La Bourboule - Mont Dore Resort

(S) Departure from La Bourboule, Etoile du Sancy, Rue Berthelot: head towards La Bughette via Rue Guillaume de Liège, Rue Racine and Rue du Pré de la Hache. Continue along Route de Pregnoux to reach Le Pregnoux.

(1) At the first junction, take the yellow-marked path that leads into the undergrowth (opposite a house on the bend) and continue to the right. Reach the Cliergue footbridge.

(2) Cross the Cliergue and follow it along its right bank. You will reach the^GR®30crossroads.

(3) Take the^GR®30on the right and follow it to a new junction with the D645.

(4) Follow the road to the left for about 250-300m, then take the path to the right (^GR®30) and you will reach a series of hairpin bends.

(5) Continue on the^GR®30, ignoring the paths on the right or left. You will arrive at the Salon du Capucin adventure park.

(6) Head south on the small path leading to the Pic du Capucin, continue south to reach Buron.

(7) Continue on the^GR® to reach Puy de Cliergue.

(8) Continue along the ridge to reach the Tour Carrée.

(9) Begin a short, slightly downhill traverse to reach the Col de Courre, which leads to the Val de Courre.

(10) Take the left-hand descent down Val de Courre. Be careful, this section is quite technical as there are lots of loose stones (my walking sticks came in very handy). Follow the path to the junction with the^GR®4E.

(11) Head towards the resort and, to reach the ECIR chalet, follow the road for about 400-500 metres after the two road tunnels (E).

Don't forget to bring water with you. Although there are many streams along the way, I didn't see any drinking water sources.
For the descent of the Val de Courre, a pair of walking sticks may be a good idea.
A good windbreaker may also be necessary as the wind blows on the ridges.

Étoile du Sancy:
29 Rue Berthelot, 63150 La Bourboule
06 18 32 51 65
04 73 65 24 51

Chalet ECIR:
Route du Sancy, 63240 Le Mont-Dore
04 73 65 22 33
06 81 20 96 73

In La Bourboule, beautiful Belle Époque architecture.
The peaks.
The Val de Courre