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La Godivelle walks
Grand tour of La Godivelle
Visorando Member
9.22 mi
+1,086 ft
-1,089 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from La Godivelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Mont Chamaroux
6.99 mi
+1,348 ft
-1,335 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from La Godivelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
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
The Jassy Waterfalls
0.63 mi
+95 ft
-95 ft
0h 20
Easy
Departure from Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
The Orthodox Monastery of La Traverse
6.79 mi
+892 ft
-922 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Montgreleix (Cantal)
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...
Circuit of the Signal du Luguet
8.43 mi
+1,512 ft
-1,512 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Anzat-le-Luguet (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Circular Lac Chauvet starting from Égliseneuve-d’Entraigues
10.52 mi
+978 ft
-978 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Égliseneuve-d'Entraigues (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Circular walk starting from Lac de Bourdouze
6.15 mi
+482 ft
-502 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Luguet signpost
11.32 mi
+1,549 ft
-1,542 ft
6h 35
Moderate
Departure from Anzat-le-Luguet (Puy-de-Dôme)
The Signal du Luguet is the highest point of the Cézallier. This hike along wide tracks, the only difficulty being the distance, takes you around the peak and up to the summit. But as for the view from the top, forget it, as it’s covered in trees! You can nevertheless enjoy the scenery by skirting the summit and taking in a 360° panorama, from the Puy de Dôme to the Monts du Cantal.
Montbert Forest and Chauvet Lake
4.45 mi
+354 ft
-361 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Picherande (Puy-de-Dôme)
An easy family hike with beautiful views of the Monts Dore (Sancy Massif), the Cantal and, of course, Lake Chauvet.
The Tour de Besse and the old Bave sawmill
5.67 mi
+886 ft
-906 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Anzat-le-Luguet (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular walk that ascends and descends along both banks of the Bave stream. The route passes by the foot of a 15th-century tower and offers views of the remains of an old sawmill. Beautiful panoramic views of the Cézallier await.
Route designed and suggested by Chamina.
The Paths of Science: at the heart of the INRAE pastures in Marcenat
Local authority
2.94 mi
+390 ft
-377 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Marcenat (Cantal) (Cantal)
This 5 km family walk takes you on a journey into the heart of the Cézallier, through meadows, woodland edges and wetlands. Keep your eyes peeled – these unspoilt landscapes are a haven for biodiversity, where you can observe and record butterflies.Allow around 1½ hours to explore these wild areas and enjoy nature, with 8 themed information boards and an orientation table to guide your discovery. There are plenty of activities on offer.
Puy de Montchal via Lake Pavin and Creux de Soucy
6.50 mi
+928 ft
-928 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Vaucoux Waterfall (or Anglard Waterfall)
0.53 mi
+207 ft
-207 ft
0h 25
Easy
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
A short walk along a woodland path leading to the magnificent Vaucoux (or Anglard) Waterfall.
Courbières Mountain and Pradiers from Rascoupet
11.97 mi
+1,250 ft
-1,237 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Landeyrat (Cantal)
A long and magnificent hike in the little Mongolia of Cézallier. Pastures as far as the eye can see, herds of Aubrac and Salers cows, burons (stone huts)... and the Monts du Cantal on the horizon. No technical difficulty, good trails or wide paths that are always well marked, with numerous ladders to cross barriers. The route is circular except for the section between Rascoupet and before Courbières, which is a round trip.
Puy de Montchal and Lac de Moncineyre
8.89 mi
+1,020 ft
-1,001 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
The lakes of Montcineyre, Bourdouze and Estivadoux from Lac Pavin
11.70 mi
+1,814 ft
-1,804 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Grand Tour of Lac Pavin
4.85 mi
+771 ft
-751 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
A Grand Tour of the beautiful and mysterious Lac Pavin, passing by the Puy de Montchal and the Creux de Soucy chasm.
