Chareire - Mont-Dore Station

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.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Circular route around the Chaudefour Valley and Puy de Sancy

Details

n°1055637

Creation:
05 Apr 2018

Last update:
23 May 2022

Last review:
–

Activity: Walking
Distance: 8.61 mi
Average duration: 6h 10
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: No
Ascent: + 2,526 ft
Descent: - 2,129 ft
Highest point: 6,158 ft
Lowest point: 3,806 ft

Country: France
Areas: Massif central, Monts Dore
City: Picherande (63113)
Start: N 45.483425° / E 2.777949°
End: N 45.545098° / E 2.816703°
IGN map(s): Ref. 2432ET, 2432ETR, 2433SB
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Description of the walk

(S) Starting from the lodge in Chareire, rejoin yesterday’s route by turning right onto the^GR®30.
The path passes through the hamlet of La Morangie.

(1) Continue the ascent to the Col du Couhay ski lift. Walk along the right-hand side of the lift to reach the Col de Couhay.

(2) Turn left onto the^GR®4-GR®30. Follow the^GR®, cross the Ferrand-Sud ski lift and emerge at the Col de la Cabane.

(3) Turn left to begin a short, steep climb that ends at the summit of Puy de Sancy.

(4) Continue straight on and descend to reach the Pas de l’Âne; here, wooden steps make the descent easier.

(5) Take the small path on the left and ignore the descent towards the Plateau ski lift.
Caution: This section is quite difficult as the narrow path is very steep and requires great care, especially if you encounter hikers coming in the opposite direction.
Reach the Puy Redon crossroads.

(6) Leave the^GR®30and take the path on the right to descend the valley via the Val de Courre to the Mont-Dore resort.

(7) Before the car park, to avoid going round via the road, turn left and walk below the lake. Cross the river; there is a small plank to help you cross and reach the Youth Hostel (E).

Waypoints

S : mi 0 - alt. 3,852 ft - Chareire (Le Tarrafet Lodge)
1 : mi 1.47 - alt. 3,901 ft - La Morangie
2 : mi 5.18 - alt. 5,518 ft - GR4-GR30 - Col du Couhais (1676m)
3 : mi 6.27 - alt. 5,846 ft - GR30 - Col de la Cabanne
4 : mi 6.49 - alt. 6,073 ft - Puy de Sancy
5 : mi 6.73 - alt. 5,955 ft - Donkey's Step
6 : mi 7.12 - alt. 5,604 ft - Puy Redon - Col de Courre (1781m)
7 : mi 8.33 - alt. 4,377 ft - Mont-Dore resort
E : mi 8.61 - alt. 4,236 ft - Mont-Dore (Youth Hostel)

Notes

Please note: This route passes through the Chastreix-Sancy and Chaudefour Valley nature reserves. Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead, except on the marked^GR® 30 trails.
Mountain biking, foraging and camping are prohibited. Please stay on the marked paths.
Full details at: Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve and Chaudefour Valley Nature Reserve

Accommodation / Dining in Mont-Dore Station:

Youth Hostel
Tel: 04.73.65.03.53 - Email: le-mont-dore@hifrance.org

Difficulty (technical information):

IBP: 82 as a hike (HKG)
Percentage of ascent: 10.57%
Percentage descent: 12.09%
Results sourced from: ibpindex.com

This route passes through multiple protected areas, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

Caution on this section: Between (3) and (4) Col de la Cabane – Puy de Sancy link

Snow may remain on the Puy de Sancy until May; there is a high risk of slipping on this section. An alternative route down to the Mont-Dore resort is available: take the Ferrand Nord ski lift (towards Pan de la Grange).