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Ludesse walks
Two citadels on the Couze Chambon
Visorando Member
7.47 mi
+814 ft
-797 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Ludesse (Puy-de-Dôme)
From Ludesse, on the plateau, descend into the Couze Chambon valley to explore two citadel villages, Champeix, the City of Gardens, and Montaigut-le-Blanc, the City of Cats (personal name).
From Champeix to Montaigut via the Saint-Julien cellars
6.81 mi
+928 ft
-928 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Champeix (Puy-de-Dôme)
The route starts in Champeix, passes through the hills with views of the Couze Chambon valley, crosses the large site of the Saint-Julien cellars, then wanders through the pretty village of Montaigut-le-Blanc, before following the Couze back to Champeix, where you can visit the old Marchidial district and its gardens.
Puy de Gourdon via Puy de la Rodde
7.54 mi
+1,407 ft
-1,407 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Montaigut-le-Blanc (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
A return trip to the summit of Puy de Gourdon, offering a beautiful panoramic view, is added to a circular route around and on Puy de la Rodde, starting from the medieval village of Montaigut-le-Blanc.
Countryside and village of Plauzat
5.70 mi
+207 ft
-203 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Plauzat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A walk in the Plauzat countryside before exploring this beautiful village in Limagne: rich winegrowers' houses, crosses, fountains, wash houses and a beautiful Romanesque church.
Around the Puy de Saint-Sandoux
5.74 mi
+1,010 ft
-1,001 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Sandoux (Puy-de-Dôme)
A short circular route in Limagne, starting from Saint-Sandoux, to climb a little way up the eponymous hill and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
The Monne Gorges
10.56 mi
+1,535 ft
-1,542 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Olloix (Puy-de-Dôme)
Immerse yourself in the coolness of the superb Monne Gorges. On the heights, enjoy absolute calm in a Mediterranean atmosphere on large rocky plateaus. Discover places of worship from yesterday and today: the Allée Couverte de la Grotte and the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Randol (modern).
Please note that the path through the gorges is narrow and slippery, with ropes in some places.
Limagne and the former commandery of the Hospitallers in La Sauvetat
4.50 mi
+230 ft
-233 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from La Sauvetat (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
A walk in the countryside around La Sauvetat, followed by a tour of the village centre, home to the beautiful Commandery of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem.
South Limagne villages: Plauzat and La Sauvetat
9.47 mi
+443 ft
-443 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from La Sauvetat (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
Between Issoire and Clermont-Ferrand, the broad, agricultural Limagne plateau boasts a number of beautiful villages with a rich built heritage: forts and ramparts, towers and keeps, fine winegrowers' houses, fountains and wash-houses.
From Saint-Saturnin to Notre-Dame de Randol Abbey
4.90 mi
+627 ft
-627 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Saint-Saturnin (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
This walk begins in Saint-Saturnin, a village between the Monne Gorges and the Veyre Valley. The village is home to one of the most important Romanesque churches in Auvergne and a royal castle. The walk continues to Notre-Dame de Randol Abbey, passing through green, rolling countryside.
Explore the Montepo site from Saint-Saturnin
3.51 mi
+371 ft
-390 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Saturnin (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
This hike allows you to discover the Montepo site, which has been developed by the Arkose Association. You will discover stromatolites, a geological curiosity of the tertiary limestone rocks of the Limagne plain. The view before you highlights the Limagne Fault and the associated volcanic activity (informative panels are provided). In May and June, many species of orchids bloom on these dry grasslands. Finally, the balcony trail along the cornices of the old terraces cultivated in the last century offers beautiful views of the medieval village of Saint-Saturnin and its castle.
A mystical walk in the hills above La Monne
9.84 mi
+1,138 ft
-1,138 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Saturnin (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
Starting from Saint-Saturnin, immerse yourself in very different mystical atmospheres: the Monastère Notre-Dame de Randol, a modern Benedictine monastery where monks make cheese, the megalithic site of the Allée Couverte de la Grotte, and the unmissable Église Notre-Dame de Saint-Saturnin, one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Auvergne.
Le Puy de Peyronère
7.24 mi
+1,289 ft
-1,293 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Saturnin (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
From the pretty medieval village of Saint-Saturnin, I suggest a walk on the heights of the Monne, then a tour of the Puy de Peyronère, before returning to the banks of the Monne to discover the old village of Saint-Amant.
