Puy de Clierzou, Volcanic dome in Chaîne des Puys, France
Puy de Clierzou is a volcanic dome in the Chaîne des Puys chain reaching approximately 1200 meters high, built from distinctive rock layers formed by volcanic activity. The wooded slopes show clear evidence of historical stone quarrying activity, with several cavities visible across its surface.
The mountain formed through volcanic processes that shaped the Auvergne landscape long before humans began extracting stone from its slopes. By the Early Middle Ages, it had become an important source of materials for religious buildings and burial structures across the region.
The site served as a quarry for local craftspeople over many centuries, with stone from here finding its way into buildings across the region. This deep connection between the mountain and the people who lived nearby remains visible in the landscape today.
A marked hiking trail starts from the nearby village of Orcines and leads to the summit, accessible to visitors with moderate fitness. The full circuit takes several hours of walking through forest, so sturdy footwear and water are recommended.
Archaeological excavations in 2017 explored underground cavities here, revealing how early medieval people systematically extracted stone from the slopes. These discoveries provided new insights into ancient quarrying techniques and the methods communities used to extract materials.
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