Refine your search for walks in Maison de la réserve de la vallée du Chaudefour
Maison de la réserve de la vallée du Chaudefour walks
Puy de Champgourdeix and Chaudefour waterfalls
Visorando Member
7.58 mi
+2,323 ft
-2,333 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Chambon-sur-Lac (Puy-de-Dôme)
Discover the most beautiful valley in the Massif du Sancy, and perhaps even the most beautiful in Auvergne! Unlike many of the hikes in this area, this one only climbs to the ridge at Puy de Champgourdeix to enjoy a superb view of the upper valley and the surrounding mountains, but does not continue on to Sancy. Instead, I suggest you explore the valley further, with its dykes, waterfalls, forest and beautiful meadows.
The Cascade de la Biche in the Chaudefour Valley
3.59 mi
+804 ft
-807 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Chambon-sur-Lac (Puy-de-Dôme)
An easy, family-friendly round-trip hike to admire the Cascade de la Biche, some thirty metres high, which flows over a volcanic rock formation formed by the solidification of a lava flow. In a wild and spectacular setting, the water cascades down superb basalt columns.
Starting from the Maison de la Réserve, the route climbs gently up the bottom of the Chaudefour Valley before ascending through the woodland towards the waterfall. This secret and magnificent valley is a listed natural site, enclosed by the steep slopes of a glacial cirque. The path is shaded, sometimes muddy, with a few small streams to cross. To reach the foot of the waterfall, the final section becomes steeper and rockier.
Walks near Maison de la réserve de la vallée du Chaudefour
Voissières - Le Mont Dore
7.73 mi
+2,031 ft
-1,726 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Chambon-sur-Lac (Puy-de-Dôme)
A return route to Mont Dore, taking care to avoid the same paths as the previous day.
Courbanges - Chareire
11.77 mi
+2,595 ft
-2,543 ft
7h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Victor-la-Rivière (Puy-de-Dôme)
You will pass close to waterfalls at Cheix, Pérouse and Biche, and stop for a quick drink at the Sainte-Anne spring before beginning the ascent of the Puy de Champgourdeix (alt. 1,566 m) and the Perdrix (alt. 1,824 m), with views over the resort of Super Besse.
Puy de Sancy from Super Besse
6.14 mi
+1,703 ft
-2,037 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (Puy-de-Dôme)
Access to Puy de Sancy on the way there via the east and north 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.
Mont-Dore Station - Col de la Croix Morand
9.16 mi
+3,163 ft
-2,812 ft
7h 00
Moderate
Departure from Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)
You will pass through the ridges, the Puy des Crebasses (alt. 1,762 m), the Roc de Cuzeau (alt. 1,737 m) and the Puy de l'Angle (alt. 1,740 m), with an optional detour via the Grande Cascade, all with views of the resort and the magnificent Chaudefour Valley.
Mont Dore - Puy de Sancy - Voissières station
8.28 mi
+2,175 ft
-3,340 ft
5h 40
Difficult
Departure from Mont-Dore (Puy-de-Dôme)
Departure from Chalet ECIR in Mont Dore resort to reach Relais Voissières in...Voissières. Pass through the ridges along the Chaudefour valley.
The climb up Sancy can be difficult, but the rest is very easy.
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.
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.
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.
Col de la Croix Morand - Courbanges
9.75 mi
+1,230 ft
-2,051 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Chambon-sur-Lac (Puy-de-Dôme)
You’ll pass close to farms, with lovely countryside scenery, then you’ll go through Chambon-sur-Lac and, of course, its lake, and you’ll take the Chemin des Quayres as you head deep into a thick forest.