Chambon des Neiges

A pleasant route starting from the Chaudefour Valley, offering the chance to explore the woods of Audiouze and Sarrevielle.

Details

22628907
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.48 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,470 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,437 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,711 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,734 ft

Description of the walk

Park in the pay-and-display car park at the Maison de la Réserve de Chaudefour.

(S/E) Take the wide nature trail opposite and follow it until you reach the Pont Sainte-Anne. Before crossing, keep to the left to reach the Source Sainte-Anne. Return to the bridge, cross it and then head towards the junction signposted Chambon des Neiges.

(1) Keep to the left on the wide path; a few metres further on, you’ll reach a four-way junction.

(2) Turn right and follow the Sentier de l’Audiouze, marked with orange posts. Begin a long but easy climb through the woods. You’ll reach a small clearing facing the Rochers de l’Audiouze.

(3) Continue along this path until you reach a short section through the rocks, which is a little tricky to navigate. Then continue the ascent, emerging into an area of broom, then into the mountain pasture. Carry on until you reach the junction with the Puy des Crebasses path.

(4) Turn right and begin an easy descent along the wide track through the woods. At the various junctions, keep to the left-hand branch and you will eventually reach the Chambon des Neiges car park.

(5) Follow the same path back in the opposite direction for a few metres, then turn left to begin a short climb through the Bois de Sarrevielle. At the edge of the woods, you’ll reach a path junction.

(6) Continue straight ahead, almost along the edge of the woods, to return to the crossroads you passed on the way out.

(1) Turn left and retrace your steps along the route you took on the way there to return to the car park at the Maison de la Réserve de Chaudefour (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,734 ft - Car park at the Chaudefour Nature Reserve Centre - Cascade de Pérouse
  2. 1 : mi 0.78 - alt. 3,967 ft - Junction of the circular loop - Source Sainte-Anne
  3. 2 : mi 1.04 - alt. 4,052 ft - L’Audiouze crossroads
  4. 3 : mi 1.81 - alt. 4,482 ft - Tricky section
  5. 4 : mi 2.26 - alt. 4,711 ft - High point
  6. 5 : mi 3.61 - alt. 3,763 ft - Chambon des Neiges
  7. 6 : mi 5.12 - alt. 3,822 ft - Forest edge
  8. S/E : mi 6.48 - alt. 3,740 ft - Car park at the Chaudefour Nature Reserve Centre

Notes

(3) Some care should be taken when passing through the rocky section; although it is very short, it may prove difficult for those unaccustomed to this type of terrain.

REGULATIONS: This route passes through the Chaudefour Valley Nature Reserve. Dogs are not permitted on certain sections of this route – they are allowed on a lead only on the signpostedGR®® 30 andGR®®4 trails. Mountain biking, wild plant gathering and camping are prohibited. Please stay on the marked paths. Full details at: Chaudefour Valley Nature Reserve »

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

Between (S/E) and (1): You can make a round trip to see the Pérouse Waterfall.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
calaya
calaya

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely hike, with few people on the trail today, no doubt due to the heavy rain. We only encountered one other hiker.

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gridou de  mex
gridou de mex

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We passed quite a few people on the way back; it’s true that in August we’re not the only ones here.

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Krokus 26
Krokus 26

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 15, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Parking at the nature reserve centre is only charged at weekends and on public holidays. So during the week, it’s free.

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françois legendre
françois legendre

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 03, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant approach to the Chaudefour Valley, taking in the Dent de la Rancune and the Crête de Coq. You can start the hike for free from the Chambon des Neiges car park – worth noting! An 8-hour hike in fine weather; thankfully there’s plenty of shade.

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