Le Puy de Vichatel

Puy de Vichatel rises to an altitude of 1,094 m. This strombolian cone is the 2nd deepest crater (around 86 m) in the Chaîne des Puys, after Puy du Pariou.

This type of volcano is characterized by a fairly fluid lava that rarely overflows the crater. This type of(…)

Puy de Vichatel rises to an altitude of 1,094 m. This strombolian cone is the 2nd deepest crater (around 86 m) in the Chaîne des Puys, after Puy du Pariou.

This type of volcano is characterized by a fairly fluid lava that rarely overflows the crater. This type of volcano is still active in Italy, but is currently extinct in the Chaîne des Puys.

Puy de Vichatel was built in two phases: the creation of a crater called a “maar” when magma and water met, followed by the construction of the cone covering the maar.

Puy de Vichatel is adjacent to the twin puys of La Vache, mined for its pozzolans, and Lassolas. They are close to the Maison du Parc Naturel des Volcans d’Auvergne and Lac d’Aydat.

Did you know that many birds have taken up residence here, including woodpeckers, black redstarts, passerines and waders? From late July to November, birds fly over the Chaîne des Puys on their way to southern Europe and Africa.
Some of these species are protected both locally and nationally.