Château de la Ronzière in Chadeleuf
3.75 mi
+213 ft
-226 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Chadeleuf (Puy-de-Dôme)
A stroll through the countryside with views of the lavender fields, passing close to the horses at Château de la Ronzière, ending by crossing the once-fortified village of Chadeleuf; do make a detour to visit the church.
The Orchards of Tallende
3.94 mi
+361 ft
-344 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Tallende (Puy-de-Dôme)
A walk through the plain where there used to be many orchards, now reduced to just a few. Depending on the season, the Veyre and its tributary, the Monne, have a good flow. As you climb, there are lovely views of the surrounding plain.
Tour of Puy de Peyronère via Saint-Saturnin and Saint-Amant
6.22 mi
+889 ft
-899 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Amant-Tallende (Puy-de-Dôme)
Circular route around Puy de Peyronère, whose northern slopes are covered with orchards, which are characteristic of this part of the Monne valley. The route offers beautiful views and passes through two ancient villages rich in architectural heritage: Saint-Saturnin (castle and remarkable church) and Saint-Amant (castle, old bridge, etc.).
Walking quiz "Through our history in Saint-Amant-Tallende"
Tourism professional
0.68 mi
+82 ft
-72 ft
0h 25
Easy
Departure from Saint-Amant-Tallende (Puy-de-Dôme)
This route is linked to a quiz walk that allows you to discover the town's iconic sites and learn about its history and heritage in a fun way. Find the "Au fil de nos histoires" poster on the church square and scan the QR code to start the game (free, no registration or app download required).
You can choose the "adult" trail or the "adult + child" trail (with additional questions for children aged 6 to 11).
The description below refers only to the "adult" route.
Around the Couze Pavin between Saint-Floret and Saurier
9.39 mi
+1,378 ft
-1,365 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Floret (Puy-de-Dôme)
Hike on both sides of the Couze Pavin valley between the feudal villages of Saint-Floret and Saurier. Each has remarkable medieval bridges and highly historic sites such as the Château de Saint-Floret, the Église du Chastel and the Maison du Louvetier de Saurier.
Landscape on the left bank of the Couze Pavin at Saint-Floret
3.67 mi
+564 ft
-571 ft
2h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Floret (Puy-de-Dôme)
A short but not-so-easy walk, full of charm, offering a bird’s-eye view of the landscapes in and around the Couze Pavin Gorges.
The orchards of Tallende via Saint-Amant
6.43 mi
+597 ft
-597 ft
3h 30
Easy
Departure from Tallende (Puy-de-Dôme)
A peaceful hike in the countryside and on the heights of Tallende, passing through the neighbouring village of Saint-Amant. The route takes you past numerous orchards, some older than others and more or less well maintained, which are a speciality of this village on the edge of Limagne. The heights offer extensive views, and the route crosses two beautiful rivers, the Veyre and the Monne, several times.
Passing through Puy de Lavelle from Couze Pavin
6.33 mi
+1,115 ft
-1,086 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Vincent (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
During the hike, you will discover the white water of the Couze Pavin, the rocky landscape of Puy de Lavelle and its brightly coloured flora, magnificent views of the Couze valley and, of course, the village of Saint-Floret with its rich heritage.
The village and Abbey of Randol as seen from Cournols
6.84 mi
+797 ft
-771 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Cournols (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular walk starting from Cournols to explore the pretty village of Randol and the abbey of the same name. Peace and quiet guaranteed on these monastic grounds. The walk continues across the plateau, dotted with large granite boulders, offering unobstructed views over the Monne valley and, to the east, the Forez. Next, discover the beautiful Dolmen de la Grotte, then, upon arriving in Cournols, a beautifully restored wash house and its fountain.
Saint-Saturnin from Cournols
9.70 mi
+1,286 ft
-1,273 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Cournols (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular route starting from Cournols, on the volcanic plateau in the eastern part of the solidified lava flow of Aydat, in the pastures of the monks of Randol, passing through the medieval village of Saint-Saturnin, rich in old houses, a beautiful Romanesque church and a very beautiful castle. Two short return trips can be added to this circular route to discover a wash house in Saint-Saturnin and a covered walkway in Cournols.
The Standing Stones
6.72 mi
+692 ft
-663 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Cournols (Puy-de-Dôme)
A hike on a volcanic plateau with views of the Chaîne des Puys, a world of stones and pastures; a few isolated villages, cows and a glimpse of the civilisation of the Arverni (Gauls of Auvergne) through standing stones and dolmens.
