From Pessade to Mont-Dore

(S/E) From Michèle Pelissier's stopover lodge, turn right towards the top of the village.
Pass in front of the small Balladou.
Follow the^GR®®4trail to the Col de la Croix Morand.

(1) Walk along the Puy de la Védrine and the Puy de Balladou.

(2) When you reach the D996, turn left onto the road towards the Col de la Croix Morand.

(3) At the pass, turn right to climb up to Puy de la Tache.

(4) Continue on the^GR®®4trail, passing Puy de Monne.

(5) Continue, passing Puy de Barbier.

(6) Continue south, passing Puy de l'Angle.

(7) Turn south-west and pass Puy de Mareilh.

(8) Reach a multiple crossroads at the D36.

(9) Leave the^GR®®4. Cross the road and continue opposite until you reach Creux des Bœufs.

(10) Turn right at the ford and descend to the Grande Cascade, a very pretty view.

(11) After stopping to take photos, continue along the path to Mont-Dore

(12) Cross the D36 and continue to the Thermes du Mont-Dore (E).
Our lodge (the Chalet de l'Écir at the Sancy resort) is located at the top of Mont-Dore.
there are two options:
- behind the Tourist Office, take the shuttle bus which drops us off in front of the lodge in 10 minutes. We took this option.
- for the brave, walk up Mont-Dore (2.5 to 3 km) along the road.

It should be noted that the stopover lodge is very clean, the owner is friendly and the breakfast is perfect.
The Balladou restaurant is a must in Pessade, serving a monumental truffade in the evening.
There are no water sources along the hike (except for the bar at the Col de la Croix Morand).

Magnificent views in the second part of the hike, crossing the ridges of all the puys.