Refine your search for walks in Chaîne des Puys
Chaîne des Puys walks
Le Puy Pariou from the Goules car park
Visorando Member
3.78 mi
+712 ft
-696 ft
2h 20
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
An easy walk that takes you up Puy Pariou. A very pleasant forest at the start and end of the route, with stunning views of the Puy de Dôme on the way back.
⚠️ (3) It is forbidden to descend into the volcano or to walk all the way round it.
Puy de Lassolas and Puy de la Vache
2.68 mi
+889 ft
-886 ft
2h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
A short hike to climb two volcanoes with their typical open craters to delight amateur geologists and curious hikers. A beautiful view from the top of the Puy de Lassolas on over the Chaîne des Puys to the north and Monts Dore to the south.
In the heart of the Puys in the Volcanoes Regional Nature Park
8.38 mi
+1,483 ft
-1,480 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
A magnificent hike, without any great difficulty, which will take you through the Parc des Volcans north of the Puy de Dôme. You will discover the Sarcoui and its cave, the Puy des Goules, the Puy de Côme, the Cliersou and its caves, the Petit and Grand Knolls, and the grandiose Puy Pariou.
At the top of each puy, you can enjoy 360° views of the Chaîne des Puys, the Puy de Dôme, the Limagne plain and Clermont-Ferrand.
Puy-de-Dôme passing through the col de Ceyssat
3.39 mi
+1,286 ft
-1,257 ft
2h 40
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
Just above Clermont-Ferrand, the inescapable climb to Puy-de-Dôme through the col de Ceyssat is a short but intense hike with an astonishing view over Clermont-Ferrand, the chaîne des Puys, paragliders and Millevaches.
Caution, it's a very popular walk so be sure to do it during week days for a bit of peace and quiet.
Round the base of Pariou and half-way round Puy de Dôme
8.66 mi
+1,785 ft
-1,775 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
A classic in the Chaîne des Puys to admire Puy de Dôme and Le Puy de Pariou, amongst others.
Puy de Baladou
7.74 mi
+1,220 ft
-1,211 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saulzet-le-Froid (Puy-de-Dôme)
A very beautiful and varied hike, between 1,300 and 1,500 m, which can be completed in half a day, in medium-altitude mountains (pastures, forests, peaks). Superb 360° panorama of the Sancy mountains and the Dômes chain. Good paths.Bring a map or GPS, essential for the return journey through the forest.
The Puy de Dôme via the Chemin des Chèvres
4.86 mi
+1,368 ft
-1,368 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
The view is just as pleasant at the top of this legendary trail. A longer but more enjoyable and varied climb than the Sentier des Muletiers.Warning! Immediate danger – falling rocks. Due to rockfalls from the cliffs, the Chemin des Muletiers is STRICTLY closed until further notice by municipal decree of the commune of Orcines.
The Standing Stones
6.72 mi
+692 ft
-663 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Cournols (Puy-de-Dôme)
A hike on a volcanic plateau with views of the Chaîne des Puys, a world of stones and pastures; a few isolated villages, cows and a glimpse of the civilisation of the Arverni (Gauls of Auvergne) through standing stones and dolmens.
A magnificent walk in all seasons.
The Gorges de l'Artière
4.34 mi
+866 ft
-873 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Ceyrat (Puy-de-Dôme)
An easy walk on the outskirts of Clermont-Ferrand in a cool valley.
Tour of Lake Aydat
3.55 mi
+269 ft
-246 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A charming walk around the lake with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills and modern buildings that blend in perfectly with the setting.
La Narse de Beaunit
5.09 mi
+276 ft
-266 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Charbonnières-les-Varennes (Puy-de-Dôme)
A very pleasant walk in the oldest part of the Chaîne des Puys. The hamlet of Beaunit is nestled in the hollow of a volcanic maar that was occupied by a lake several hundred thousand years ago.
Puy de Dôme from the North face
7.81 mi
+1,834 ft
-1,834 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
A very accessible ascent of the Puy de Dôme, despite the elevation gain. After the beautiful 'Chemins de la Roche Pertuisade and des Gravouses', which winds through pastures and woods at the foot of the puy, climb the Chemin des Chèvre, then the old road now used by the cog railway. Descent to the South via the Chemin des Muletiers, then back via the Chemin des Gouris.
