Compains walks

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.

This route will take you to two lakes in the region, which are less visited than Lake Pavin but just as worth exploring.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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!

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

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Circular route on the summit of the Cézallier, amidst the summer pastures, with numerous stepping stones to cross the fences. The route offers sweeping panoramic views of the Monts du Cantal and the Monts Dore, including the Puy de Sancy. The route passes at the foot of the Cézallier’s two highest peaks but does not climb them, as they are surrounded by woodland and offer no views. Route designed and organised by Chamina.

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 through plains and forests along part of the Couze Pavin river valley.

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 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...

Do you know what a ‘chérille’ is? The first part of the trail, an easy warm-up, will teach you by example. Next, a lovely climb through a magnificent oak forest will take you onto a superb path below 800 m, from where you’ll be treated to a view of the landscape dotted with the peaks and ‘puys’ that characterise the Couze Pavin valley. All that remains is for you to enjoy a gentle descent back to your starting point...

An easy, family-friendly round-trip hike to admire the Cascade de la Biche, some thirty metres high, which flows over a volcanic rock formation formed by the solidification of a lava flow. In a wild and spectacular setting, the water cascades down superb basalt columns. Starting from the Maison de la Réserve, the route climbs gently up the bottom of the Chaudefour Valley before ascending through the woodland towards the waterfall. This secret and magnificent valley is a listed natural site, enclosed by the steep slopes of a glacial cirque. The path is shaded, sometimes muddy, with a few small streams to cross. To reach the foot of the waterfall, the final section becomes steeper and rockier.

The very secluded and beautiful Chaudefour Valley is a designated nature reserve, enclosed by the steep slopes of a glacial cirque. Jagged peaks, spires and Puys: all serve as defences for a valley that remains unspoilt and well-preserved. ⚠️ This hike passes through the Chastreix-Sancy and/or Chaudefour Valley nature reserves, where regulations must be strictly observed (see ‘Practical Information’ section) ⚠️ 22/07/2026: the GPX track around Puy Ferrand and Puy de Chamgourdeix has been slightly modified to follow the current signposting on the ground.

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

A beautiful round-trip hike to explore the bottom of the Chaudefour Valley, passing by its three waterfalls. The trail is not very difficult and the elevation gain is reasonable. You will find plenty of signs and markings along the way.

Easy walk around the Chaudefour valley.

Discover the most beautiful valley in the Massif du Sancy, and perhaps even the most beautiful in Auvergne! Unlike many of the hikes in this area, this one only climbs to the ridge at Puy de Champgourdeix to enjoy a superb view of the upper valley and the surrounding mountains, but does not continue on to Sancy. Instead, I suggest you explore the valley further, with its dykes, waterfalls, forest and beautiful meadows.

A geological curiosity, the Cheminée des Fées is a ‘demoiselle coiffée’ (a rock formation resembling a lady with a headdress) formed as a result of volcanic eruptions. A mass of lava fell onto the clay soil and, over thousands of years, erosion washed away the clay except beneath the enormous volcanic bomb, which now stands perched on top.

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 hike for the whole family (but suitable footwear is essential) which, from the summit of Puy de Sancy, will take you along the ridges to the Grande Cascade. A challenging route alternating between ascents and descents, offering stunning 360° views as far as Puy de Dôme, Puy Mary and well beyond, weather permitting.

A very beautiful hike in a conservation area.