Vassivière and Lac Pavin
8.76 mi
+1,460 ft
-1,450 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
Walk around Lake Pavin, including a visit to the Chapel of Vassivière, where the Black Madonna is housed during the summer.
From Lake Pavin to Lake Montcineyre
7.71 mi
+771 ft
-745 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
An interesting hike due to its diversity: peat bogs, volcanic lakes, chasms and, depending on the season, a few orchids between (6) and (7).
The Tour du Lac Pavin
3.74 mi
+486 ft
-486 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
On the snowshoe routes at the Pertuyzat resort, a very pleasant hike around Lake Pavin.
You may be asked to pay €2.50 per person for the right to use the routes, for signposting and maintenance.
Around Roche Rouge, Zanières (Le Froid)
Tourism professional
2.32 mi
+279 ft
-279 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from La Chapelle-Marcousse (Puy-de-Dôme)
A lovely little family walk, with views of the Cézallier and Sancy mountain ranges.
Circular route through the Pradiers mountain pastures
9.58 mi
+1,020 ft
-1,027 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Pradiers (Cantal)
A walk through beautiful pastoral scenery and in relative seclusion, punctuated by numerous stepping stones that allow you to cross the fences. For most of the route, you can enjoy a superb panoramic view of the Monts du Cantal. Please read the warning in the practical information carefully before setting out on this walk.
This walk combines two routes designed and recommended by Chamina.
Chaos de Landeyrat and the Knoll of Roucoulès circuit
6.94 mi
+558 ft
-538 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Landeyrat (Cantal)
A varied walk offering superb views of the Cézallier, the Monts du Cantal and the Puy de Sancy massif. The route passes at the foot of a basaltic rock field and an ancient burial mound. For a while, it follows a disused railway line, now used for rail biking.
Lac Pavin and Lac de Montcineyre from Besse
13.31 mi
+1,837 ft
-1,827 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
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).
Le Puy de Sancy from Besse
17.36 mi
+3,520 ft
-3,497 ft
11h 05
Difficult
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
From Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise to Lac Pavin
7.38 mi
+958 ft
-968 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Between Puy de Sancy and Monts Dore
44.98 mi
+8,816 ft
-8,520 ft
5 days
Moderate
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
From Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise to Murol
8.79 mi
+948 ft
-1,575 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Puy de Chambourguet
1.82 mi
+469 ft
-469 ft
1h 15
Moderate
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Discovering Besse for campers
2.09 mi
+197 ft
-197 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
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!
Puy de Sancy from Super Besse
6.16 mi
+1,703 ft
-2,037 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
The Chiloza falls
2.98 mi
+522 ft
-522 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
A wander among the underbrush along the Couze Pavin, from bank to bank, flowing in cascades.
Puy de Chambourguet and Puy de Champgourdeix
5.11 mi
+1,047 ft
-1,024 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Peat bog and Gayme Woods
7.44 mi
+883 ft
-856 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Picherande (Puy-de-Dôme)
Starting from Picherande, a circular route with varied landscapes, agricultural at the start, then wilder with a visit to the Gayme peat bog, and finally forest.
Lac Chauvet from Picherande
9.56 mi
+968 ft
-981 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Picherande (Puy-de-Dôme)
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).
La Fontaine Salée
12.68 mi
+1,982 ft
-1,965 ft
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Picherande (Puy-de-Dôme)
A day's walk from Picherande allows you to discover the impressive glacial cove of Fontaine Salée, whose pastoral activity is now protected by a nature reserve.
Tour of Puy de Sancy from Super-Besse
10.07 mi
+3,376 ft
-3,350 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
A superb hike around the Puy de Sancy, with many views of the surrounding area.
Puy de Montchal and the Chiloza Waterfalls
13.06 mi
+1,962 ft
-1,985 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Vallées de la Fontaine Salée, de la Trentaine and de Chareire
9.62 mi
+1,722 ft
-1,703 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Picherande (Puy-de-Dôme)
On the southern flank of Puy de Sancy, the route climbs up the Fontaine Salée watershed and continues to ascend, passing through mountain pastures criss-crossed by streams at the foot of the Gros and Paillaret peaks, before descending into the Ruisseau de Chareire valley. Superb views to the south and west.
