Volvic Volcanic Expérience (VVX)
Move, Explore, Vibrate in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes
About VVX
VVX: The Ultimate Volcanic Experience in Auvergne
Since its first edition in 2017, the Volvic Volcanic Expérience (VVX) has established itself as one of France's most iconic trail running events. Located in Volvic, a town world-renowned for its volcanic spring water, the VVX offers runners and visitors a total immersion in the magnificent landscapes of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park. The Chaîne des Puys-Faille de Limagne, which serves as the playground for the races, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2018 and boasts 80 dormant volcanoes, including the Puy de Dôme, culminating at 1,465 m.
Six races for all levels + formats accessible to everyone
The VVX offers a range of races adapted to all profiles, from the occasional runner to the confirmed ultra-trailer:
- The Grande Traversée Volcanique Experience (XGTV): 224 km and 8,400 m of positive elevation gain, solo or duo, to be completed in less than 62 hours, starting from the Lioran Station and crossing 5 territories (Monts Dômes, Monts Dore, Cézallier, Cantal, Plateau de l'Artense)
- Chaîne des Puys-Faille de Limagne: 111 km and 3,280 m of positive elevation gain, solo or in relay, with a passage to the summit of Puy de Dôme at sunrise
- Terra Volcana by Kiprun: 84 km and 2,800 m of positive elevation gain, solo or in relay
- Impluvium de Volvic: 45 km and 1,650 m of positive elevation gain
- Volcanic Experience: 24 km and 740 m of positive elevation gain
- Pierre de Lave: 15 km and 400 m of positive elevation gain
- VVX Kids Trail: a course from 500 m to 1.1 km adapted for 6-14 year olds
- Espoirs Volcaniques: a 4.7 km or 6.2 km challenge for teenagers (14-17 years old)
- Run For You: an inclusive 4.7 km walk accessible to all
- Rando Gastro: a gourmet hike to discover the Auvergne region's local produce
Much more than a trail: a popular festival
Beyond the races, the VVX is a true festival that enlivens the town of Volvic for three days. The cultural program includes brass band concerts (Størlyd Brass, Fanfare de l'Extrême, Giorgio Harmonie, Volkanik), live shows, a market of flavors, enamelled lava workshops, demonstrations at the Forges de Volvic, human-powered mechanical rides, pony rides, an educational farm, and numerous activities for families. A small train allows visitors to discover the town and its exceptional volcanic heritage.
A strong environmental commitment
Organized in the heart of a protected natural area, the VVX is committed to an eco-responsible approach: waste management, use of reusable cups, local sourcing, encouragement of carpooling, and awareness-raising for the preservation of volcanic natural environments.
An event validated by UTMB and ITRA
The VVX races are validated by UTMB and ITRA, offering participants qualification points for the world's biggest trail races. GPS tracking of runners, medical assistance, and refreshment points are included in the registration, ensuring safety and comfort for participants.
A KIPRUN (Decathlon) partnership since 2026
Since its 10th edition (2026), the VVX has partnered with KIPRUN, Decathlon's performance brand, which equips finishers and uses the volcanic terrains as an open-air laboratory for its long-distance products, such as the Kiprun Kipsummit Max shoe.
VVX — edition 2026
The 10th anniversary edition of the Volvic Volcanic Expérience took place from Thursday, May 14 to Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Volvic, with a prologue dedicated to the XGTV starting from Station du Lioran on Wednesday, May 13. More than 4,000 runners and 600 volunteers participated in this event celebrating a decade of volcanic adventure, featuring six trails (from 15 to 224 km), formats accessible to all (Kids Trail, Espoirs Volcaniques, Run For You), and an enhanced festive program led by four brass bands animating the city center for three days.
10th Anniversary Edition - May 14 to 16, 2026
The Volvic Volcanic Expérience celebrated its 10th anniversary from May 14 to 16, 2026 (with an XGTV prologue on Wednesday, May 13), bringing together over 4,000 runners and 600 volunteers. Nearly 14,000 bib requests could not be fulfilled, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm for the event.
