Circular Banne d'Ordanche from the Refuge de la Banne

Head to Murat-le-Quaire via the D219 road. At the crossroads by the church, take the D609 towards Banne d'Ordanche and Lac de Pré Cohandon. Pass the leisure area (campsite, lake, chalets) and then the "Super Murat" residence on your right. Continue to the end of the road (about 3 km) and park in the car park just before the Refuge de la Banne.

(S/E) Take the track at the north-east corner of the car park. It climbs gently between the pastures. Head south-east until you reach the crossroads.

(1) Take the path on the right, heading south-southeast, until you reach the Col de Saint-Laurent.

(2) Turn right and climb up to the ridge, heading south-southwest. Go around the summit on its northern slope until you reach the wooden access staircase and the crossroads.

(3) Turn left, heading east, and climb the stairs to the summit (elevation 1512). Enjoy the view and the orientation table.

(4) Turn back to the staircase junction.

(3) Take the path on the left to descend the western slope, following the PR® (green) markings on the ridge.

(5) Pass by one of the sites of the temporary exhibition "Horizons". Every summer, this location hosts an artistic work. Continue along the ridge, heading southwest to the car park, then join the D609 road.

(6) Turn right and carefully follow the D609 westwards then north-eastwards towards the Refuge de la Banne and the car park (S/E).

There are no water sources along the route (there is a fountain in the village of Murat-le-Quaire).

Route accessible in winter only depending on snow conditions; the D609 may be closed.

Picnic tables, accommodation and catering at the Refuge de la Banne (mainly open during the summer season): https://www.refugedelabanne.com/

Short alternative: simple return trip to the summit of Banne d'Ordanche, returning via the Col de Saint-Laurent (2) (elevation gain 200 m, total time 1h30).

Longer option: at the Col de Saint-Laurent (2), take the path on the left and make a round trip to the Borne des Quatre Seigneurs and Puy Loup at an altitude of 1,481 metres (250 m elevation gain, total time 3 hours).

La Banne d'Ordanche: located in the Monts Dore massif, this volcanic peak rises to an altitude of 1,515 metres above the village of Murat-le-Quaire. Its name comes from the word "banne" (Banà), which means "horn" in Auvergne Occitan, referring to the site's slender silhouette.
Part of the Monts Dore - Sancy range, this Strombolian volcano was formed by a trachyandesite eruption around 2 million years ago. Since then, it has undergone intense erosion caused by runoff, wind and, above all, frost action. The scree slopes on the southern flank date from the end of the Würm glaciation. Made of basalt, this mountain gave its name to a volcanic magmatic rock, ordanchite, which is part of the tephrite family.
At the end of the climb, a wooden staircase makes it easier for hikers and walkers to progress. Enjoy the magical 360° view from the summit: the enamelled lava orientation table will guide your gaze towards the Puy de Sancy, the Puy Ferrand, the Puy Gros and the Charlannes plateau. Tip: climb up at sunrise or sunset.
Be careful! La Banne d'Ordanche is a summer pasture where sheep graze on fresh grass during the summer season. To ensure the herd's peace and quiet, keep your distance and walk around it, leaving the path if necessary. If you encounter a patou, a herd protection dog, stop and remain calm, talking to the dog without staring at it. If you have a dog, keep it on a leash and move away.
On the south-eastern side of the massif, you will see cattle grazing, mainly Salers cattle from nearby, a local breed with a burgundy-red coat. Salers cattle are renowned for their meat.

Murat-le-Quaire is a hilltop village with beautiful volcanic stone houses.

La Bourboule is built along the banks of the Dordogne River, at an altitude of 850 metres. A small town with Belle Époque charm, surrounded by greenery, it offers numerous hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tourist routes just a few steps from its lively town centre. With water that strengthens the immune system, the Thermes de la Bouboule spa offers treatments for respiratory and skin conditions. Every year, it welcomes many spa guests, including very young ones from 6 months old.

Nearby:

• Lac de Guéry: the highest lake in Auvergne, with beautiful views.
• Charlannes Plateau: Nordic trail, footpaths, views of the Sancy.
• Puy Gros: pretty viewpoints.