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La Tour-d'Auvergne walks
Circular route on the Plateau de l’Artense via Notre-Dame de Natzy
Visorando Member
5.99 mi
+866 ft
-863 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from La Tour-d'Auvergne (Puy-de-Dôme)
From the car park at the lake in La Tour-d’Auvergne, take the circular route heading north, climbing to the Notre-Dame de Natzy promontory via the Way of the Cross, to enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Sancy massif, La Tour-d’Auvergne and its peak, the Artense and Cézallier plateaus, all the way to the Cantal mountains. You’ll then cross numerous pastures grazed by herds of cows of various breeds and pass by farms before returning to the charming village of La Tour-d’Auvergne, perched on a basalt outcrop whose origins date back to the 10th century.
Gour des Chevaux Waterfall
0.18 mi
+46 ft
-46 ft
0h 05
Easy
Departure from La Tour-d'Auvergne (Puy-de-Dôme)
Very pretty waterfall on the Burande stream, just south of La Tour-d'Auvergne. Another beautiful waterfall nearby, see the "Things to see" section.
Discover the small built heritage around Chastreix
3.58 mi
+364 ft
-367 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Chastreix (Puy-de-Dôme)
A route to discover an exceptional heritage: a Gallic bridge, a shepherd's hut, then you will enter the legend of the Devil's Step. (Information boards are installed with information!) You will also discover a waterfall and, along the way, old drinking troughs that evoke the history of agriculture in the past.
Gagne Valley
9.98 mi
+1,270 ft
-1,270 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Chastreix (Puy-de-Dôme)
La Gagne is a pretty river that rises from the confluence of three streams of the same name, upstream from Chastreix. This circular route crosses them several times. Added to this route is a first return trip to the Cascade des Essarts, then a second to the Montagne du Mont, at the foot of the Sancy.
The bread oven and the Auvergne cross at Chastreix
2.20 mi
+476 ft
-492 ft
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Chastreix (Puy-de-Dôme)
A small mountain village, Chastreix and its 12th-century Saint-Bonnet church, listed as a historic monument.
The association Chemins et patrimoine aux pays des Toupis works to promote the local heritage and hiking trails.
Essarts Waterfall
2.82 mi
+361 ft
-354 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Chastreix (Puy-de-Dôme)
A pleasant, peaceful and easy route to discover a waterfall, with a picnic area and, on the way back, a view of a deer farm.
The Puy de Sancy and the Cirque de la Fontaine Salée from Mont
Tourism professional11.82 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 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 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!
Roc de Courlande via the ‘Three Virgins’ trail
1.40 mi
+584 ft
-584 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from Chastreix (Puy-de-Dôme)
The Roc de Courlande is a peak offering a magnificent panoramic view. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the site was once a destination for pilgrimages, which is why three statues of the Virgin Mary are positioned along the path leading to the cross at the summit.
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 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.
Vendeix, the stream, the rock and the hamlets
6.36 mi
+1,742 ft
-1,759 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from La Bourboule (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular route on the south side of La Bourboule, following the Vendeix, a tributary of the Dordogne which you follow during the first part of the hike, which is also the name of a small basalt spur, the Roche de Vendeix, and two hamlets. After passing by the Rocher de l'Aigle, which offers a breathtaking view of La Bourboule, the hike ends with a visit to some of the must-see sights of this small spa town.
Circular route between La Bourboule and Saint-Sauves-d’Auvergne
Association / Club / Walk leader10.36 mi
+1,398 ft
-1,378 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from La Bourboule (Puy-de-Dôme)
Starting from the tourist office in La Bourboule – a charming town with superb spa architecture, including the Grands Thermes with its oriental-style domes – this circular walk will take you through the landscapes of the upper Dordogne valley, passing through Saint-Sauves-d’Auvergne, a village designated a ‘Classée Commune Touristique’ in 2016.
La Banne d'Ordanche from La Bourboule
9.01 mi
+2,411 ft
-2,395 ft
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from La Bourboule (Puy-de-Dôme)
Rising to an altitude of 1,515 metres above the village of Murat-le-Quaire, the Banne d’Ordanche is a volcanic peak offering a 360° view that is truly breathtaking. This hike begins with an ascent, starting with gentle zigzags before finishing with steps leading to the summit of the Banne.