The XGTV: Grand Start from Station du Lioran
The XGTV (224 km, 8,400 m D+ / 9,050 m D-) started from Station du Lioran on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM, after bib collection in Volvic on Tuesday, May 12, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Runners had 62 hours to complete this unique volcanic crossing, either solo or in a duo, through the 5 territories of the Chaîne des Puys, Monts Dore, Cézallier, Massif Cantalien, and Plateau de l'Artense. The route follows GR trails (red/white markers) for 95%, with a GPX track provided.
Races on the Program
Six trails were on the program, with redesigned routes and harmonized elevation gains for this 10th edition:
- XGTV: 224 km, 8,400 m D+, start Wednesday, May 13, 10:00 AM from Lioran
- Chaîne des Puys-Faille de Limagne: 111 km, 3,280 m D+, start Friday, May 15, 4:00 AM from Le Goulet (Puy de Dôme passage at sunrise)
- Terra Volcana by Kiprun: 84 km, 2,800 m D+, start Friday, May 15, 6:00 AM
- Impluvium de Volvic: 45 km, 1,650 m D+, start Friday, May 15, 8:00 AM
- Expérience Volcanique: 24 km, 740 m D+, start Friday, May 15, 10:00 AM
- Pierre de Lave: 15 km, 400 m D+, start Friday, May 15, 10:30 AM
- VVX Kids Trail: 500 m to 1.1 km (6-14 years old), start Friday, May 15, 10:45 AM
- Espoirs Volcaniques: 4.7 km or 6.2 km (14-17 years old), start Thursday, May 14, 2:00 PM
- Run For You: inclusive walk 4.7 km, start Thursday, May 14, 2:15 PM
A Major Partnership with KIPRUN (Decathlon)
The 2026 edition marked the officialization of the partnership with KIPRUN, Decathlon's performance brand. Volvic's volcanic terrains serve as an "open-air laboratory" for the new Kiprun Kipsummit Max shoe, dedicated to long-distance and ultra-trail running. Thierry Breuil, a historic figure in Auvergne trail running and KIPRUN ambassador, competed in the 84 km Terra Volcana — a symbolic return for this "child of the region."
An Enhanced Festive Program for the 10th Anniversary
Volvic's city center transformed into an open-air festive stage for three days, with four brass bands (Størlyd Brass, Fanfare de l'Extrême, Giorgio Harmonie, Volkanik) animating streets and squares, a grand collective closing JAM on Saturday at 5:00 PM, an interactive ball on Thursday evening, human-powered mechanical rides (La Grande Houle, Zoo Déglingo, Ritournelle, L'Île aux pirates), pony rides, an educational farm, enameled lava workshops, demonstrations at the Forges de Volvic, and a gourmet market on Saturday.
Programme VVX 2026
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
- 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM — Bib collection and XGTV backpack check (Volvic)
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 — XGTV Prologue
- 10:00 AM — Start of the XGTV (224 km, 8,400 m D+) from Station du Lioran (62h maximum race time, solo or duo)
Thursday, May 14, 2026 — Festive Opening in Volvic
- 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM — Demonstrations at Forges de Volvic (axes, ironwork)
- 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM — Maison de l'Artisanat (local crafts)
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM / 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM — Musée Sahut (3 € / free for under 18s)
- 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM — Enameled lava workshop (Pigeonnier)
- 11:30 AM — Free aperitif and Størlyd Brass concert (Place de l'église)
- 2:00 PM — Start of Espoirs Volcaniques (4.7 km or 6.2 km, 14-17 years old)
- 2:15 PM — Start of Run For You (inclusive walk 4.7 km)
- 6:00 PM — Størlyd Brass Concert
- 7:30 PM — Interactive ball "En bal et vous !"
