Lac Chambon - Murol

A circuit that forms a figure of 8 around Lac Chambon, with panoramic views of the lake and the Sancy range, the Valley of Chaudefour and a section through Murol via its castle.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.78 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 311 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 311 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,057 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 829 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Start at the car park at the west beach of Lake Chambon

(1) Head along the West Beach and the lake closest to the south via a well laid out trail. Continue to the ‘’Plage Est'' and resume along the lake to the road.

(2) Cross the road and take the stairs (in the direction of La Dent du Marais). From this point you will be on the GR30 (follow the Red and White markings to Murol’s castle). To do this, go straight on a paved road and continue straight on the road when it turns left.
Follow this path keeping right (three forks over 100 m) then continue up (eastbound) for about 500 m before the route turns left headed due north.

(3) At this point (Rocker de l’Horloge) enjoy the view. After 200 m the path is located above the ledge from which you can admire the lake, the Dent du Marais and a wide view of the Sancy. Continue keeping to the right when it deviates from a wider path. It leads to the D5; cross it to reach the car park of Murol’s car park below. Enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the castle.

(4) Down to the village of Murol by Rue du Château. In passing, on left at the gate of Prélong park you are invited to explore the space occupied by very large trees of many varieties (with information panels) including monstrous redwoods.
Reach the end of the park, leaving by the gate which leads to the road and back to the village.
Cross the bridge over the Couze Pavin and continue right through Rue George Sand. After 200 m, take the stairs on the left. Cross the road and continues uphill following the trail (a demanding section that we will take in reverse).

After 500 m, climb towards the summit of Tartaret (5) with a view of the lake and the Sancy opposite with the Dent du Marais on the right. Retrace your steps downhill for about 150 m to then take a wide path to the right that continues to a monumental stone (6) that you pass by on your right onto the road down to the lake.
You reach the lake on its east beach to return to the part of the route already taken leading to the road along the lake.

(7) This time you follow (for 500 m) the lake to return to the starting point.
Here, you will have travelled 12 km without much difficulty; the climbs are steady or equipped with stairs. Expect to be walking for 3 to 4 hours depending on your pace.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 878 m - West beach car park - Lac Chambon
  2. 1 : km 3.04 - alt. 877 m - Take the stairs
  3. 2 : km 4.5 - alt. 1,021 m - Rocher de l'horloge
  4. 3 : km 6.94 - alt. 886 m - Château de Murol
  5. 4 : km 8.3 - alt. 829 m - Pont de la - Couze Chambon (rivière) - Affluent de l'Allier
  6. 5 : km 9.25 - alt. 953 m - Le Tartaret
  7. 6 : km 9.77 - alt. 903 m - Stele
  8. S/E : km 11.78 - alt. 877 m - West beach car park - Lac Chambon

Practical information

12 km without much difficulty; the climbs are progressive or equipped with stairs.

In the nearby area

Nature trail exploring the ecosystem of Lake Chambon.
Visit Château de Murol.
Enjoy exploring the Prélong park in Murol.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 70 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
la barrutlaire
la barrutlaire

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Hi
I followed the suggested route, but given the heatwave, if I were to do it again, I would head straight for the Rocher de l'Horloge and the Dent du Marais and return via the lake trail in the shade. Alternatively, parking at the other end of the lake rather than at the tourist office would probably mean you could find free parking. On the way back, I tried the path that goes around Tartaret and leads to the summit. It was impossible to get through because of the number of trees lying across the path. So I ended up going back and forth to the summit. Beautiful view of the lake, not to be missed. Thank you for this route.

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User 13430637

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : Yes

Not a hike, but a family walk.

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Cécile 45
Cécile 45

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very pleasant walk with several different landscapes and pretty viewpoints. Not many people on the morning. Return in the middle of a medieval festival in Murol 🙂 I recommend

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KrisVal
KrisVal

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

everything was perfect
directions and tour

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Frada93
Frada93

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Nice walk with no particular difficulty.
Highly recommended

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Anne FP
Anne FP

Kiki49, are you sure you're commenting on the right hike? Of course, there's something for everyone, but I'm having a bit of trouble understanding 😊

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GODEFROY
GODEFROY

almost 10 years and dozens of positive comments but you can't please everyone

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Kiki49
Kiki49
• Last modified:

We didn't enjoy this walk at all, as it was badly signposted and, in our opinion, quite difficult and pointless.

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Anne FP
Anne FP

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A superb walk with no particular difficulties.
It climbs a little, of course, but nothing too difficult.
This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the area, especially when the weather's right! Magnificent views of the Sancy still covered in snow 🤩
Best done in spring or autumn, otherwise there must be a few too many people around the lake.
Enjoy the hike!

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ElisabethMichel
ElisabethMichel

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Magnificent walk on 20 January 2024.
Varied scenery, superb views, particularly from the Tartaret, and pleasant trails.
A little snow added to the fluffy atmosphere and the route was one of the favourites.
Many thanks to the author...

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Chris28!
Chris28!

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Very nice route to whet your appetite, easy, very pleasant, magnificent lake, explanatory signs all along the way. Magnificent weather with sunshine, a landscape that left us spellbound, do it again!

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cecilia45
cecilia45

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 15, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Pleasant walk with beautiful views

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gg13500
gg13500

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 25, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Lovely hike with a magnificent view of the lake from the top, so you can take a dip when you've finished.
Thank you for this route.

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Jm Bodet
Jm Bodet

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

It's a very pleasant walk, but the Visorando description can be confusing at first (there are several paths crossing), so you hesitate as to which direction to take, but as soon as you find the signposting, everything falls into place.

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bemer82
bemer82

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 03, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Very nice walk with beautiful scenery and views of the surrounding puys and Murol castle.

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