La Bourboule - Le Mont Dore route
25.64 mi
+7,228 ft
-6,680 ft
3 days
Moderate
Departure from La Bourboule (Puy-de-Dôme)
A three-day hike starting from La Bourboule, taking you to several peaks in Auvergne (Capucin, Puy de Cliergue, Puy de la Tour Carrée, Le Sancy), the Chaudefour Valley, the Grande Cascade waterfall, etc., ending in the town of Le Mont Dore.
La Bourboule - Mont Dore Resort
9.63 mi
+3,022 ft
-1,614 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from La Bourboule (Puy-de-Dôme)
We will set off from the Étoile du Sancy in La Bourboule and head to the ECIR Chalet in the resort of Mont Dore, passing through Capucin, Puys de Cliergue, La Tour Carrée and Val de Courre.
The thermal Dordogne at La Bourboule
3.62 mi
+528 ft
-541 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from La Bourboule (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular walk to discover the small spa town, taking in a number of viewpoints on either side of the Dordogne River.
Pregnoux Circular in La Bourboule
3.51 mi
+440 ft
-449 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from La Bourboule (Puy-de-Dôme)
This route takes you along the River Dordogne before heading up to the rural village of Le Pregnoux, situated on the hills above the spa town, then back to La Bourboule via Parc Fenestre, alongside the River Vendeix.
Le Puy Gros from La Bourboule
8.71 mi
+2,339 ft
-2,333 ft
6h 05
Difficult
Departure from La Bourboule (Puy-de-Dôme)
A hike that begins with a lovely climb through lush semi-alpine vegetation, rich in colour and country scents. Le Puy Gros, the remnant of an ancient volcanic dome, offers a unique panorama over the Upper Dordogne valley and the spa towns of Mont-Dore and La Bourboule.
Saint-Sauves-d’Auvergne from La Bourboule
11.28 mi
+1,555 ft
-1,581 ft
2 hrs
Moderate
Departure from La Bourboule (Puy-de-Dôme)
A route that follows the Dordogne river to Saint-Sauves-d’Auvergne along a wooded path, then a gentle climb up to the ridges with beautiful, sweeping views, before reaching Lac du Pré Cohadon. The walk then takes you through the village of Murat-le-Quaire before returning to La Bourboule, which, when viewed from above, reveals its superb architecture, including the Grands Thermes with their oriental-style domes and the stately mansions.
Visit Murat-le-Quaire
0.85 mi
+102 ft
-102 ft
0h 30
Easy
Departure from Murat-le-Quaire (Puy-de-Dôme)
A walk to discover this village in the Dordogne valley, located in the hills above La Bourboule.
La Banne d'Ordanche from Le Pessy or Le Pré Cohadon
6.82 mi
+1,883 ft
-1,883 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Murat-le-Quaire (Puy-de-Dôme)
A pleasant circular walk, starting from the hamlet of Le Pessy (Murat-le-Quaire, above the spa town of La Bourboule). The route passes through magnificent beech forests before reaching the summer pastures and high-altitude meadows of the Banne d’Ordanche. This volcanic peak, rising to 1,512 m, offers exceptional views: from the Cantal mountains to the Corrèze plateaus, all the way to the Dôme mountains.
The ‘Electric Dordogne’ in Saint-Sauves-d’Auvergne
9.08 mi
+1,204 ft
-1,224 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Sauves-d'Auvergne (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular route starting from Saint-Sauves-d’Auvergne, with two round trips added to the route: the first along the fast-flowing Dordogne, just past the first dam on its course, just downstream from La Bourboule; the second to climb to the summit of the Petit Puy de Châteauneuf, for a beautiful viewpoint. A Sully lime tree and a 12th-century carved archway in the village of Saint-Sauves round off this outing.
Banne d'Ordanche and Borne des Quatre Seigneurs from Pré Cohadon
8.59 mi
+1,952 ft
-1,923 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Murat-le-Quaire (Puy-de-Dôme)
Starting from the Murat-le-Quaire leisure area, the route climbs directly to the Banne d'Ordanche, then passes by the Borne des Quatre Seigneurs before returning through the forest. Superb views.
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.
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.
Discover the thermal springs of the Dordogne
3.47 mi
+709 ft
-709 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from La Bourboule (Puy-de-Dôme)
Starting from La Bourboule, this hike follows the spring trail along the banks of the Dordogne. Halfway through, you can either retrace your steps or go via Rigolet Bas as described below.
This hike allows you to discover thermal springs such as the Félix Spring and the Croizat Spring.