Friday, May 15, 2026 — The Big Trail Day
- 4:00 AM — Start of Chaîne des Puys-Faille de Limagne (111 km, 3,280 m D+) at Le Goulet — passage at the summit of Puy de Dôme at sunrise
- 6:00 AM — Start of Terra Volcana by Kiprun (84 km, 2,800 m D+) at Le Goulet
- 8:00 AM — Start of Impluvium de Volvic (45 km, 1,650 m D+) at Le Goulet
- 10:00 AM — Start of Expérience Volcanique (24 km, 740 m D+) at Le Goulet
- 10:30 AM — Start of Pierre de Lave (15 km, 400 m D+) at Le Goulet
- 10:45 AM — Start of VVX Kids Trail (500 m to 1.1 km, 6-14 years old)
- 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM — Rides and children's attractions (La Grande Houle, Zoo Déglingo, Ritournelle, L'Île aux pirates, mini-train ride, pony rides, educational farm)
- All day — Cultural workshops (Volvi'Tech créatif, IMAPEC), Musée Sahut and Forges
- Evening — Concert at the runners' village (access included for registered participants)
Saturday, May 16, 2026 — Brass Band Day and Closing
- 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM — Gourmet market (Auvergne flavors and local produce)
- 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM — Rides, children's attractions and family entertainment
- 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM — Fanfare de l'Extrême
- 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM — Størlyd Brass
- 11:00 AM — Guided tour "Chemin du pierreux"
- 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM — Giorgio Harmonie
- 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM — Volkanik
- 1:00 PM — Tales from Collectif Oralité Auvergne
- 5:00 PM — Grand Closing JAM (all 4 brass bands reunited)
Highlights VVX 2026
- 10th anniversary edition of the VVX (2017-2026)
- Over 4,000 runners and 600 volunteers mobilized
- 14,000 bib requests (sold out in less than an hour)
- New major partnership with KIPRUN (Decathlon)
- XGTV 224 km: start from Lioran Wednesday, May 13 at 10:00 AM, 62h race time
- Passage at the summit of Puy de Dôme at sunrise for the 111 km race
- 4 brass bands (Størlyd Brass, Fanfare de l'Extrême, Giorgio Harmonie, Volkanik) and grand closing JAM Saturday 5:00 PM
- Redesigned trail routes and harmonized elevation gains for this anniversary edition
Prices VVX 2026
Practical information — VVX
Practical Information
Access
By car: Volvic is located 15 km north of Clermont-Ferrand, accessible via the A89 then the D986. Free shuttles are provided from peripheral car parks (Centre-Historique, Dojo, Stade, sports complex, Champloup area) to the city center and the Goulet site during the event.
By train: Volvic station is served from Clermont-Ferrand (15 min). Clermont-Ferrand station is accessible by TGV from Paris (3h30).
Bib collection
Bib collection takes place in Volvic the day before or on the day of the race, at the times indicated on the official website. For the XGTV (224 km), specific collection in Volvic on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 4 PM to 8 PM, with backpack verification.
Registration fees
Indicative 2026 fees (registration via the Sportips platform, code VVX26):
- XGTV 224 km: 290 € solo / 560 € duo
- Chaîne des Puys 111 km: 134 € solo / 144 € relay
- Terra Volcana 84 km: 98 € solo / 111 € relay
- Impluvium 45 km: 57 €
- Volcanic Experience 24 km: 34 €
- Pierre de Lave 15 km: 22 €
- VVX Kids Trail: 7 €
- Espoirs Volcaniques (teens): 15 €
- Run For You (walk): 5 €
Contact
Association Volvic Volcanic
5 rue des Sources, Le Goulet
63530 Volvic
Tel.: +33 6 15 93 07 89
Email: [email protected]
Website: volvic-vvx.com
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Where does it take place — VVX
Volvic - Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne
5 rue des Sources, Le Goulet, 63530 Volvic