Michelin Adventure and Inside a Volcano in Auvergne

Covering 2000 square meters, the exhibition showcases the history of the tire manufacturer (with some self-promotion, of course).

A German audio guide was even available, which could be downloaded to your phone. (This could also be listened to at home while viewing images of the exhibits - available in the Google Play Store under 'L'aventure Michelin').

A section of the exhibition was dedicated to tires and technological developments.

Another section discussed the advertising strategy.

This included the Michelin Man, known as Bibendum in France. The name originates from the Latin phrase 'Nunc est Bibendum!' (Now let us drink!), which was featured on the first advertisement with the tire man.

Of course, the Michelin Guides and road maps were also mentioned, which the company originally published to encourage people to drive their cars (and thereby wear out their tires).

Michelin also sponsored road signs in France to help people navigate using the maps.

A funny advertising campaign took place in Paris: there, buses were still running on old tires (not Michelin’s air-filled tires). The campaign called for a protest against these old tires (and urged the purchase of Michelin tires). The reason: even pig transporters were equipped with air tires, making the pigs transported more comfortably than the Parisians...

After visiting the museum, we headed to our pitch by the amusement park 'Vulcania', which we wanted to visit the following day.

For today, we had planned the opposite volcano 'Lemptégy', which is part of the 'Chaîns de puys' volcanic chain.

The volcanic crater was once used as a quarry and was exposed in this way.

Today, it can be visited on foot or by a small train and you can go into or ride inside the crater.

We chose to ride the train because it also offered audio comments in German.

Like the other volcanoes in the area, the volcano only erupted once before the solidified magma blocked the exit.

In the Vulkan de Lemptégy, there are actually two volcanoes lying directly next to each other, and their magma shafts can still be seen.

After the tour of the crater, we also saw the decommissioned machines from the quarry.

Additionally, there were two short films telling the story of volcanic eruptions and the surrounding landscape (accompanied by seat and imaginary train movements).

Later in the evening, after a dinner break with baguette, Auvergne cheese, and red wine, we returned to Volcano Lemptégy as darkness fell.

In summer, there is a light show called 'Le Reveil du Volcan'.

We also saw various light installations in the volcanic crater accompanied by music.