Chareire - Mont-Dore Station
8.61 mi
+2,526 ft
-2,129 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Picherande (Puy-de-Dôme)
From Chareire, you will begin the ascent of Puy de Sancy (alt. 1,883 m), the highest point of the Massif Central, passing via the Col du Couhay and the Cabane, before descending towards the Mont-Dore resort via the Val de Courre.
Pic and Chapel of Saint-Pierre
2.82 mi
+764 ft
-764 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Pierre-Colamine (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Jonas troglodytic site and Pic Saint-Pierre from Lomprat
5.68 mi
+1,325 ft
-1,322 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-Colamine (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Puy de Sancy from the Super-Besse cable cars
2.75 mi
+692 ft
-689 ft
1h 50
Moderate
Departure from Chambon-sur-Lac (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Circular walk starting from Bessolle
6.11 mi
+827 ft
-827 ft
3h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Diéry (Puy-de-Dôme)
A walk through plains and forests along part of the Couze Pavin river valley.
The Couze Pavin and its balcony
3.65 mi
+466 ft
-446 ft
2h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Diéry (Puy-de-Dôme)
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...
The Fairy Chimney of Cotteuge
0.70 mi
+43 ft
-43 ft
0h 20
Easy
Departure from Saint-Diéry (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Auvergne Volcanoes Park – Sancy Massif – Puy de Sancy – Chambon-sur-Lac
11.72 mi
+971 ft
-4,039 ft
6h 15
Moderate
Departure from Puy-de-Dôme
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.
The Grande Cascade from the summit of Sancy
5.47 mi
+919 ft
-3,251 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
The Cirque de la Fontaine Salée as seen from the hamlet of Les Bories, drystone shelters
6.90 mi
+866 ft
-853 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Chastreix (Puy-de-Dôme)
A pleasant and varied walk in terms of scenery, partly in the shade and with magnificent views all along the way over the southern slopes of the Sancy Massif and the Cantal Massif further to the south. Minimal elevation gain. Best undertaken on a clear day.
The Roc de Courlande across the summer pastures
6.60 mi
+1,716 ft
-1,742 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Chastreix (Puy-de-Dôme)
This circular route takes you to the Roc de Courlande, on the edge of the Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve. A sharp peak topped by a cross, offering a unique panoramic view of Chastreix, the Cantal mountains and even the Limousin mountains. Best done at the end of the day to enjoy the colours of the setting sun!
The Cirque de la Fontaine Salée
4.90 mi
+489 ft
-486 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Chastreix (Puy-de-Dôme)
A trail with informative signs (August 2024) allowing you to discover the Fontaine Salée glacial valley, with views of the south face of Puy de Sancy and Cézallier.
The Essarts Waterfall and the Bois de la Masse from Mont
6.20 mi
+781 ft
-781 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Chastreix (Puy-de-Dôme)
A very pleasant loop, shaded for much of the way, which allows you to discover the Essarts waterfall, the magnificent Bois de la Masse forest in the Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve, and beautiful views of the southern slopes of the Sancy.
The Puy de Sancy and the Cirque de la Fontaine Salée from Mont
11.82 mi
+2,792 ft
-2,762 ft
7h 50
Difficult
Departure from Chastreix (Puy-de-Dôme)
A very varied route, with ridges, forest, a spring and, above all, exceptional views! A wild route with people at the summit of Puy de Sancy but no one else anywhere else.Dogs are not allowed on this hike (even on a lead), located in the Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve (they are only allowed on a lead on the GR®30).
The Puy de Sancy from the west via Chastreix
9.52 mi
+2,474 ft
-2,434 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Chastreix (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
More walks in La Godivelle
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