Chastreix walks

This loop trail with little elevation gain takes you along beautiful paths through meadows, forests and summer pastures to the heart of the Fontaine Salée glacial cirque, in the Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve at the foot of the Sancy. Best done in clear weather.

The western slope of Puy de Sancy, in the heart of the Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve (dogs not allowed). A natural heritage site of great quality where many natural environments are well preserved. The exceptional flora and remarkable fauna thrive on an exceptional geology. The landscapes are magnificent.

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 very beautiful hike in a conservation area.

A trip to highest point of the Massif Central.

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.

This hike will take you to the heights of the Massif du Sancy where, on a clear day, you will have a 360° view of the Chaîne des Puys, the Banne d'Ordanche, the Sancy, the Monts du Cantal, the Mont-Dore resort and Chastreix. This route crosses the Chastreix-Sancy and/or Chaudefour Valley nature reserves. Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash, except on theGR® 30 marked trails. Mountain biking, picking and camping are prohibited. Please stay on the marked trails.

A circular walk to discover the small spa town, taking in a number of viewpoints on either side of the Dordogne River.

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

This circuit will take you from Mont-Dore to discover the Puy de Sancy (the highest peak in the Massif Central) and its ridges.

The beginning, with the steps, is a little difficult, but the rest is really calm in the middle of nature, surrounded by magnificent gigantic trees, not forgetting that there are the sounds of the city to remind us that we're close to it. Further on, we see the city below in a bowl, and the sounds of nature have completely taken over, making it relaxing.

A beautiful hike that takes you to three stunning waterfalls and magnificent panoramic views of the Sancy massif and, further afield, the Chaîne des Puys.

A very pleasant short hike for beginners with breathtaking views of the Sancy and the Chaîne des Puys. Description and route updated by moderator on 13 May 2024.

The very secretive and beautiful Chaudefour valley is a classified natural site, closed up by the steep contours of a glacial cirque. Peaks, needles, plumbs are as many natural defences for an intact and preserved valley.

Easy walk around the Chaudefour valley.

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).

A return route to Mont Dore, taking care to avoid the same paths as the previous day.

For anyone from Auvergne, the Col de la Croix Morand is inextricably linked to Jean-Louis Murat, who sang about it better than anyone else (and who was also the only one to do so!). Starting from the pass and heading south, you walk along the ridges and cross a few puys in a magnificent setting of wide open spaces and panoramic views of the volcanic Auvergne, witha"deep feeling" of freedom.

The Lac de Guéry, of volcanic origin, is the starting point for this hike. At 1244 m, it is the highest lake in Auvergne. Along the way, you'll follow the ridge to the Lac de Servières. ⚠️Please note that the route of the GR® 30 has been modified since 2022, and several sections have been changed and no longer correspond with the IGN maps.

A hiking trail in the Auvergne summer pastures, on a summit overlooking the spa resort of La Bourboule.

A very beautiful and varied hike, between 1,300 and 1,500 metres, which can be done in half a day in the mid-mountains (pastures, forests, peaks). Superb 360° panorama of the Sancy mountains and the Dômes chain. Good paths. Bring a map or GPS, essential for the return journey through the forest.