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Aydat walks
The Fohet plateau at the start of Lac d'Aydat
Visorando Member
8.31 mi
+827 ft
-823 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Circular route around the heights of Lake Aydat, in the middle of pastures, to enjoy beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Massif du Sancy.
Lake Aydat and its heights via Mont Amant and Pierre Longue
6.45 mi
+591 ft
-600 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Circular route starting from the edge of Lake Aydat, climbing slightly to enjoy views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Sancy massif. Pass through hamlets with a few traditional houses and the Pierre Longue. This menhir owes its "original" name, compared to the multitude of other "standing stones", to the fact that it was lying down before being raised by merciful locals. That said, "menhir" in Breton means "long stone"!
Lake Aydat and its heights via La Pierre Longue
6.02 mi
+479 ft
-469 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular trail to discover different aspects (leisure activities, wild spots, landscaped marshes) of Lake Aydat, with a passage along its heights for beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Sancy massif, and passing by a menhir, the Pierre Longue. On the way back, the route takes you to the beautiful 13th-century church of Aydat.
Puy de Vichatel from Fontclairant
5.56 mi
+568 ft
-581 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Starting from the village of Fontclairant, an 8-shaped route allows you to bypass Puy Charmont before circling and climbing Puy de Vichatel, whose summit offers a beautiful panorama.The downside of this hike is its proximity to the D2089 road between the two peaks.
Plateau des Dômes and Narse d'Espinasse
11.87 mi
+1,001 ft
-981 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Hike on the Plateau des Dômes to discover the natural site of the Narse d'Espinasse. This narse is a peat bog which, together with the Puy de l'Enfer that borders it, forms an exceptional volcanic complex of geological and ecological interest, as it is home to a unique flora.
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 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.
Puy de la Rodde from the Les Volcans campsite
Tourism professional2.02 mi
+348 ft
-325 ft
1h 15
Easy
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
An easy and enjoyable hike on this little-visited volcano. Despite the path being in the woods, there are several viewpoints offering views of both the other volcanoes in the Chaîne des Puys and the Sancy massif. A good option for hot days.
Puy de Vichatel from the Les Volcans campsite
7.15 mi
+784 ft
-755 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
This is an easy hike that allows you to explore the Puy de Vichatel, whose crater is the second deepest in the Chaîne des Puys. You are allowed to go down inside! From the summit, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the other puys further south, Lake Aydat and the Sancy massif.
Puy de Combegrasse from the campsite The volcanoes
2.09 mi
+289 ft
-289 ft
1h 15
Easy
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
An easy hike with one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the region, overlooking both the Chaîne des Puys and the Sancy Massif. Between May and October, sheep graze on these puys, much to the delight of young and old alike!
Puy de la Combegrasse from Col de la Ventouse
6.78 mi
+548 ft
-545 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular loop to reach the beautiful viewpoint at the summit of Puy de la Combegrasse, starting from Col de la Ventouse and going around Puy de Charmont, along beautiful paths through the meadows.
Tower and summit of Puy de Vichatel
2.08 mi
+433 ft
-433 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Walk dedicated to exploring the small Puy de Vichatel: its slopes covered with mixed forest, its crater, and its summit reached by a beautiful trail offering a stunning panorama.The only downside to this hike is its proximity to the D2089 at the start and end of the route.
Les solidified lava flows via Lac de la Cassière
9.10 mi
+597 ft
-577 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
The hike takes place mainly in the forest that covers the Cheires Hautes, an ancient solidified lava flow from the Puy de la Vache and Puy de Lassolas, passing by Lac de la Cassière, an ideal place for a break, just over halfway along the route.
Circular route on the solidified lava flow of Aydat via Ponteix and Cournol
8.85 mi
+1,148 ft
-1,129 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A hike on the eastern part of the Cheire d'Aydat, on the heights of the Veyre valley, through woods and across the plateau's pastures, dotted with rocky outcrops formed by solidified lava flows from the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas.
Around Mont Redon
7.49 mi
+994 ft
-981 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A hilly hike with landscapes of pastures, moors, woods and small valleys. Very pretty church in Ponteix. Some panoramic views at the top of Mont Redon.
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.
Le Puy de la Combegrasse and La Narse d'Espinasse
8.68 mi
+774 ft
-771 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
The Puy de la Combrasse site has recently been developed. At the top, you will have beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Massif du Sancy, and orientation tables to help you find your way around. Further on, the Nasse d'Espinasse is a maar that has become a small peat bog, home to remarkable flora and fauna.
Puy de Combegrasse via Espinasse and La Garandie
7.97 mi
+650 ft
-636 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A hike on the Plateau des Dômes, with unobstructed views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Massif du Sancy, passing through two traditional hamlets and ending with a pretty circular route on the Puy de Combegrasse.
