Orcines walks

This sixth stage takes you gently closer to the city of Clermont-Ferrand, passing through the hamlet of Villars, which has preserved its beautiful old buildings, before following the stunning Chemin des Crêtes, overlooking the Tiretaine valley, to reach the old village of Royat.

Starting from the village of Orcines, this circular route first passes by the Pariou solidified lava flow before climbing up to the plateau for a view of the Croix de Ternant site. The return trip is via the Chemins des Gouris, once used by shepherds to travel from the farms of Fontaine du Berger to the summer pastures at the foot of the Dôme.

Between Orcines and Durtol, there is a circular path in the shade of the forest that covers the solidified lava flow of Puy Pariou, on trails that wind through rugged, wild terrain. However, this land was once used for farming, with small plots enclosed by stone walls for crops and chestnut trees, of which some beautiful specimens remain, as well as for grazing sheep.

From village to village, at the foot of the Puy de Dôme, this hike is punctuated by the sound of water flowing from numerous fountains, passing by the basalt columns of Puy de Montrodeix.

Close to Clermont-Ferrand, walk through meadows and woodland on beautiful paths, such as the Chemin des Crêtes and an ancient Roman road. You can also discover basalt columns and pretty fountains. At the end of the hike, the beautiful forest trails were transformed into wide tracks at the end of 2022. Some of the landmarks mentioned in the description are therefore missing.

A grand tour of the Puy de Dôme allows you to admire this local landmark from multiple angles. The ascents of the Grand Knoll and Cliersou, peaks overlooked by most hikers, offer beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys.

Starting from Font de l'Arbre, on the D942, right at the foot of Puy de Dôme, take a short hike to discover the essentials of Auvergne: traditional houses, fountains, wash houses, drinking troughs, streams, springs, basalt columns, Roman milestones, and even a sheepfold... not to mention the cheeses on sale at the Village Auvergnat.

A walk offering beautiful views of the Puy de Dôme and some of its neighbours, as well as a panorama of the Limagne and the Monts du Forez.Please note! This off-trail route through the mountain pastures is only accessible from early December to late April.

A circular route passing through a must-see of the Chaîne des Puys, the crater of Puy des Goules, which offers a superb panorama, passing by a few curiosities: an old military barracks, an old pozzolan quarry, and a relay antenna cross!

The discovery of Thierry Courtadon's sculpture "Contempler" is the pretext for this hike starting from the Fontaine du Berger. The route, along the edge of the Limagne fault, takes you through varied landscapes, cultivated fields, wetlands, pastures, summer meadows, woods and forests, as well as villages and hamlets still rich in traditional buildings.

A circular route at the foot of the Puy de Dôme with, in the first part, a walk along forest paths, then a route through the villages of Orcines to discover beautiful wash houses, still in use, made of Volvic stone.

A beautiful circular route passing through three peaks with stunning panoramic views and lovely sections in the forest, starting from the centre of Fontaine du Berger, a car park that is less busy than Parking des Goules. The Visorando app is recommended as some paths are not marked. Very busy in summer.

A very accessible ascent of the Puy de Dôme, despite the elevation gain. After the beautiful 'Chemins de la Roche Pertuisade and des Gravouses', which winds through pastures and woods at the foot of the puy, climb the Chemin des Chèvre, then the old road now used by the cog railway. Descent to the South via the Chemin des Muletiers, then back via the Chemin des Gouris.

At the foot of the Puy de Dôme, take the Chemin des Gouris, named after the young shepherds who once accompanied the cows to the summer pastures, to discover the Puy Pariou crater and its slopes covered with a beautiful beech forest. Further on, explore a few caves before taking the beautiful Chemin des Gravouses to cross the Fontmagnie Forest.

A magnificent hike to the summits of the iconic Puy-de-Dôme. This route, on very well-maintained paths, is mainly on flat ground and offers numerous panoramic views. The ascent via the mule track is steep but fairly short.Warning! Immediate danger – falling rocks. Due to rockfalls from the cliffs, the Chemin des Muletiers is STRICTLY closed until further notice by municipal decree of the commune of Orcines.

A magnificent hike to the summits of the iconic Puy-de-Dôme and Puy Pariou. This route, on very well-maintained paths, is mainly on flat ground and offers numerous panoramic views.Warning! Immediate danger – Rock falls. Due to rock falls from the cliffs, the Chemin des Muletiers is STRICTLY closed until further notice by municipal decree of the commune of Orcines.

This seventh and final stage, which is partly urban, allows you to continue exploring Royat, which you started at the end of the previous stage, first in the wooded hills of the town, passing by the Rocher du Salut promontory, then through the streets and park of the spa district, with its beautiful seaside architecture. Finally, the return route to Clermont allows you to discover the centre of Chamalières.

