From Mont-Dore to Super Besse

We start from the Ecir Lodge (at the Sancy station). There are two possible options:
- At the exit of the lodge, turn right and walk up to the start of the trails, take the Chemin des Médecins to the funicular station.
- Walk back down to Mont Dore, to the funicular railway station, and take it to the Salon du Capucin. We opted for this option.

(S) When you exit the funicular, take the road towards the Salon du Capucin, the tree-top adventure course.
At the tree-top adventure course, turn left and continue along the path to the buron.

(1) In front of the buron, follow the^GR® opposite.

Follow the ridges and pass the Col de Courre.

(2) Continue to Puy de Sancy and climb to the summit. A very pretty stretch along the ridges with beautiful views of Mont Dore and the Cirque de la Fontaine Salée.

(3) Descend the other side of Puy de Sancy to Col de la Cabane.

(4) At the pass, take the path on the right towards Super Besse. The descent is quite dangerous on a path with stones rolling underfoot.
Caution: mountain bike descent.

(5) Pass the Col du Couhay and follow the path to Super Besse (there is a pretty waterfall before you reach Super Besse).

(6) Crossing the Couze Pavin (river) - a tributary of the Allier (E).

We end our day by taking the Super-Besse/Besse and Saint Anastaise shuttle bus, which takes us back to our starting point.

No special equipment required.
There is a section where you need to be very careful before reaching the summit of Sancy (passing between chains and over large rocks), but it is not particularly difficult for hikers.

Information from the Chastreix-Sancy National Nature Reserve team:

This route crosses the Chastreix-Sancy and/or Chaudefour Valley nature reserves. Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash, except on the^GR® 30 marked trails.
Mountain biking, picking and camping are prohibited. Please stay on the marked paths.

Mont Dore funicular railway (listed building).
Summit of Puy de Sancy.