Chanterelle walks

Chanterelle circular route, passing through the hamlet of Le Bac between Puy du Sancy and the Monts du Cantal. Set amidst the peaceful pastures of Chanterelle, this delightful escape invites you to enjoy a rural interlude through the rolling landscapes of the Cantal. From the village, the path descends gently through the meadows, winding its way towards Espramau and then on to the picturesque hamlet of Le Bac, where you skirt the grassy hilltops in soft light. The route then climbs gently northwards, offering soothing views of the sleepy rooftops of Lavergne and the surrounding hills. Upon reaching the highest point of the route, the horizon opens up to reveal unspoilt, tranquil countryside. The return journey begins gently through Les Travers, skirting the green, pastoral slopes. In a final breath of fresh air, the path serenely leads the walker back to Chanterelle. A true ode to a leisurely stroll, where time stands still between earth and sky.

A walk whose destination is the very beautiful Lac Chauvet, which unfortunately cannot be walked around (private property). The route alternates between fenced-off meadows, woodland and summer pastures. This walk can be done as a circular route, as suggested, or as a return trip.

A pleasant loop around the pretty village of Montgreleix, ending at the Orthodox Monastery of the Mother of God Znaménié (open to visitors at certain times) at La Traverse. No technical difficulties and a wide variety of landscapes (pastures typical of the Cézallier region and burons, valleys and small woods, streams and waterfalls, etc.). You may even return with a Saint-Nectaire cheese in your bag...

With its distinctive silhouette, Mont Chamaroux offers a magnificent viewpoint in the heart of the Cézallier; the route suggested here is a return walk through little-used pastures, where you’ll need to navigate the fences and know how to deal with the herds... No technical difficulties apart from the slightly steep final climb, and flexibility and agility are required to get over the fences. Moderator’s note added on 19/08/2021. See the comments at the bottom of this page regarding passages through summer pastures when herds are present

A circular route mainly through forest and along the shores of Lakes Taurons, Crégut and Tact.

This 5 km family walk takes you on a journey into the heart of the Cézallier, through meadows, woodland edges and wetlands. Keep your eyes peeled – these unspoilt landscapes are a haven for biodiversity, where you can observe and record butterflies.Allow around 1½ hours to explore these wild areas and enjoy nature, with 8 themed information boards and an orientation table to guide your discovery. There are plenty of activities on offer.

Mainly along paths and tracks, this walk around the pretty hamlet of La Godivelle takes in the characteristic landscapes of the Cézallier: pastures stretching as far as the eye can see, the gentle contours of the ‘mountains’, peat bogs, lakes and a few woods. On the way back, the route passes by Lake Saint-Alyre and the Sagnes de la Godivelle peatland reserve.

An easy family hike with beautiful views of the Monts Dore (Sancy Massif), the Cantal and, of course, Lake Chauvet.

Starting from Picherande, a circular route with varied landscapes, agricultural at the start, then wilder with a visit to the Gayme peat bog, and finally forest.

A beautiful hike in the heights of Cézallier. The route follows a stream, crosses footbridges, beech woods and pastures to discover the Cascade de la Barthe waterfall and Lac Chauvet lake. Note that there is a picnic area at (8).

A day's walk from Picherande allows you to discover the impressive glacial cove of Fontaine Salée, whose pastoral activity is now protected by a nature reserve.

As you pass a beech or spruce tree over a hundred years old, you may be lucky enough to spot wild boar, roe deer or other large animals. Discretion is essential.

A lovely walk that partly follows theGR®®30along a wooded path with little elevation gain. Beautiful views over the various lakes – Crégut, Tact, Laspialade and Taurons – and towards the Monts du Sancy.

From Chareire, you will begin the ascent of Puy de Sancy (alt. 1,883 m), the highest point of the Massif Central, passing via the Col du Couhay and the Cabane, before descending towards the Mont-Dore resort via the Val de Courre.

On the southern flank of Puy de Sancy, the route climbs up the Fontaine Salée watershed and continues to ascend, passing through mountain pastures criss-crossed by streams at the foot of the Gros and Paillaret peaks, before descending into the Ruisseau de Chareire valley. Superb views to the south and west.

A short walk, suitable for young children, to discover two beautiful waterfalls in refreshing surroundings. You’ll also enjoy a lovely view of the summer pastures and the surrounding peaks.