A magnificent walk in all seasons.
Montpeyroux, a golden stone fortress on the Allier
6.31 mi
+591 ft
-591 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Montpeyroux (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
Starting from Montpeyroux, this circular route takes you to the banks of the Allier and the village of Coude. The medieval fortress of Montpeyroux, "the most beautiful village in France" built with local golden arkose stone, can be visited at the end of the route. You can climb up to the keep-museum, which offers a beautiful view.
Passing through Tourzel from the Couze Pavin
8.85 mi
+1,375 ft
-1,368 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Cirgues-sur-Couze (Puy-de-Dôme)
The route first follows the Couze Pavin, whose white water flows down from the crater lake of the same name, then climbs the plateau towards Chazeras, offering beautiful views of the magnificent village of Saint-Floret, then Tourzel, before descending to Saint-Cirgues-sur-Couze and its château.
Wine-growing villages of the Val d'Allier
10.00 mi
+1,073 ft
-1,076 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Montpeyroux (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
The hillsides of the Allier in Puy-de-Dôme were once an important wine-growing area, as evidenced by the architecture of the villages you pass through on this hike. Among them is Montpeyroux, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
On the Arkose Trails
5.12 mi
+548 ft
-551 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Montpeyroux (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
This walk on the plateau allows you to walk on paving stones from the old Montpeyroux quarry, visit this magnificent wine-growing village and discover the banks of the Allier in the undergrowth.
La Montagne de la Serre overlooking Saint-Saturnin
7.73 mi
+974 ft
-965 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Saturnin (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
The village of Saint-Saturnin, one of the most beautiful villages in France, boasts one of the five most beautiful Romanesque churches in Auvergne. On the other side of the Veyre valley, discover the nine fountains of the wine-growing hamlet of Chadrat, built on the slopes of the Montagne de la Serre, amidst ancient terraces.
The Montepo site and Sainte-Anne Chapel as seen from Chadrat
6.68 mi
+942 ft
-935 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Saturnin (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular walk along the limestone slopes of Montagne de la Serre, rich in stromatolites, to explore the site of the old Montépo vineyard terraces via a path created by the Arkose association, before climbing back up to the heights, passing by the little Sainte-Anne Chapel.
Villages in the Issoire region: Chadeleuf and Sauvagnat
10.13 mi
+981 ft
-958 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Coudes (Puy-de-Dôme)
In the Pays des Couzes, set off to explore the villages of Chadeleuf and Sauvagnat-Sainte-Marthe along wide paths criss-crossing an agricultural plateau offering superb views of the Monts Dore, the hilltop villages of the Limagne and the Puy de Dôme.
Puy de Marmant and Plateau de Corent starting from Monton.
8.22 mi
+1,631 ft
-1,644 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Veyre-Monton (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular route with ascents and descents to discover some beautiful viewpoints on the heights of Monton: the Puy de la Vierge, the Puy de Marmant (nature reserve) and the Plateau de Corent (archaeological site), and also to enjoy the banks of the Veyre at the bottom of the valley.
Landes de Fohet
7.80 mi
+784 ft
-778 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Walk through the gorse heathland, dotted with rocky outcrops, where cows and sheep sometimes graze, making up the landscape on the heights of Aydat. Lovely views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Monts Dore. A refreshing stretch along the banks of the Monne.
The Monne Valley
8.07 mi
+853 ft
-846 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A medium-altitude hike through pastures and farmland, sheep and cows; a countryside dotted here and there with volcanic rocks. The walk follows the course of the Monne and Ribeyre rivers and offers splendid panoramic views of the Chaîne des Puys.
The upper Monne valley
10.47 mi
+1,168 ft
-1,171 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Discover the Monne, a beautiful Auvergne river, and its valley nestled in high rocky plateaus offering superb views of the surrounding mountains.
Via Puy Rousset, Yronde and Buron
6.52 mi
+1,056 ft
-1,066 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Parent (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular route offering beautiful panoramic views of the Chaîne des Puys, the Limagne and the Sancy massif, passing through the ancient villages of Parent, Yronde and Buron. Of note: a pretty church in Yronde (open every time we passed by), the basalt mound of the old feudal castle of Buron called the Citadelle de Buron, fountains, wash houses and traditional dwellings.