Sans-Souci Valley and Écureuil Waterfall
3.29 mi
+505 ft
-505 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Châtel-Guyon (Puy-de-Dôme)
One of the favourite walks for locals, along a beautiful stream, through the woods, very close to the spa centre.
The Royadères walk
5.30 mi
+925 ft
-909 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Royat (Puy-de-Dôme)
It is very rare not to encounter walkers on this beautiful granite promontory overlooking Royat and Chamalières. The Royadères and Chamaliérois enjoy walking here in all seasons. This circular route takes you along a forest discovery trail, the beautiful Chemin des Crêtes and part of the Roman road that linked Lyon to Saintes. In the last part of the hike, the beautiful forest paths were transformed into wide tracks at the end of 2022 and tree debris litters the banks. Some of the landmarks mentioned in the description are therefore missing.
The enamelled lava rocks of Rouillas Haut
6.80 mi
+850 ft
-833 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
Nadaillat and Rouillat Haut are ancient hamlets typical of the Montagne de la Serre. This short loop follows pleasant paths, often lined with low stone walls, through terraced plots that were once farmed. Along the paths, you will also discover numerous fountains and small stone shepherds' shelters, known as "courtas". The hamlet of Rouillat Haut is distinguished by its beautiful enamelled lava street signs.
Walk around the Étang de Montlosier via the Puys
7.76 mi
+1,801 ft
-1,801 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A walk around the small Étang de Montlosier, passing by three puys: the Puy de Lassolas, the Puy de la Vache and the Puy de Vichatel. Magnificent views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Massif du Sancy.
Please note: Access to the summits of the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas will be closed for works between spring 2026 and early 2028
Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. Parking is available along the road or at the Col de la Ventouse lay-by near (9)
Three small volcanic hills in a row (puys)
8.55 mi
+1,319 ft
-1,309 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
"Human noise becomes silent, nature makes volcanoes chatter; whispering landscapes, and whispering a thousand voices of silence". Caption of the beautiful sculpture by Thierry Courtadon that you will encounter on your route, alongside with great viewpoints.
Around Chatrat
5.92 mi
+600 ft
-600 ft
3h 15
Easy
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
A pleasant and easy walk for the whole family through varied landscapes with the Puy de Dôme in the distance.
Le Gour de Tazenat
Tourist office
4.01 mi
+354 ft
-374 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Charbonnières-les-Vieilles (Puy-de-Dôme)
A perfect circle 700 m in diameter and approximately 66 m deep, the Gour de Tazenat is a crater lake or maar whose clear waters are home to a variety of aquatic fauna.
A path through the undergrowth allows everyone to walk around it easily.
The Chemin Fais'Art
4.11 mi
+459 ft
-459 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Chapdes-Beaufort (Puy-de-Dôme)
Since 1992, this pleasant walk has invited visitors to stroll among Gilles Perez's monumental contemporary lava stone sculptures, which blend in with the landscape and nature. Additional sculptures have been added over the years.
Puys de Lassolas and La Vache from Fontfreyde
8.36 mi
+1,398 ft
-1,388 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
Two unmissable highlights of the Chaîne des Puys, accessible from Fontfreyde via a double circular loop offering a pleasant walk through the forest, before beginning the ascent of the famous twin puys with their gaping craters.
Please note: Access to the summits of the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas will be closed for works between spring 2026 and early 2028.
Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027.
Solidified lava flow and Lake Aydat
8.56 mi
+758 ft
-751 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Go back 8,600 years, to the day when two young volcanoes were born, the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas. Their two lava flows joined together as they flowed eastwards and met the River Veyre. After a battle that was lost before it even began, the bubbling river was diverted eastwards, creating two lakes, Aydat and Cassière.
Tour of the Puy de Dôme via the fountains and caves
11.63 mi
+2,195 ft
-2,192 ft
7h 15
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
A grand tour of the Puy de Dôme allows you to admire this local landmark from multiple angles. The ascents of the Grand Knoll and Cliersou, peaks overlooked by most hikers, offer beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys.
Le Puy de Dôme via the Muletiers, Chèvres and Gouris trails
6.99 mi
+1,814 ft
-1,788 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
A magnificent hike to the summits of the iconic Puy-de-Dôme. This route, on very well-maintained paths, is mainly on flat ground and offers numerous panoramic views. The ascent via the mule track is steep but fairly short.Warning! Immediate danger – falling rocks. Due to rockfalls from the cliffs, the Chemin des Muletiers is STRICTLY closed until further notice by municipal decree of the commune of Orcines.