Puy de l'Enfer and Puy de la Combegrasse
5.64 mi
+581 ft
-577 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A walk and two small, easily accessible volcanoes offering beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Massif du Sancy.
The upper Monne valley
10.47 mi
+1,168 ft
-1,171 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Discover the Monne, a beautiful Auvergne river, and its valley nestled in high rocky plateaus offering superb views of the surrounding mountains.
The Monne Valley
8.07 mi
+853 ft
-846 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A medium-altitude hike through pastures and farmland, sheep and cows; a countryside dotted here and there with volcanic rocks. The walk follows the course of the Monne and Ribeyre rivers and offers splendid panoramic views of the Chaîne des Puys.
Landes de Fohet
7.80 mi
+784 ft
-778 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Walk through the gorse heathland, dotted with rocky outcrops, where cows and sheep sometimes graze, making up the landscape on the heights of Aydat. Lovely views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Monts Dore. A refreshing stretch along the banks of the Monne.
Vallon de la Ribeyre
8.74 mi
+646 ft
-646 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saulzet-le-Froid (Puy-de-Dôme)
Starting from Zanières, the first part of the hike is on the top of the plateau, with beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Monts Dores, to the La Pierre Longue menhir, which marks the beginning of hills dotted with rocky outcrops. Return via the bottom of the valley, along the La Ribeyre stream.
Espinasse and Monténard, two volcanic destinies
8.21 mi
+883 ft
-879 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saulzet-le-Froid (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular route to discover two very different volcanic craters: the Narse d'Espinasse, a marshy maar on the slopes of the Puy de l'Enfer, and the more classic crater of the Puy de Monténard.
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 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.
Stroll from puy to puy around Montlosier
12.58 mi
+791 ft
-791 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
This long circular route around the Maison du Parc des Volcans will take you past the foot of fourteen puys, some small and unassuming, others more imposing, and some very well-known and popular. So set off to explore the puys of Vichatel, Charmont, La Toupe, Boursoux, La Combegrasse, La Rodde, L’Enfer, Montchal, Montgy, Montjuger, Pourcharet, Montreillet, Lassolas and La Vache.
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.
The Gorce Valley
13.04 mi
+1,204 ft
-1,204 ft
7h 05
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
From the Chaîne des Puys, descend through pastures and valleys into the Gorce stream valley. Beautiful views of the Sancy Massif and the Chaîne des Puys.
Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. You can park along the road or start from Nébouzat (11).
Solidified lava flow of Puy de la Vache and Lac de la Cassière
7.92 mi
+459 ft
-486 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular forest route with a few meadows, ending along the shores of Lac de la Cassière. The Visorando app may be useful on certain sections of this route. The cheire, or solidified lava flow, of Puy de la Vache, a terrain dotted with rocky chaos, is covered with a beautiful mixed forest.
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)
La Randanne and the Étang de Montlosier
10.60 mi
+564 ft
-564 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
The Randanne stream and the pond it feeds are inextricably linked to the work of the Comte de Montlosier on an estate where he radically altered the landscape.
Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. You can park along the road or in a small space near (15), or in Aurières (9), near the cemetery, just a short distance from the circuit
In the footsteps of the Count of Montlosier
1.02 mi
+39 ft
-39 ft
0h 30
Easy
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A short circular route to discover some aspects of the landscape developments carried out by the Count of Montlosier at the end of the 18th century to promote agriculture in a volcanic area not particularly suited to this activity.
Please note: the Montlosier car park will be closed for renovation between August 2025 and 2027. Parking is available along the road or in a small area near (3).
Tour of the Pourcharet and Montjuger peaks
7.04 mi
+561 ft
-541 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A loop through woods and meadows at the foot of the puys, passing by the viewpoint at the Chapelle de Recoleine.
Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. Parking is available along the road.
Puy de la Combegrasse
12.42 mi
+932 ft
-909 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
This is a long circular route at the foot of the puys, through forests, fields and pastures, with a climb to the summit of Puy de la Combegrasse for a panoramic view of the Chaîne de Puys and the Monts Dore.
Between the Plateau and the Chaîne des Dômes
10.33 mi
+646 ft
-653 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
On the western side of the Chaîne des Puys, this fairly easy walk offers varied landscapes. On the Plateau des Dôme, there are large agricultural areas around Aurières, interspersed with the Gigeole and Gorce valleys. At the foot of the Puy de Pourcharet, Montjuger and Montchal, there are large summer pastures and forests.
Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. Parking is available along the road. There is also a large car park at the entrance to Aurières, near the cemetery (4).
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.
Fitness trail from the Cheires Hautes car park
2.64 mi
+135 ft
-138 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
A short circuit that can also complement another hike. This route is in the woods, flat, and on well-maintained trails.