A long and magnificent hike in the little Mongolia of Cézallier. Pastures as far as the eye can see, herds of Aubrac and Salers cows, burons (stone huts)... and the Monts du Cantal on the horizon. No technical difficulty, good trails or wide paths that are always well marked, with numerous ladders to cross barriers. The route is circular except for the section between Rascoupet and before Courbières, which is a round trip.

A varied walk offering superb views of the Cézallier, the Monts du Cantal and the Puy de Sancy massif. The route passes at the foot of a basaltic rock field and an ancient burial mound. For a while, it follows a disused railway line, now used for rail biking.

A circular route mostly through forest, passing by the summit of Puy de Montchal, which offers a view to the west, followed by a return trip through meadows and peat bogs to Lac de Montcineyre.The Visorando app is recommended for the forest section.

A walk starting from a lake, alternating between paths through meadows – with beautiful views of the Puy de Sancy massif – and through woodland. Livestock farming is a prominent feature along the entire route.

The route, mostly through forest, passes by the unmissable Lake Pavin before climbing Puy de Monchal and returning via the only chasm in Auvergne, Creux de Souci.

This hike takes you to four volcanic lakes: Lac Pavin, which is 92 metres deep and 700 to 800 metres in diameter; Lac de Montcineyre, formerly owned by the Michelin family; Lac de Bourdouze, which is partially covered by peat bog; and finally Lac de l'Estivadoux, which is almost completely dry.

A Grand Tour of the beautiful and mysterious Lac Pavin, passing by the Puy de Montchal and the Creux de Soucy chasm.

An interesting hike due to its diversity: peat bogs, volcanic lakes, chasms and, depending on the season, a few orchids between (6) and (7).

Walk around Lake Pavin, including a visit to the Chapel of Vassivière, where the Black Madonna is housed during the summer.

A little-known peak in the Massif du Sancy, the Puy de Chambourguet offers a panoramic view of the Super-Besse resort, the Sancy, the Domes, the Pavin, Bourdouze and Chauvet lakes, the entire Massif Cantalien, the Monts du Cézallier and even more if the weather is clear.

Explore the area around the Super-Besse resort by visiting the Puys de Chambourguet and Champgourdeix. You’ll discover two volcanic peaks with completely different appearances. A leisurely, family-friendly hike along the paths and tracks around the resort.

Access to the Puy de Sancy on the outward journey via the eastern and northern ridges of the Super Besse resort, and return via theGR®®4.Please note that two vehicles are required for this hike: one at the top of the resort and another at the Lac des Hermines car park. ⚠️ 22/07/2026: the GPX track at Puy de la Perdrix has been slightly modified to follow the current signposting on the ground.

A pleasant and varied walk in terms of scenery, partly in the shade and with magnificent views all along the way over the southern slopes of the Sancy Massif and the Cantal Massif further to the south. Minimal elevation gain. Best undertaken on a clear day.

A walk through beautiful pastoral scenery and in relative seclusion, punctuated by numerous stepping stones that allow you to cross the fences. For most of the route, you can enjoy a superb panoramic view of the Monts du Cantal. Please read the warning in the practical information carefully before setting out on this walk. This walk combines two routes designed and recommended by Chamina.

A superb hike around the Puy de Sancy, with many views of the surrounding area.

A very pleasant loop, shaded for much of the way, which allows you to discover the Essarts waterfall, the magnificent Bois de la Masse forest in the Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve, and beautiful views of the southern slopes of the Sancy.

This circular route takes you to the Roc de Courlande, on the edge of the Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve. A sharp peak topped by a cross, offering a unique panoramic view of Chastreix, the Cantal mountains and even the Limousin mountains. Best done at the end of the day to enjoy the colours of the setting sun!

A very varied route, with ridges, forest, a spring and, above all, exceptional views! A wild route with people at the summit of Puy de Sancy but no one else anywhere else.Dogs are not allowed on this hike (even on a lead), located in the Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve (they are only allowed on a lead on the GR®30).

On the snowshoe routes at the Pertuyzat resort, a very pleasant walk around Lake Pavin.You may be asked to pay €2.50 per person as a fee for use of the routes, to cover the cost of signposting and maintenance.

