Nature Reserve of Cheires and Volvic’s Caves

The reserve extends over the ancient Puy de la Nugère lava flows (~12,000 years old) and covers just over 61 ha. These lava flows, with their boulders and chaotic surface, are known as “cheires”. Pierre de Volvic has been quarried here since at least the Middle Ages, either underground or(…)

The reserve extends over the ancient Puy de la Nugère lava flows (~12,000 years old) and covers just over 61 ha. These lava flows, with their boulders and chaotic surface, are known as “cheires”. Pierre de Volvic has been quarried here since at least the Middle Ages, either underground or in the open air.

Today, three of these former quarries house the largest known bat hibernation site in Auvergne. On average, over 500 individuals of 9 different species are counted every winter, thanks to a partnership between the LPO AuRA, the site manager, and the Chauve-souris Auvergne association. This represents around 20% of the Auvergne population. The best-represented species are the Great Mouse and the Greater and Lesser Rhinolophus. To guarantee the bats the peace and quiet they need, these caves are enclosed by grilles.

Most of the reserve is covered by forest, which is home to flora and fauna typical of forest environments. The site is particularly rich in saproxylic species (= whose life cycle depends on decomposing wood) such as beetles. Intimately linked to the source of Volvic water, the reserve is located on the Volvic Impluvium (an area where rainwater and snowmelt infiltrate).

Located in the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne, this natural area is also classified Natura 2000 and is part of a network of 51 Nature Reserves in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (including 19 regional ones).