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Volcanoes of the Auvergne - 8-days volcanological study trip to the Massiv Central, France -  
Tour code: FRA_AUV
Difficulty: Easy Duration: 8 days / 7 nights Dates:Spring 2012 (exact date soon)Price (p.p.): 1490 € ?Show in other currencies
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Tour guide:Evelyne Pradal, geologist and volcanologist introduces you to one of Europe's youngest volcanic fields, the Auvergne in her own backyard. Discover the youngest volcanoes in Central Europe: the Auvergne in the French Massif Central, a Mecca in the history of the science of volcanology.
On this geologic study trip, you walk through very beautiful and typical mountainous landscape and discover the volcanoes of the Auvergne: you will see a multitude of volcanic features, learn about the basic principles of volcanology, understand volcanic phenomena, their products and eruption types and the origin of one of France's most beautiful landscapes. No previous knowledge about geology is required. This trip for a small group will be guided by volcanologist Evelyne Pradal. Last, but not least, the Auvergne is a typical French rural country dotted with ancient villages, medieval churches, and small farms. It is famous for its cow breeds (Salers, Aubrac) grazing in green mountainous pastures, and a variety of local cheeses. It goes without saying that good food might become a highlight of this trip as well.
About this tour:The Volcanism in Auvergne is associated to crustal faulting belonging to the West European Rift, stretching from the Mediterranean to the Baltic and North Sea. Some of its volcanoes are very young - the last eruptive deposits identified until now are less than 6000 years old - and scientists think that future volcanic activity in the Auvergne is highly probable.
8 days study tour in the Massiv Central
Day 1:
Clermont Ferrand – Laschamps "Chaine des Puys"
Transfer to Puy de Dôme trachytic dome and introduction to the geological setting of the young volcanic area. Acc.: : hotel in Laschamps (D)
Day 2:
Chaîne des Puys scoria cones
Visit text-book quality examples of young (8,000 years) cinder cones and large basalt lava flows. Continue to visit scenic Saint Saturnin volcano at the Aydat lake. Acc.: : as before (Laschamps) (B, D)
Day 3:
Volcanoes and natural resources Volcanoes and natural resources
Visit le Puy de Lemptégy quarry exposing the "roots of a volcano": we will observe the magma feeding system under and trough a volcano you will learn how volcanologists work out the reconstitution of the volcanic history of these young volcanoes. You learn about the use of volcanic rocks and we visit a local craftshop producing "lave émaillée" (lava ceramics). Acc.: : as before (Laschamps) or hotel in Besse village (B, D)
Day 4:
Lac Pavin volcanic complex
Visit the Lac Pavin volcanic complex, the youngest in France (only 6,000 years). Observation and explanation of the violent explosive activity ending the volcanic phase. We see explosion craters (maars) and their deposits, as well as post-volcanic phenomena such as CO2 degassing. Acc.: : hotel in Besse (B, D)
Day 5-6:
Mont Dore and Sancy stratovolcano
Two days to explore the beautiful landscape south of the Chaine des Puys, where two older and large stratovolcanoes lie. Observe lava domes, pumice and lahars deposits, ancient caldera walls. Acc.: : as before (Besse) (B, D)
Day 7:
Volcanoes & Spa: thermal water, health and volcanoes
Visit the thermal mineral springs in the beautiful Vallée de Chaudefour (morning) and enjoy the relaxing Thermadore spa and ludic space in Saint Nectaire in the afternoon. Acc.: : as before (Besse) (B, D)
Day 8:
Transfer to Clermont Ferrand - end of trip
Transfer to and end of the trip in Clermont Ferrand; extra visit of the Vulcania exhibition is possible. Acc.: : none (B)
Arrival info:The tour starts and ends in Clermont-Ferrand, the regional capital. Clermont Ferrand is easily reached by train from Paris, Toulouse or other airports in France. On request, we can book your flight & train ticket for you as well and include it in the trip cost. Accommodation:The hotels are simple land-house style places whith lots of charme and a warm family atmosphere, perfect for this trip. |
