Olby walks

After a moderate day's hiking, you are now in the most demanding part of the loop of domes, with magnificent views of the Puy de Côme, the Grand Knoll, the Petit Knoll and the Puy de Dôme. You will pass through beautiful forests of beech, conifer and hazel trees, a feast for the eyes!

The southern loop, to be covered on the first day, is easy going except for its length, which is nearly 27 km. This route passes through numerous hills, beautiful forests and the lovely countryside surrounding the hills. Be careful not to get your feet caught in the strings!

A two-day loop hike with accommodation in a camper van in Allagnat.

Just above Clermont-Ferrand, the inescapable climb to Puy-de-Dôme through the col de Ceyssat is a short but intense hike with an astonishing view over Clermont-Ferrand, the chaîne des Puys, paragliders and Millevaches. Caution, it's a very popular walk so be sure to do it during week days for a bit of peace and quiet.

A hike around the largest dome in the Chaîne des Puys. Views and openings on all sides, surrounded by forests and summer pastures on the Traversin section, the central point of the chain between Puy de Dôme and Puy du Pariou.

The view is still as pleasant as ever at the top of this legendary climb. It is a longer but more enjoyable and varied climb than the Sentier des Muletiers.

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.

A hike entirely in the forest, in the unique landscape of the Cheire de Côme. You will be left to your own devices in this mysterious forest, on small unmarked paths for part of the route, wherethe Visorando app is almost essential. The Signed Stone is an enigma, perhaps you can try to solve it.

On the western side of the Chaîne des Puys, this fairly easy walk offers varied landscapes. On the Plateau des Dôme, there are wide agricultural areas around Aurières, interspersed with the Gigeole and Gorce valleys. At the foot of the Puy de Pourcharet, Montjuger and Montchal, there are large summer pastures and forests. Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. Parking is available along the road. There is also a large car park at the entrance to Aurières, near the cemetery (4)

A loop through woods and meadows at the foot of the puys, passing by the viewpoint at the Chapelle de Recoleine. Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. Parking is available along the road.

A short loop to discover some aspects of the landscape improvements made by the Comte de Montlosier at the end of the 18th century to promote agriculture in a volcanic area that was not very suitable for this activity. Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. Parking is available along the road or in a small area near (3)

The Randanne stream and the pond it feeds are inextricably linked to the work of the Comte de Montlosier on an estate where he radically altered the landscape. Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. You can park along the road or in a small space near (15), or in Aurières (9), near the cemetery, just a short distance from the circuit

From the Chaîne des Puys, descend through pastures and valleys in the Gorce stream valley. Beautiful views of the Sancy Massif and the Chaîne des Puys. Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. You can park along the road or start from Nébouzat (11)

A tour of the small Étang de Montlosier, passing three puys: Puy de Lassolas, Puy de la Vache and Puy de Vichatel. Magnificent views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Massif du Sancy.

This large loop around the Maison du Parc des Volcans will take you past fourteen puys, some small and discreet, others more imposing and some very well known and popular. Set off to discover the puys of Vichatel, Charmont, La Toupe, Boursoux, La Combegrasse, La Rodde, L'Enfer, Montchal, Montgy, Montjuger, Pourcharet, Montreillet, Lassolas and La Vache. Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. Parking is available along the road or at the Col de la Ventouse car park (2)

A short hike to climb two volcanoes with their typical open craters to delight amateur geologists and curious hikers. A beautiful view from the top of the Puy de Lassolas on over the Chaîne des Puys to the north and Monts Dore to the south.

A short circuit that can also complement another hike. This route is in the woods, flat, and on well-maintained trails.

From Pontgibaud and the beautiful medieval architecture of Château Dauphin, you will travel through the mysterious landscapes of the Cheire de Pontgibaud, one of the most beautiful lava flows in the Chaîne des Puys.

"Human noise becomes silent, nature makes volcanoes chatter; whispering landscapes, and whispering a thousand voices of silence". Caption of the beautiful sculpture by Thierry Courtadon that you will encounter on your route, alongside with great viewpoints.