Sioule Valley via Polagnat Castle
6.33 mi
+430 ft
-446 ft
3h 15
Easy
Departure from Saint-Bonnet-près-Orcival (Puy-de-Dôme)
On the Plateau des Dôme, a circular route passing through traditional villages, a beautiful castle and a pretty site on the banks of the Sioule, offering beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys.
The Basilica of Orcival via the Plateau des Dômes
8.97 mi
+1,263 ft
-1,250 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Vernines (Puy-de-Dôme)
Take quiet paths to discover one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Auvergne. This route offers beautiful landscapes and passes through hamlets rich in beautiful farms, fountains and wash houses.
The Monne Gorges
10.56 mi
+1,535 ft
-1,542 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Olloix (Puy-de-Dôme)
Immerse yourself in the coolness of the superb Monne Gorges. On the heights, enjoy absolute calm in a Mediterranean atmosphere on large rocky plateaus. Discover places of worship from yesterday and today: the Allée Couverte de la Grotte and the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Randol (modern).
Please note that the path through the gorges is narrow and slippery, with ropes in some places.
Le Puy Pariou via the Chemin des Gouris
8.52 mi
+1,837 ft
-1,850 ft
5h 30
Difficult
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
At the foot of the Puy de Dôme, take the Chemin des Gouris, named after the young shepherds who once accompanied the cows to the summer pastures, to discover the Puy Pariou crater and its slopes covered with a beautiful beech forest. Further on, explore a few caves before taking the beautiful Chemin des Gravouses to cross the Fontmagnie Forest.
Puy de Jume and Puy de la Coquille
7.32 mi
+938 ft
-915 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
This route starts at the Vulcania crossroads and begins with a long, fairly flat, open path before crossing the forest to reach these two magnificent volcanoes.
The route can be done in either direction.
Le Puy de Monténard and Saulzet-le-Froid
7.38 mi
+807 ft
-807 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saulzet-le-Froid (Puy-de-Dôme)
A beautiful hike between the Chaîne des Puys and the Chaîne du Sancy. Gentle slopes and lovely views of both mountain ranges.
The Saliens Waterfall
8.43 mi
+909 ft
-922 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Nébouzat (Puy-de-Dôme)
On the Plateau des Dômes, at the foot of the volcanoes, this hike, themed around water, takes you on a journey of discovery through three beautiful and lively waterways: a stream, the Gigeole, which feeds the Cascade des Saliens, and two rivers, the Gorce and the Sioule, which meander through peaceful countryside.
Les Moulins de la Morge
6.54 mi
+994 ft
-981 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Charbonnières-les-Vieilles (Puy-de-Dôme)
From Charbonnières-les-Vieilles, the hilly path runs alongside the Morge river, offering remarkable examples of local heritage (wells, crosses, wash houses, mills) and arrives at the magnificent Gour de Tazenat (crater lake) with splendid views of the Chaîne des Puys.
Circular loop of fountains and wash houses starting from Fontfreyde
6.65 mi
+607 ft
-587 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular route to discover the lovingly preserved heritage of a few hamlets and villages in Saint-Genès-Champanelle.
Puys de Montaudoux and Gravenoire
5.96 mi
+1,191 ft
-1,191 ft
3h 45
Difficult
Departure from Beaumont (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
In the Clermont-Ferrand area, climb the small puys of Montaudoux and Gravenoire, visit Bargouin Park and Royat Thermal Park. This is an easy hike if you skip the climb to the summit of Montaudoux.
Enval Gorges via the Apage Trail
5.13 mi
+1,050 ft
-1,043 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Enval (Puy-de-Dôme)
In Enval, the playful Ambène stream rises in the chestnut groves and offers dazzling views of the Château de Tournoël and the Chaîne des Puys in the distance. This site is classified as a natural area of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest. This hike can be done in hot weather as it is very shaded.
Circular through the hamlets of Redon
5.32 mi
+751 ft
-755 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Ceyrat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A hike that climbs through a forest of pine, fir, oak, beech and chestnut trees, then winds its way through fields and pastures.