The Corent Plateau
8.21 mi
+1,257 ft
-1,257 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Corent (Puy-de-Dôme)
The winegrowers' houses in the village of Corent are huddled together on a narrow terrace on the eastern slope of the Corent Plateau. On the plateau, an archaeological site highlights the remains of an important Gallic and then Roman settlement. The slopes of the plateau are covered with vineyards producing the Côtes d'Auvergne Corent AOP. You may even spot some chamois. At the bottom of the plateau, the banks of the Allier are rich in carbonated springs.
The megaliths of the Sailles Plateau
7.52 mi
+1,263 ft
-1,276 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Nectaire (Puy-de-Dôme)
North of Saint-Nectaire, the Plateau de Sailles offers beautiful views of Murol and the Couze Chambon valley. You will discover an ancient troglodyte settlement and some of the megaliths that dot the area around the village, known for its beautiful Romanesque church and cheese.
Châteauneuf Caves, Freydefont Menhir, La Pineyre Dolmen
2.95 mi
+732 ft
-732 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Nectaire (Puy-de-Dôme)
This route takes you to the Châteauneuf Caves, ancient cave dwellings, then the small Freydefond Menhir, with its viewpoint, and the Dolmen de la Pineyre burial mound. The return journey follows a wild and steep path through the undergrowth.
Chanonat - Chadrat circular loop on the Serre mountain
7.56 mi
+1,178 ft
-1,211 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Chanonat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Discover two ancient villages typical of the region, located on either side of the Serre Mountain, an ancient lava flow overlooking the Limagne, offering views of the puys, the Monts du Forez and the Monts Dore.
L'Auzon and the Montagne de la Serre
8.84 mi
+1,217 ft
-1,220 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Chanonat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Starting from Chanonat, a pretty medieval village, stroll along the Auzon before climbing to the heights of the Montagne de la Serre. This inverted relief, which rises above the Limagne Plain, was created by the erosion of the sedimentary rocks of the surrounding plain by rivers, including the Auzon on its northern slope.
A pleasant walk along the banks of the Auzon.
1.77 mi
+151 ft
-151 ft
0h 55
Easy
Departure from Chanonat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Near Chanonat, this short walk takes you across the Auzon twice and past several ponds. It's a great way to stretch your legs, alone or with your family, in the forest.
Moderator's note: some difficulties with orientation on this route. See reviews.
From the caves of Perrier to Pardines, or the history of the village of Les Roches
4.38 mi
+617 ft
-614 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Perrier (Puy-de-Dôme)
The hiking trail climbs up to the village of Les Roches, a prehistoric site currently undergoing restoration, then leads to Pardines via the plateau before descending through a beautiful acacia forest. Here you can see the outcrop of ancient lacustrine sediments, known as Lahres.
Via the Puy de Mercoeur
5.82 mi
+495 ft
-522 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Perrier (Puy-de-Dôme)
Rivers or simple streams, steep slopes between forests and meadows, picturesque villages showcasing their old stone buildings, steeped in history – this is the Auvergne of volcanoes.
Lac de la Cassière from Nadaillat and via Rouillat Haut
7.23 mi
+928 ft
-906 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
Starting from Nadaillat, a pretty village on the Montagne de la Serre, this circular route takes you through fields and meadows to the shores of Lac de la Cassière in the Veyre valley. On the way back, the route passes through Rouillat Haut, another pleasant village with a beautiful collection of enamelled lava street signs.
The shepherds’ huts at Rouillat Haut from Nadaillat
5.85 mi
+850 ft
-820 ft
3h 25
Easy
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
Circular route around Montagne de la Serre, with beautiful views, passing through the charmingly ‘dotted’ hamlet of Rouillat Haut, to discover the well-restored shepherds’ huts nestled amongst the dry stone walls marking the boundaries of the pastures.
The Bois de Barre and the Bois Vert
8.58 mi
+1,549 ft
-1,552 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
Long maintained by humans for livestock farming and crops, the Montagne de la Serre is now only partially cultivated and is returning to its original state, with alternating grasslands, fallow land and woods, which you can discover on this hike. This diversity of landscapes is much appreciated by wildlife, particularly migratory birds, many of which stop off at this site.
