Science Festival at the Summit of Puy de Dôme

Science at the Summit: When Puy de Dôme Becomes a Laboratory

The summit of Puy de Dôme is more than a major tourist site: it houses the Clermont Auvergne University's Observatoire de Physique du Globe de Clermont-Ferrand (OPGC), a scientific research institution that has been studying the atmosphere, volcanism, seismology, and climate since the early 20th century. Every year, on the occasion of the national Science Festival, this observatory opens its doors to the public for a day of discovery and knowledge sharing.

Scientific Workshops for All Ages

The event offers numerous science popularization workshops suitable for all ages. Visitors can discover atmospheric measurement instruments, understand how volcanoes work, observe meteorological phenomena, and explore Earth and space sciences through interactive experiments and educational demonstrations.

Open House at OPGC

The highlight of this day is the public opening of the Observatoire de Physique du Globe. OPGC researchers and technicians welcome visitors to present the research facilities, sensors, and measurement instruments, and explain the daily work carried out at this exceptional site. Special guided tours are organized for children aged 8 to 13, with a snack offered.

An Event at the Heart of the National Science Festival

The Science Festival, created in 1991 by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, is the largest scientific culture event in France. For ten days in October, thousands of free activities are offered throughout the country. The event at the summit of Puy de Dôme is fully integrated into this national dynamic, locally supported by the Puy de Sciences network and the University Clermont Auvergne.

Environmental and Volcanic Themes

The activities offered at the summit of Puy de Dôme focus on environmental sciences, Earth and space sciences, and human and social sciences. Visitors discover how natural activities—volcanoes, earthquakes, atmospheric phenomena—and human activities—pollution, climate change—interact and impact our planet.