Volvic: Culture, Lava Stone and Craftsmanship

Volvic brings together cultural history, lava stone and a range of visitor experiences. The Musée Sahut is devoted to art and history, the Church of Saint-Priest showcases Romanesque architecture, and several places focus on working with stone. The options described also include an experience featuring projections and tastings, as well as routes through the countryside. If you are looking for a hotel in Volvic, you can use these themes to help plan your stay.

Culture and History in Volvic

The Musée Sahut is housed in the estate and Château de Bosredon, which has been home to the museum since 1988. The current display spans three exhibition levels: stone art, the 20th century and the 19th century. The layout may change; check the museum’s current display before your visit.

An exhibition at the Musée Sahut, titled “De Mortelèque à Michelin – Un siècle d’émaillage sur lave,” traces the first hundred years of enamel art on lava. Its timeline stretches from Mortelèque’s first known work, dating to 1827, to the approval of Michelin road signs in 1931. This brings early works and a later application of enamel on lava together under one theme.

Another notable landmark is the Church of Saint-Priest. The Cluniac church is classified as a historic monument and is known for its typically Auvergnat Romanesque apse and a 12th-century grille. Inside are three radially arranged chapels and two Carolingian stone slabs. These distinct features offer several specific ways to appreciate the architecture and older stone artefacts within the same building.

Lava Stone, Cave and Trails

The Grotte de la Pierre de Volvic was excavated in the lava flow of the La Nugère volcano and is considered an emblematic site in the Chaîne des Puys. Volvic stone was used there from the 13th century onward. Three visit formats are offered at the site for all visitor groups. As the formats may change, check the current options before planning a visit.

Two trail descriptions also highlight different features. The marked Sentier du Docteur Moity leads to the crater of the La Nugère volcano; the seven-kilometre route is listed as taking two hours. The Tour du puy de la bannière starts at the Sources de Volvic, passes the Grotte de la Pierre de Volvic and climbs towards Notre Dame de la Garde. The Sentier du Docteur Moity description specifies the distance and duration, while the Tour du puy de la bannière description highlights its starting point, route and direction of ascent. Route information may change; check the current description before setting out.

Visitor Experiences and Craftsmanship

Volvic O’rigines is an immersive educational experience featuring an exhibition, projections and tastings. Visitors can sample Volvic’s product range there: Volvic natural mineral water, Volvic Juicy, Volvic Zest, Volvic Thé, Volvic Infusion Bio, Volvic Essentiel Bio and Volvic Vitamin +. As the programme and opening hours may vary, check these details before your visit.

You can also discover craftsmanship at the Maison de l'Artisanat Les Arts de la Pierre. Its exhibition and sales space features enamel work on lava, stoneworking, sculptures and engravings. Traces de Pierre is a collective based in Volvic, made up of sculptors, stonemasons, designers and craftspeople. Its community workshop provides the public with training in stoneworking; the collective also offers introductory courses. Together, these activities offer different insights, from work on display and for sale to learning how to work with stone.

Discover more destinations: Royat, Parent, Puy-Guillaume, Sayat, Le Monestier, Saint-Sauves-D'auvergne, Montaigut-Le-Blanc, Murol.

See the broader travel guide: Puy-De-Dôme.