The lime tree of Olby and the Foker Spring
9.07 mi
+732 ft
-735 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Ceyssat (Puy-de-Dôme)
On the Plateau des Dômes, at the foot of the volcanoes, walk through the countryside from village to village. Two wonderful surprises await you on this route: the beautiful lime tree in the square in front of Olby church and the Foker Spring in the village of Ceyssat.
Puy des Goules from the Fontaine du Berger
7.81 mi
+1,106 ft
-1,096 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular route passing through a must-see of the Chaîne des Puys, the crater of Puy des Goules, which offers a superb panorama, passing by a few curiosities: an old military barracks, an old pozzolan quarry, and a relay antenna cross!
The loop of domes - Northern section
17.19 mi
+2,395 ft
-2,392 ft
10h 00
Difficult
Departure from Ceyssat (Puy-de-Dôme)
After a moderate day's hiking, you are now in the most demanding part of the loop of domes, with magnificent views of the Puy de Côme, the Grand Knoll, the Petit Knoll and the Puy de Dôme. You will pass through beautiful forests of beech, conifer and hazel trees, a feast for the eyes!
Puy de Côme via the Comet Route
10.14 mi
+873 ft
-869 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Ours (Puy-de-Dôme)
On this comet-shaped route, discover the solidified lava flow of Côme, a remarkable natural area in the Chaîne des Puys. This lava flow from the Puy de Côme, which stretches for almost 10 km, has solidified into extremely chaotic terrain and has been colonised by a beautiful forest of birch and beech trees. To extend this hike, I suggest you then walk around the Puy de Côme, through the beech forest that covers its slopes.
Around the Puys de la Vache, Mey and Mercoeur
6.41 mi
+561 ft
-535 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
Easy walk, accessible to all without any difficulty. Wide paths, gentle slopes. Beautiful varied landscapes, mostly in the forest but on the way back, you walk along vast meadows.
(5) Alternative route possible by incorporating the fitness trail at the end of the route.
Woods, parks and springs of Châtel-Guyon
4.63 mi
+597 ft
-581 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Châtel-Guyon (Puy-de-Dôme)
Discover a small spa town, with its beautiful architecture, and its natural surroundings.
Tour of the Charade valley in Royat
4.87 mi
+1,142 ft
-1,155 ft
3h 15
Easy
Departure from Royat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A beautiful hike, not too busy, mostly through the woods. The first climb is a little steep but not particularly difficult. Beautiful views of Sancy, Limagne and Les Puys.
Around Puy des Grosmanaux
5.64 mi
+712 ft
-725 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
A hike through the forest on little-used paths that is easy going too!
Fountains of Clermont
7.10 mi
+217 ft
-210 ft
3h 25
Easy
Departure from Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme)
This itinerary dedicated to the many fountains of Clermont-Ferrand also allows you to discover the squares and gardens, shopping streets and historic districts of the Auvergne capital.
Route of the Puys de Louchadière, Jume and La Coquille
8.38 mi
+1,775 ft
-1,778 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Ours (Puy-de-Dôme)
This route allows you to discover three ancient volcanoes in the Chaîne des Puys.
On the heights of Volvic
9.41 mi
+1,568 ft
-1,568 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Volvic (Puy-de-Dôme)
Starting from the "city of stone and water", this route takes you through cool valleys to the moors of the heights, where you will have the Chaîne des Puys and the Monts du Livradois-Forez as your horizon, then takes you back down to the village through an ancient lava flow, a refuge for Auvergne bats.
Puy des Goules, Puy des Gouttes
9.12 mi
+1,437 ft
-1,440 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
This hike allows you to discover the "perfect" crater of the Puy des Goules and the much more complex crater of the Puy des Gouttes, with the protrusion of the Puy Chopine. Beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys.The Visorando app is recommended for certain unmarked sections.
Le Puy de l'Enfer and Le Puy de Monténard
9.84 mi
+1,073 ft
-1,063 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Between these two small puys in the south of the Chaîne des Dômes, two streams flow, the Narse and the Labadeau, which converge shortly afterwards to form the Veyre. Shortly before this confluence, the Narse feeds a small marsh of volcanic origin, the Narse d'Espinasse.
The lakes of Aydat and La Cassière
12.22 mi
+1,165 ft
-1,191 ft
6h 40
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular route around these two lakes formed by lava flows from the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas. You will walk along the shores of the lakes but also explore the heights, where you will have beautiful views of the surrounding puys.