Mont-Dore walks

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

This walk first takes us through the streets of Mont-Dore, from the thermal baths to the old railway station. After a short detour along the River Dordogne, you’ll need to cross the municipal workshops to take a footpath between the old railway line and the River Dordogne, before heading up towards Rigolet Bas and the golf course, then Rigolet Haut, and finally down again to join the Chemin des Artistes, followed by the Chemin des Mille Gouttes, before returning to the town near the Tourist Office.

The aim of this walk is to complete a route taking in the four main waterfalls of Mont-Dore: the Grande Cascade, Rossignolet, Queureuil and Saut du Loup.Three of the waterfalls are in roughly the same area. This leaves the option of visiting the Grande Cascade at a later date. In that case, simply take the Chemin de Chappes on the right as you set off from the town hall; this leads up to the Melchi-Roze path, and then continue the route to the left.

The suggested circular route is a route around the town of Le Mont-Dore. It takes us along the three paths mentioned in the title. The start and finish are on the Place du Panthéon, opposite the thermal baths, so that you can access the Chemin de Melchi-Roze via the Chemin de Chappes on the way out and via the Chemin de la Banne on the way back. In the area around the gendarmerie and the old railway station, there is no alternative but to take a few tarmac-surfaced streets.

Le Mont-Dore is a tourist destination for three main reasons: hiking in the Sancy massif, the winter sports resort and the spa town. For all these good reasons, there are numerous hiking trails around Le Mont-Dore and the surrounding area. It would be a shame not to mention that this is a welcoming region where life is good. Who wouldn’t be tempted, whilst out on a hike, to stop for a snack of bread, cheese and cold meats, not forgetting to finish off with a slice of blueberry tart! It is against this backdrop that the suggested walk is a circular route starting from the thermal baths, running alongside the funicular railway, reaching the Salon du Capucin after working up quite a sweat, then winding gently back down through magnificent woodland and countryside, passing through Rigolet and Les Vergnes before returning to Mont-Dore and its thermal baths. The walk can also start from the Tourist Office in the town centre.

The start is in front of the thermal baths, on Place du Panthéon. Initially, the route passes through the town to the Qeureuilh district where, after the landscape cemetery, you’ll find the paths leading to the Col de la Croix Morand, where Laurence and Christophe’s Buron welcomes you for an Auvergne meal or a snack featuring an excellent blueberry tart.For the return journey, you’ll need to leave a car at the Col de la Croix Morand or retrace your steps along the same route.

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 route follows the Chemins de Mille Gouttes, des Artistes, des Médecins and de Fond de Bois, with the option to park right next to the starting point. The circular route is almost entirely on forest paths. The short section between the Capucin Sylvatorium and Rigolet Haut is surfaced with (rustic) tarmac. However, there is virtually no traffic on this road. On the descent from the Chemin de Mille Gouttes, halfway between the Chemin des Artistes and the finish, turn left onto a pleasant path which leads to the start of the Route de la Tour d’Auvergne. You will then see the thermal baths building at the end of the Allée Georges Lagaye.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This short round trip hike offers breathtaking views of the Mont-Dore valley and the Puy de Sancy.

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.

Mountain bike ride in the Sancy massif, under the shadow of the Puy de Dôme.

This walk, starting from the Miléade holiday centre, will take you to the Grande Waterfall, with views of Mont-Dore and the surrounding area, all along well-maintained paths. You’ll also be able to enjoy the area’s rich biodiversity.

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.

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.

This walk will take you to the Rossignolet, Queureuilh and Saut du Loup waterfalls, starting from the hamlet of Prends-Toi-Garde and the Cascades car park. The entire route follows well-maintained paths that allow you to discover the area’s biodiversity.

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.

Discover Mont-Dore and its Val de Courre. After a walk in Les Longes, you will discover the resort of Mont-Dore. Then you will discover the magic of the Val de Courre and its mineral side: you will feel completely transported. And what can we say about the Col de Courre and its extraordinary views? This route passes through nature reserves. See restrictions in Practical Information.

From the Col de la Croix Saint-Robert, the short, fairly steep climb up to the Puy de l’Angle is rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view stretching from the Puy de Sancy massif to the Monts du Forez, via the Puy de Dôme.

A trip to highest point of the Massif Central.

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.

A 4-day hike staying in stopover lodges, so you can sleep in the warmth every night The route takes you along the GR®4 and GR®30 trails through the Chastreix-Sancy National Nature Reserve and the Chaudefour Valley Nature Reserve, where you’ll discover the highest peaks of the Massif Central and magnificent waterfalls, with a short break to relax at Lac Chambon.

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.

Starting from Mont-Dore, this circular route leads to the summit of Puy de Sancy, offering remarkable views over the valley. The trail is challenging in its second half (the ridge path) and on the final descent through the forest.

Ascent of the Sancy via the Val de Courre, then descent into the Chaudefour Valley for a return to the resort via the eastern ridges.

A very beautiful hike in a conservation area.

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.

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.

A walk taking you from the Col de la Croix Morand to Pessade via the GR®4, offering, once past the Col du Baladou, beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Limagne. After a stretch through the forest, the route rejoins the GR®4 with the Puy de la Tache in sight and views of the hills and the Mont Dore valley.

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.

This route, which takes in the Chaudefour Valley, the Puy de Sancy, La Bourboule, the lakes of Guéry and Servières, as well as several state-owned forests, offers varied scenery and numerous panoramic views, allowing you to discover a range of local attractions in a single route! FYI: we’ve mapped out the walk to plan our camping trip and will be testing it in mid-May, after which we’ll update the details if necessary and add photos!

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.

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.

A walk starting from Puy de Sancy (located an hour’s drive south of Clermont-Ferrand) to the town of Chambon-sur-Lac. This walk offers views of the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve from the ridge path of the Sancy massif, as well as the valley floor. The walk ends at Lake Chambon, which is a lovely spot not only for a swim (weather permitting) but also to watch the sunset.

On the agenda: pontoons, Cascade des Mortes waterfall, magnificent pastures, pine forest, surprise from the (4).

This volcanic lake is the highest in Auvergne. Situated 8 km from Mont-Dore and surrounded by mountain pastures, you may come across flocks of sheep. Do not approach them as they are guarded by Patou dogs.

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 route through the Auvergne mountain pastures, on a peak overlooking the spa town of La Bourboule.

A pleasant route starting from the Chaudefour Valley, offering the chance to explore the woods of Audiouze and Sarrevielle.

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.

The very secluded and beautiful Chaudefour Valley is a designated nature reserve, enclosed by the steep slopes of a glacial cirque. Jagged peaks, spires and Puys: all serve as defences for a valley that remains unspoilt and well-preserved. ⚠️ This hike passes through the Chastreix-Sancy and/or Chaudefour Valley nature reserves, where regulations must be strictly observed (see ‘Practical Information’ section) ⚠️ 22/07/2026: the GPX track around Puy Ferrand and Puy de Chamgourdeix has been slightly modified to follow the current signposting on the ground.

Easy walk around the Chaudefour valley.

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.

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.

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.

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).