Relatively easy access to the summit of the Massif Central, which offers spectacular views. Please note that to reach the starting point of this circuit, you will need to take the Super-Besse cable cars, which are subject to a charge.

A pleasant, peaceful and easy route to discover a waterfall, with a picnic area and, on the way back, a view of a deer farm.

La Gagne is a pretty river that rises from the confluence of three streams of the same name, upstream from Chastreix. This circular route crosses them several times. Added to this route is a first return trip to the Cascade des Essarts, then a second to the Montagne du Mont, at the foot of the Sancy.

A small mountain village, Chastreix and its 12th-century Saint-Bonnet church, listed as a historic monument. The association Chemins et patrimoine aux pays des Toupis works to promote the local heritage and hiking trails.

A trail with informative signs (August 2024) allowing you to discover the Fontaine Salée glacial valley, with views of the south face of Puy de Sancy and Cézallier.

A short walk along a woodland path leading to the magnificent Vaucoux (or Anglard) Waterfall.

A beautiful walk from the centre of Riom-ès-Montagne, allowing you to discover the Étang de Majonenc. This route alternates between roads and paths, the latter of which are in both moorland and forest, making it a very pleasant route that is largely shaded and offers a variety of landscapes.

A double circular route through the countryside, starting from Riom-ès-Montagne, to discover a pond, a dolmen and basalt columns. See Practical Information for a shorter and less tarmac route (12.7 km).

A walk starting from Puy de Sancy (located an hour’s drive south of Clermont-Ferrand) to the town of Chambon-sur-Lac. This walk offers views of the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve from the ridge path of the Sancy massif, as well as the valley floor. The walk ends at Lake Chambon, which is a lovely spot not only for a swim (weather permitting) but also to watch the sunset.

A route to discover an exceptional heritage: a Gallic bridge, a shepherd's hut, then you will enter the legend of the Devil's Step. (Information boards are installed with information!) You will also discover a waterfall and, along the way, old drinking troughs that evoke the history of agriculture in the past.

Hike in the Auvergne Volcanoes Park, starting from Besse (located an hour's drive south of Clermont-Ferrand). The discovery trail starting from the Hôtel le Clos combines wooded areas and open countryside, passing by Lake Pavin and Lake Montcineyre (swimming is prohibited in both). The trail is very well marked throughout (markings and signs).

Hike starting from the town of Besse, located an hour's drive from Clermont-Ferrand. This hike is mainly in open countryside. It allows you to admire Lake Pavin, overlook the town of Super-Besse and, above all, enjoy a 360° view from Puy de Sancy.

Starting from the Le Clos hotel in Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, this loop takes you around Lac Pavin using the discovery trail and theGR®30.

A very beautiful route that takes you along the ridges of Sancy and through the medieval villages of Besse and Murol, betweenGR®4andGR®30. This route can be done in stages, staying in hotels or lodges. The addresses where we stopped will be indicated in the stage descriptions.

First stage of a 5-day route. This stage takes you through the mountain pastures to the medieval town of Murol. A very pretty route ending near Lake Chambon.

What a pleasure it is to leave "home" on foot, taking a path through the woods along a beautiful stream to discover one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Auvergne!

A wander among the underbrush along the Couze Pavin, from bank to bank, flowing in cascades.

Very pretty waterfall on the Burande stream, just south of La Tour-d'Auvergne. Another beautiful waterfall nearby, see the "Things to see" section.

If you only have one day to spend in Besse and its surroundings, this long hike will take you to the medieval village of Besse, the Couze Pavin, the Fontaine Goyon, the Puy de Montchal and Lac Pavin, a countryside dotted with farms where you can buy Saint-Nectaire cheese, and finally the Chiloza waterfalls.

A short 5 km round-trip hike to Pic de Saint-Pierre and its chapel. A little-known summit, yet it is easily accessible and offers a 360° panorama of the Sancy, the Cotteuges Valley and, in fine weather, the Chaîne des Puys and the Livradois-Forez.

A short hike rich in discoveries: the beautiful pagan calvary of Lomprat, the troglodytic site of Jonas, Pic Saint-Pierre topped by its chapel and offering a beautiful panorama of the Couze Pavin valley, not to mention the villages you pass through with their old houses, fountains and wash houses.