Low walls and boulders on the Montagne de la Serre
8.11 mi
+1,247 ft
-1,250 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
On the Montagne de la Serre, the inhabitants have exploited every inch of land for livestock farming, surrounding their small pastures or pailhas with dry stone walls that provide shelter for shepherds in bad weather. On the slopes, there are also rocky outcrops such as the Chaos de Flore, on the banks of the Auzon, in the centre of which a beautiful dolmen has been built.
Tour of Puy de la Vigeral
8.53 mi
+1,063 ft
-1,050 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
As you walk around the Puy de la Vigeral, which marks the western end of the Montagne de la Serre, you will almost always be overlooking the surrounding landscape and enjoying beautiful views of the more distant Chaîne des Puys and Sancy mountain ranges. In the village of Rouillat Haut, take the time to discover the enamelled lava plaques on display in the streets.
Around Mont Redon
7.49 mi
+994 ft
-981 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A hilly hike with landscapes of pastures, moors, woods and small valleys. Very pretty church in Ponteix. Some panoramic views at the top of Mont Redon.
The enamelled lava rocks of Rouillas Haut
6.80 mi
+850 ft
-833 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
Nadaillat and Rouillat Haut are ancient hamlets typical of the Montagne de la Serre. This short loop follows pleasant paths, often lined with low stone walls, through terraced plots that were once farmed. Along the paths, you will also discover numerous fountains and small stone shepherds' shelters, known as "courtas". The hamlet of Rouillat Haut is distinguished by its beautiful enamelled lava street signs.
Circular route on the solidified lava flow of Aydat via Ponteix and Cournol
8.85 mi
+1,148 ft
-1,129 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A hike on the eastern part of the Cheire d'Aydat, on the heights of the Veyre valley, through woods and across the plateau's pastures, dotted with rocky outcrops formed by solidified lava flows from the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas.
The Vallon des Bouys
7.15 mi
+1,040 ft
-1,037 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Maurice (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
Between Saint-Maurice and Mirefleurs, two former wine-growing villages, the Vallon des Bouys, overlooking the Allier, consists of dry grasslands whose flora and fauna are protected. Below the valley, old lime kilns bear witness to the local exploitation of limestone. On the site of the former Sainte-Marguerite spa, a geyser awaits your arrival, perhaps to wake up.
Puy d’Ysson and the surrounding area
4.85 mi
+682 ft
-712 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Solignat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A walk of just under 8 km, passing the orientation table on the Puy d’Ysson (856 m), which offers a 360° view of the Chaîne des Puys and the Forez.
The Gergovie Plateau from Opme
8.29 mi
+1,204 ft
-1,188 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Romagnat (Puy-de-Dôme)
From Opme, climb up to the limestone plateau of Jussat, then on to the famous Gergovie Plateau for a circular route offering beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Monts du Forez. Discover the beautiful fortified village of Opme and its castle (remarkable gardens).
Castles of the Auzon Valley
9.31 mi
+1,447 ft
-1,447 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Romagnat (Puy-de-Dôme)
From Opme and its castle overlooking the Auzon Valley, descend into the valley to discover the beautiful Château de la Batisse and the ruins of Château de Chanonat.
The tour of Puy d'Ysson
3.89 mi
+354 ft
-344 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Solignat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Walking around Puy d'Ysson, you can discover the surrounding villages one by one without having to climb to the top.
You can park at point (2) to shorten the hike and reduce the elevation gain even further. There are even picnic tables.
Between Le Puy Giroux and Montrognon
7.10 mi
+1,555 ft
-1,581 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Romagnat (Puy-de-Dôme)
This hike involves climbing two volcanoes, Puy Giroux and Montrognon, where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views. The route also takes you through several villages (Saulzet, Opme and Romagnat) via a trail that follows forest paths.
The slopes of Puy Giroux
1.87 mi
+259 ft
-259 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Romagnat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A family-friendly hike on the slopes of Puy Giroux, offering views of the Montagne de la Serre and the Redon Plateau.
The Auzon via Puy Giroux
8.52 mi
+1,703 ft
-1,706 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Romagnat (Puy-de-Dôme)
The climb up Puy Giroux offers magnificent panoramic views of the Chaîne des Puys and Mont Dore. Descend through the pretty villages of Opme and Chanonat to reach the banks of the Auzon and the Chaos de la Flore. A short stretch across the Redon plateau to return.
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.
Le Puy d'Ysson
4.66 mi
+728 ft
-732 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Solignat (Puy-de-Dôme)
From the summit of Puy d'Ysson, there is a 360° panoramic view of the agricultural plains of Lembron.