Le Capucin - Les Puys de Cliergue and Redon - Val de Courre
7.17 mi
+2,175 ft
-2,201 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)
This hike will take you to the heights of the Massif du Sancy where, on a clear day, you will have a 360° view of the Chaîne des Puys, the Banne d'Ordanche, the Sancy, the Monts du Cantal, the Mont-Dore resort and Chastreix.
This route crosses the Chastreix-Sancy and/or Chaudefour Valley nature reserves. Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash, except on theGR® 30 marked trails. Mountain biking, picking and camping are prohibited. Please stay on the marked trails.
Pic du Capucin from the Salon du Capucin
2.19 mi
+633 ft
-633 ft
1h 35
Moderate
Departure from Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)
This short round trip hike offers breathtaking views of the Mont-Dore valley and the Puy de Sancy.
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.
From Mont-Dore to Super Besse
7.21 mi
+2,306 ft
-2,073 ft
5h 20
Difficult
Departure from Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)
Stage 4 of the 5-day route.
This stage takes you from Mont Dore to Super Besse via the summit of Sancy. A very steep climb from Mont Dore, ending with a descent to the resort of Super Besse.
See Practical information regarding certain restrictions.
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).
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.
Puy de Sancy circular walk from Mont-Dore
10.12 mi
+3,596 ft
-3,589 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)
Starting from Mont-Dore, at the foot of the majestic Puy de Sancy, this route is the best way to appreciate the spectacular, unspoilt landscapes of the beautiful Sancy volcanic massif. With breathtaking scenery, exceptional flora and remarkable fauna, the Sancy region lies at the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park.
Summit of Capucin from Mont Dore
3.41 mi
+1,391 ft
-1,385 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)
The summit of Capucin, starting from Mont Dore, is one of the first summits accessible from the town, offering a superb panorama and a breath of fresh air. You can also see the Capucin Funicular, the oldest electric funicular in France.
Circular around Lac de Guery and Banne d'Ordanche starting from Mont-Dore
12.60 mi
+2,861 ft
-2,867 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)
A lovely circular 20 km loop, mostly in the sun, so it can be done even in winter. Start and finish in the town centre at the Hôtel de Russie.
Note: a 2 km section along the road to Lac de Guery is not very interesting but unavoidable.
Moderator update: 25 June 2024
Mountain bike trail (Sancy massif)
20.22 mi
+3,071 ft
-3,064 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)
Mountain bike ride in the Sancy massif, under the shadow of the Puy de Dôme.
Puy Gros
8.24 mi
+2,008 ft
-2,034 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)
A very pleasant short hike for beginners with breathtaking views of the Sancy and the Chaîne des Puys.
Description and route updated by moderator on 13 May 2024.
Waterfalls in the heart of Mont-Dore
1.58 mi
+302 ft
-276 ft
1h 00
Easy
Departure from Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)
Discover two beautiful waterfalls just a stone's throw from Mont-Dore. A very pleasant walk in the heart of the forest, perfect for digesting your Sunday lunch. You can admire the two waterfalls of Queureuilh and Rossignolet.
Adventitious massif around Mont-Dore
10.39 mi
+3,212 ft
-3,238 ft
7h 35
Moderate
Departure from Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)
A beautiful hike that takes you to three stunning waterfalls and magnificent panoramic views of the Sancy massif and, further afield, the Chaîne des Puys.
La Banne d'Ordanche and Puy Loup via the Borne des Quatres Seigneurs
3.68 mi
+778 ft
-768 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Murat-le-Quaire (Puy-de-Dôme)
An unmissable viewpoint over the surrounding mountains, the Banne d'Ordanche, with its orientation table, allows you to locate yourself in relation to the Monts Dore and the surrounding massifs. Don't forget to take a detour through the summer pastures to the Borne des Quatre Seigneurs and then on to Puy Loup with its renovated circular shelter.
Circular Banne d'Ordanche from the Refuge de la Banne
2.89 mi
+584 ft
-610 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Murat-le-Quaire (Puy-de-Dôme)
A pleasant and accessible circular route starting from the Refuge de la Banne, allowing you to reach the 1,512 m altitude of the Banne d'Ordanche. The summit offers a remarkable panorama, from the Cantal massif to the plateaus of Corrèze and the Dômes mountains.The return journey is via the western slope, passing by one of the sites of the Horizons summer art exhibition.
It is possible to do only the round trip from the refuge to the summit (see variations).
More walks in La Tour-d'Auvergne
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