The Course des Volcans begins and ends at the Panoramique des Dômes, situated alongside the volcanic ridges of the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne near Orcines in central France. This trail event, organized by CUC Athlétisme, is a long-standing tradition, typically taking place in mid-September. It offers main off-road courses of approximately 26 km and 13.5 to 14 km, in addition to races for children and juniors.
The longer trail covers about 26 km with 472 m of elevation gain. The shorter route, which attracts more participants, features 318 m of climbing. Both courses traverse the UNESCO-listed volcanic landscape surrounding the Puy-de-Dôme area, emphasizing rolling mountain terrain and natural paths over urban running. Recent participation figures show over 400 runners in the shorter race and more than 100 in the longer one, contributing to its local trail-race atmosphere while providing options for experienced runners, casual participants, and families.