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.
La Narse and Le Labadeau
8.48 mi
+869 ft
-866 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saulzet-le-Froid (Puy-de-Dôme)
On either side of Saulzet-le-Froid, discover the valleys of the Narse to the north and the Labadeau to the south, two streams that converge shortly afterwards to form the Veyre. Climb to the top of Puy de Monténard for a panoramic view of the Labadeau valley and descend into the Narse d'Espinasse, a small marsh with an exceptional biotope.
On the Cheires Hautes
10.13 mi
+1,076 ft
-1,083 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
From Fontfreyde, walk along the solidified lava flow of the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas in the undergrowth, then climb to the summit of the Puy de Vichatel before crossing the Domaine de Montlosier. Finally, take a detour to the old quarry of the adventitious crater of the Puy de la Vache
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.
Beaune le Chaud from Fontfreyde via solidified lava flow of Mercœur
7.23 mi
+548 ft
-548 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
Walk to enjoy the forest covering the Cheire de Mercœur (solidified lava flow from the Puy de Mercœur), passing through the village of Beaune le Chaud (traditional houses, picnic areas) and the large pasture meadows offering beautiful views of the puys.
On the solidified lava flow of Mercœur
7.89 mi
+725 ft
-728 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
At the foot of the volcanoes, alternating woods and pastures in a landscape typical of the Chaîne des Puys.Between (2) and (4), a GPS or the Visorando app may be useful.
Forest and meadows starting from Fontfreyde.
5.38 mi
+479 ft
-486 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
A very easy walk to enjoy the forest covering the solidified lava flow of Mercœur, passing through summer pastures.The Visorando app is recommended for certain sections.
Solidified lava flow of Mercœur and Beaune pastures
6.68 mi
+512 ft
-518 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
An easy walk to enjoy the forest covering the solidified lava flow of Mercœur, passing through the large pasture meadows of Beaune, which offer beautiful views of the puys.
Puys de Lassolas and La Vache via the pass between Mercœur and Lassolas
8.54 mi
+1,621 ft
-1,614 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular route through the Cheire de Mercœur forest, passing by the twin jewels of the Chaîne des Puys, the spouted volcanoes of Lassolas and La Vache.
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.
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.
Tour of Puy de la Vigeral
8.53 mi
+1,063 ft
-1,050 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
As you walk around the Puy de la Vigeral, which marks the western end of the Montagne de la Serre, you will almost always be overlooking the surrounding landscape and enjoying beautiful views of the more distant Chaîne des Puys and Sancy mountain ranges. In the village of Rouillat Haut, take the time to discover the enamelled lava plaques on display in the streets.
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.
The Bois de Barre and the Bois Vert
8.58 mi
+1,549 ft
-1,552 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
Long maintained by humans for livestock farming and crops, the Montagne de la Serre is now only partially cultivated and is returning to its original state, with alternating grasslands, fallow land and woods, which you can discover on this hike. This diversity of landscapes is much appreciated by wildlife, particularly migratory birds, many of which stop off at this site.
The shepherds’ huts at Rouillat Haut from Nadaillat
5.85 mi
+850 ft
-820 ft
3h 25
Easy
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
Circular route around Montagne de la Serre, with beautiful views, passing through the charmingly ‘dotted’ hamlet of Rouillat Haut, to discover the well-restored shepherds’ huts nestled amongst the dry stone walls marking the boundaries of the pastures.
Lac de la Cassière from Nadaillat and via Rouillat Haut
7.23 mi
+928 ft
-906 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
Starting from Nadaillat, a pretty village on the Montagne de la Serre, this circular route takes you through fields and meadows to the shores of Lac de la Cassière in the Veyre valley. On the way back, the route passes through Rouillat Haut, another pleasant village with a beautiful collection of enamelled lava street signs.
Low walls and boulders on the Montagne de la Serre
8.11 mi
+1,247 ft
-1,250 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
On the Montagne de la Serre, the inhabitants have exploited every inch of land for livestock farming, surrounding their small pastures or pailhas with dry stone walls that provide shelter for shepherds in bad weather. On the slopes, there are also rocky outcrops such as the Chaos de Flore, on the banks of the Auzon, in the centre of which a beautiful dolmen has been built.
Puys de Baladou et de la Védrine from Mareuge
10.86 mi
+1,522 ft
-1,519 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Le Vernet-Sainte-Marguerite (Puy-de-Dôme)
A beautiful climb through undergrowth from Mareuge, on the heights of the upper Monne valley, a stream that rises from the Puys de Baladou and Védrine brooks. From the heights, there is a magnificent panoramic view of the Monts Dore, the Chaîne and the Plateau des Puys. Traditional architecture and heritage in the villages of Mareuge and Pessade.
More walks in Aydat
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