Mont-Dore walks

This circuit will take you from Mont-Dore to discover the Puy de Sancy (the highest peak in the Massif Central) and its ridges.

The beginning, with the steps, is a little difficult, but the rest is really calm in the middle of nature, surrounded by magnificent gigantic trees, not forgetting that there are the sounds of the city to remind us that we're close to it. Further on, we see the city below in a bowl, and the sounds of nature have completely taken over, making it relaxing.

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.

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.

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.

A trip to highest point of the Massif Central.

A very beautiful hike in a conservation area.

For anyone from Auvergne, the Col de la Croix Morand is inextricably linked to Jean-Louis Murat, who sang about it better than anyone else (and who was also the only one to do so!). Starting from the pass and heading south, you walk along the ridges and cross a few puys in a magnificent setting of wide open spaces and panoramic views of the volcanic Auvergne, witha"deep feeling" of freedom.

The Lac de Guéry, of volcanic origin, is the starting point for this hike. At 1244 m, it is the highest lake in Auvergne. Along the way, you'll follow the ridge to the Lac de Servières. ⚠️Please note that the route of the GR® 30 has been modified since 2022, and several sections have been changed and no longer correspond with the IGN maps.

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.

A hiking trail in the Auvergne summer pastures, on a summit overlooking the spa resort of La Bourboule.

A beautiful round-trip hike to explore the bottom of the Chaudefour Valley, passing by its three waterfalls. The trail is not very difficult and the elevation gain is reasonable. You will find plenty of signs and markings along the way.

A circular walk to discover the small spa town, taking in a number of viewpoints on either side of the Dordogne River.

The very secretive and beautiful Chaudefour valley is a classified natural site, closed up by the steep contours of a glacial cirque. Peaks, needles, plumbs are as many natural defences for an intact and preserved valley.

Easy walk around the Chaudefour valley.

A return route to Mont Dore, taking care to avoid the same paths as the previous day.

Relatively easy access to the summit of the Massif Central, which offers spectacular views. Please note that to reach the starting point of this circuit, you will need to take the Super-Besse cable cars, which are subject to a charge.

Discover the Chaudefour Valley, located in the nature park of the same name.

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.

A little-known peak in the Massif du Sancy, the Puy de Chambourguet offers a panoramic view of the Super-Besse resort, the Sancy, the Domes, the Pavin, Bourdouze and Chauvet lakes, the entire Massif Cantalien, the Monts du Cézallier and even more if the weather is clear.

On the heights of Murol and Lac Chambon, discover the Rajat caves, Murol Castle, the Cirque and the Dent du Marais, as well as the villages of Chautignat and Beaune-le-Froid.

This loop trail with little elevation gain takes you along beautiful paths through meadows, forests and summer pastures to the heart of the Fontaine Salée glacial cirque, in the Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve at the foot of the Sancy. Best done in clear weather.

A very beautiful and varied hike, between 1,300 and 1,500 metres, which can be done in half a day in the mid-mountains (pastures, forests, peaks). Superb 360° panorama of the Sancy mountains and the Dômes chain. Good paths. Bring a map or GPS, essential for the return journey through the forest.

An interesting hike due to its diversity: peat bogs, volcanic lakes, chasms and, depending on the season, a few orchids between (6) and (7).

This hike takes you to four volcanic lakes: Lac Pavin, which is 92 metres deep and 700 to 800 metres in diameter; Lac de Montcineyre, formerly owned by the Michelin family; Lac de Bourdouze, which is partially covered by peat bog; and finally Lac de l'Estivadoux, which is almost completely dry.

A Grand Tour of the beautiful and mysterious Lac Pavin, passing by the Puy de Montchal and the Creux de Soucy chasm.

A beautiful climb through undergrowth from Mareuge, on the heights of the upper Monne valley, a stream that rises from the Puys de Baladou and Védrine brooks. From the heights, there is a magnificent panoramic view of the Monts Dore, the Chaîne and the Plateau des Puys. Traditional architecture and heritage in the villages of Mareuge and Pessade.

Starting from the Le Clos hotel in Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, this loop takes you around Lac Pavin using the discovery trail and theGR®30.

A loop on the Plateau de Dôme, starting from Vernines and passing through several hamlets where the inhabitants have preserved the traditional way of life, with fountains, wash houses, blacksmith's forges and communal ovens. A few sections on small roads at the end of the route, which are very quiet and offer unobstructed views of the Chaîne des Puys.