A lovely walk through fields, villages and forests.
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.
Écopôle du Val d'Allier from Mirefleurs
8.40 mi
+528 ft
-551 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Mirefleurs (Puy-de-Dôme)
Take a loop starting from Mirefleurs to discover this eco-park on the banks of the Allier, a former quarry transformed into a natural wetland. You can observe a number of birds from the observation points, so don't forget to bring your binoculars. There are unobstructed views of the Chaîne des Puys in the first part of the walk. Mirefleurs is a pleasant village with many old houses. There are lots of plum and walnut trees along the route.
Circular village loop from Mirefleurs
6.08 mi
+909 ft
-912 ft
3h 35
Easy
Departure from Mirefleurs (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular route through the hills of the Allier, from village to village, to discover beautiful traditional houses, fountains and wash houses, and stunning unobstructed views throughout the route, over the surrounding Limagne, the Allier and the ponds of the former gravel pits, and further afield the Chaîne des Puys and the Sancy massif.
The lakes of Aydat and La Cassière
12.22 mi
+1,165 ft
-1,191 ft
6h 40
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular route around these two lakes formed by lava flows from the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas. You will walk along the shores of the lakes but also explore the heights, where you will have beautiful views of the surrounding puys.
Solidified lava flow of Puy de la Vache and Lac de la Cassière
7.92 mi
+459 ft
-486 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular forest route with a few meadows, ending along the shores of Lac de la Cassière. The Visorando app may be useful on certain sections of this route. The cheire, or solidified lava flow, of Puy de la Vache, a terrain dotted with rocky chaos, is covered with a beautiful mixed forest.
Puy de la Combegrasse
12.42 mi
+932 ft
-909 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Aydat (Puy-de-Dôme)
This is a long circular route at the foot of the puys, through forests, fields and pastures, with a climb to the summit of Puy de la Combegrasse for a panoramic view of the Chaîne de Puys and the Monts Dore.
On the solidified lava flow of Mercœur
7.89 mi
+725 ft
-728 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
At the foot of the volcanoes, alternating woods and pastures in a landscape typical of the Chaîne des Puys.Between (2) and (4), a GPS or the Visorando app may be useful.
Beaune le Chaud from Fontfreyde via solidified lava flow of Mercœur
7.23 mi
+548 ft
-548 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
Walk to enjoy the forest covering the Cheire de Mercœur (solidified lava flow from the Puy de Mercœur), passing through the village of Beaune le Chaud (traditional houses, picnic areas) and the large pasture meadows offering beautiful views of the puys.
On the Cheires Hautes
10.13 mi
+1,076 ft
-1,083 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
From Fontfreyde, walk along the solidified lava flow of the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas in the undergrowth, then climb to the summit of the Puy de Vichatel before crossing the Domaine de Montlosier. Finally, take a detour to the old quarry of the adventitious crater of the Puy de la Vache
Circular loop of fountains and wash houses starting from Fontfreyde
6.65 mi
+607 ft
-587 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular route to discover the lovingly preserved heritage of a few hamlets and villages in Saint-Genès-Champanelle.
Solidified lava flow of Mercœur and Beaune pastures
6.68 mi
+512 ft
-518 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
An easy walk to enjoy the forest covering the solidified lava flow of Mercœur, passing through the large pasture meadows of Beaune, which offer beautiful views of the puys.
Forest and meadows starting from Fontfreyde.
5.38 mi
+479 ft
-486 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
A very easy walk to enjoy the forest covering the solidified lava flow of Mercœur, passing through summer pastures.The Visorando app is recommended for certain sections.
Puys de Lassolas and La Vache via the pass between Mercœur and Lassolas
8.54 mi
+1,621 ft
-1,614 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
A circular route through the Cheire de Mercœur forest, passing by the twin jewels of the Chaîne des Puys, the spouted volcanoes of Lassolas and La Vache.
Please note: Access to the summits of the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas will be closed for works between spring 2026 and early 2028.
Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027.
Puys de Lassolas and La Vache from Fontfreyde
8.36 mi
+1,398 ft
-1,388 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
Two unmissable highlights of the Chaîne des Puys, accessible from Fontfreyde via a double circular loop offering a pleasant walk through the forest, before beginning the ascent of the famous twin puys with their gaping craters.
Please note: Access to the summits of the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas will be closed for works between spring 2026 and early 2028.
Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027.