La Pierre Signée (Saint-Ours) walks

How do you cover a bit over 1,500 metres of elevation gain in the Chaîne des Puys, which, to true mountaineers, are nothing more than hills? By walking just over 30 km from the Louchadière hikers’ car park to the Col de Ceyssat, passing via the summits of eight puys: Louchadière, Jume, Coquille, Gouttes, Goules, Pariou, Cliersou and Dôme. This is therefore a one-way hike, requiring you to leave a vehicle at the Col de Ceyssat before returning to the starting car park. The route is challenging due to its length and elevation gain, but presents no technical difficulties. Some sections on unmarked forest paths require the use of the Visorando app. It would be unwise to get lost over such a long distance.

A pleasant, easy walk in the Chaîne des Puys. There are magnificent views of the Puy de Dôme to admire.This walk requires two cars.

Starting from Laschamps near Puy de Dôme, the route takes you to the village of Beaune le Chaud, then onto theGR®®4andGR®®30to climb the Puy de Lassolas and Puy de la Vache with magnificent panoramic views, before reaching La Cassière and its lake. Please note: Access to the summits of Puys de la Vache and Lassolas will be closed for works between spring 2026 and early 2028. Please note: the Montlosier car park will be closed for works between August 2025 and 2027.

And finally, here is the fifth stage, marked by the ascent of Puy de Dôme. The route takes the Chemin des Muletiers for the ascent, then the Sentier des Chèvres to descend towards Orcines. There is, of course, a vast panorama from the highest point of this stage, overlooking the city of Clermont-Ferrand, the chain of puys, the Combrailles, the Plateau des Dôme and the Massif du Sancy.

This sixth stage takes you gently closer to the city of Clermont-Ferrand, passing through the hamlet of Villars, which has preserved its beautiful old buildings, before following the stunning Chemin des Crêtes, overlooking the Tiretaine valley, to reach the old village of Royat.

This seventh and final stage, which is partly urban, allows you to continue exploring Royat, which you started at the end of the previous stage, first in the wooded hills of the town, passing by the Rocher du Salut promontory, then through the streets and park of the spa district, with its beautiful seaside architecture. Finally, the return route to Clermont allows you to discover the centre of Chamalières.

This fourth stage marks the beginning of a wilder route that leads to the foot of the puys, through mountain pastures and woods. It also allows you to discover a pretty village, Beaune le Chaud, which has a beautiful traditional architectural heritage.

Exploratory walk through the neighbourhoods north of Clermont's central plateau, discovering recent street art (2022).

Starting from Orcival, with its Romanesque basilica built in 1178, the route takes you along the GR®4-30 and the circular Dômes route to bring you close to the Puys de Pourcharet and Mercoeur, before reaching Laschamps, with views of the Puy de Dôme.

This first stage is mainly urban, with a few green interludes at Parc Bargoin in Chamalières, on the slopes of Puy de Montaudoux, in the chestnut grove of Beaumont and in the small parks along the Artière.