source site Volvic where an information space allows you to discover the history of the company. An exhibition, films, and even a tasting area for the different waters are offered and presented! Nearby, a discovery trail of the surrounding nature has been developed in partnership with the Regional Natural Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne. In season, actors on the route play excerpts from a play designed for the site, "The forest on an ancient lava flow". Open every day. Free admission. Information on +33 4 73 64 51 24.
Another site highlighting the local natural resources, the Cave of the House of Stone: a scenography retraces the history of the stone of Volvic. The show lasts an hour and a quarter and in particular evokes the world of quarry workers in the 1900s. Thematic areas are to be visited: an open-air quarry, the geological origin of the cave and the discovery of water, its uses. of the stone of Volvic of yesterday over the centuries, the daily life in Volvic, the stone of Volvic today and its artistic use. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in February and March, every day from April to August, every day except Saturdays from September to All Saints' Day. Price: 6 and 7.50 euros. Information on +33 4 73 33 56 92.
In a similar vein, the House of Crafts presents sales exhibitions of enamelled lava, sculptures, engravings or jewelry with the stone of Volvic as materials. Open from June to September from Friday to Sunday. Information on +33 4 73 33 28 31.
On the cultural side, the media library programs numerous activities (readings, meetings, exhibitions): contact on +33 4 73 33 80 17. In addition, the cultural center of La Source offers throughout the year of quality shows and also welcomes internationally renowned artists in residence. Information on +33 4 73 33 50 38.
In terms of "nature" sports and leisure activities, on the site of the sources, an "eco-complex" offers mountain biking or hiking trails, spaces dedicated to running. orientation or Segway rides. Reservation desirable on +33 6 68 45 35 23. Visitors and vacationers can also join the outings of the Volvic Vélo Nature club (contact on +33 6 60 53 01 05) or take circuits and hiking loops at the start or crossing the town and heading for example towards the chain of Puys. Maps and information on +33 4 73 33 28 31.
For a game of tennis, you should book a court on +33 6 07 65 66 28.
Finally, note the events (exhibitions, workshops, thematic hikes) programmed regularly by the Regional Natural Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne of which Volvic is one of the doors. Contact +33 4 73 65 24 26.
