Murat-le-Quaire walks

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

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 beautiful hike that takes you to three stunning waterfalls and magnificent panoramic views of the Sancy massif and, further afield, the Chaîne des Puys.

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 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 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.

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

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.

After a fairly challenging first section through the woods, the second part of the circuit is more peaceful and higher up, offering magnificent views of the Roches Tuilière and Sanadoire, real geological curiosities, and the tranquil valley of the Ruisseau de Fontsalade.

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.

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 pleasant loop, shaded for much of the way, which allows you to discover the Essarts waterfall, the magnificent Bois de la Masse forest in the Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve, and beautiful views of the southern slopes of the Sancy.

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.