Puy Pariou, Ancient volcano in Chaîne des Puys, France.
Puy Pariou is an extinct volcano in the Chaîne des Puys range with a distinctive crater roughly 90 meters deep and shaped like a perfect cone. The mountain rises to 1,209 meters and dominates this volcanic landscape in central France.
The volcano formed through multiple eruption phases that created two distinct cones and three lava flows. These flows extended far enough to reach the areas where Nohanent and Chamalières are now located.
The mountain paths lead visitors through a landscape of deciduous trees and juniper plants growing on volcanic stones containing augite and olivine minerals.
Marked hiking trails start from the Goules parking area and circle the volcano on a route of about 15 kilometers with 296 meters of elevation gain through volcanic terrain. The paths are well-marked and can be adapted for different fitness levels and time available.
The mountain displays two overlapping crater cones: an older one to the north and west and a younger one positioned slightly to the south, revealing how eruptions occurred at different points on the slope. This double structure becomes visible when observed closely and explains the mountain's complex silhouette.
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