Trails and cultural discoveries at the Volvic Volcanic Experience

“Come to run, stay to discover” : this is the slogan of the Volvic Volcanic Experience. This event, created 5 years ago, takes place in Volvic, the gateway to the Puys chain in Auvergne. For a long weekend, it brings together trail enthusiasts. The trail designates the races on foot that are practiced in nature.

In addition to its sporting dimension, the creator of this event, Jean-Michel Chopin, has imprinted a cultural dynamic with multiple activities for the whole family. “So day 1 is the sportier day, which is running, trail running, he explains. And day 2, we stay to discover, so we bring you back exactly where you ran, thanks to a small bus and we explain to you, for example, what the Volvic stone is.

The sponsor of this 2022 edition is Camille Bruyas, a rising figure in ultra-trail in France. The Volvic Volcanic Experience is therefore 7 races. The shortest is 15 km (The Lava Stone Experience 450 m D+). “15 km is the gateway to trail running, it is already not very easy with 450 m of elevation. It is the equivalent of a 20 km on the flat. We pass a certain number of puys , and we will discover lava quarries.”

More seasoned runners set off on a 224 km course. A trail is also offered for 6-14 year olds: 3 circuits of 500m, 700m, 1100m depending on age. 8-16 year olds also have their hike! 16 km in the guibolles! In the company of tour guides.

“We also take care of the little ones, we have a nursery from 4 years old. We want it to be a party for everyone! If you come with teenagers who don’t run, we make them climb in the trees by organizing geocaching for example. And then every evening, there is a concert so that people are in the sharing.

Also on the menu, ham on the bone to savor during a 13 km gastronomic hike that takes you from village to village.

“Ah yes, nothing better than to discover the Auvergnats through a gastronomic hike, continues Jean-Michel Chopin. The villagers are relighting all the old bread ovens that are between 200 and 250 years old and we are going to make bread as before. So the hike leaves at 10.30 a.m. and every 2 or 3 km either you have an aperitif, then you eat a main course, so you are in contact with the Auvergnats in these micro-villages.

This event aims to protect biodiversity, it is certified carbon neutral, in particular thanks to the limitation of the number of runners and the use of electric bicycles on site. The price for participating in a trail runs from 5 to 220 euros. The price includes the post-race meal, access to concerts, games for children and daycare.

IN PRACTICE

VOLVIC VOLCANIC EXPERIENCE

TERRA VOLCANA TOURIST OFFICE