Discover the Tiretaine river and its hydraulic basin at the very beginning of its course. After walking along a cool path beside the river, you will discover the small streams that feed it and no fewer than five wash houses. The return route takes you along a balcony overlooking the valley.

A circular route on the edge of the city, almost entirely in the woods, taking the beautiful Roman road, still paved, which linked Lyon to Saintes. Views of the Puy de Dôme in the first part of the hike, then of the city of Clermont-Ferrand.

A short climb at the start to reach the Chemin des Crêtes and its Mediterranean atmosphere, a volcanic detour to the small rock formations, a walk at the foot of the local giant and an end to the walk in the company of the Tiretaine.

It is very rare not to encounter walkers on this beautiful granite promontory overlooking Royat and Chamalières. The Royadères and Chamaliérois enjoy walking here in all seasons. This circular route takes you along a forest discovery trail, the beautiful Chemin des Crêtes and part of the Roman road that linked Lyon to Saintes. In the last part of the hike, the beautiful forest paths were transformed into wide tracks at the end of 2022 and tree debris litters the banks. Some of the landmarks mentioned in the description are therefore missing.

A classic in the Chaîne des Puys to admire Puy de Dôme and Le Puy de Pariou, amongst others.

Best done on a sunny winter's day, this snowy outing offers magical landscapes. In the woods, the trees, bending under their white blanket, cover the paths with a canopy that creates beautiful light effects. When you emerge at the top of the puys, you are greeted by a magnificent landscape.

A magnificent hike, without any great difficulty, which will take you through the Parc des Volcans north of the Puy de Dôme. You will discover the Sarcoui and its cave, the Puy des Goules, the Puy de Côme, the Cliersou and its caves, the Petit and Grand Knolls, and the grandiose Puy Pariou. At the top of each puy, you can enjoy 360° views of the Chaîne des Puys, the Puy de Dôme, the Limagne plain and Clermont-Ferrand.

An easy hike up Puy Pariou and down into its crater. A very pleasant forest at the start and end of the route, with beautiful views of Puy de Dôme on the way back. (3) It is forbidden to descend into the volcano or go all the way round it.

Short hike to the summit of Grand Sarcoui and the magnificent volcano with its perfect crater, Puy des Goules. A magnificent view of the volcano park from each of the two summits. This hike is not technically difficult and is suitable for families who want to discover the magic of volcanoes. Moderator's note added on 13/09/2021: access to the Sarcoui caves is difficult and the summit is now off-limits (see comments).

Set off from the foot of the volcanoes and descend to the old Hercynian base of the Plateau des Dôme, right on the edge of the Limagne fault, in peaceful countryside alternating between crops, woods and pastures. There are some beautiful views of the puys to the west and Clermont-Ferrand on the Limagne side to the east.

This hike allows you to discover the "perfect" crater of the Puy des Goules and the much more complex crater of the Puy des Gouttes, with the protrusion of the Puy Chopine. Beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys.The Visorando app is recommended for certain unmarked sections.

A beautiful hike, not too busy, mostly through the woods. The first climb is a little steep but not particularly difficult. Beautiful views of Sancy, Limagne and Les Puys.

A walk to discover all the facets of the city of Royat: the spa district with its superb buildings, the old medieval town overlooking the Tiretaine valley, Bargoin Park, which, although officially part of Chamalières, is well integrated into the centre of Royat, just like the Spa Park.

Set off to explore Chamalières and Royat on a route that climbs to the heights of Chamalières, offering beautiful views of the Clermont-Ferrand conurbation.

An urban walk in Clermont-Ferrand to discover two beautiful murals from 2022 around Montjuzet Park.

For hot summer days, this route is almost exclusively in the forest, at the foot of the volcanoes, following in the footsteps of the heroes of the Auvergne Resistance. A few crossings of meadows will offer you beautiful views of the Puy de Dôme.

The Sentier des Muletiers, consisting of fifteen numbered bends spread over the 350 m elevation gain leading to the summit of Puy de Dôme, is the ancient path that led pilgrims to the Temple of Mercury. It offers superb panoramic views throughout the ascent, covering the entire 45 km of the Chaîne des Volcans.Warning! Immediate danger – Rockfalls. Due to rockfalls from the cliffs, the Chemin des Muletiers is STRICTLY closed until further notice by municipal decree of the commune of Orcines.

The view is just as pleasant at the top of this legendary trail. A longer but more enjoyable and varied climb than the Sentier des Muletiers.Warning! Immediate danger – falling rocks. Due to rockfalls from the cliffs, the Chemin des Muletiers is STRICTLY closed until further notice by municipal decree of the commune of Orcines.

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 pleasant and easy hike in the Chaîne des Puys. Magnificent views of the Puy de Dôme can be admired.This hike requires two vehicles.Warning! Immediate danger – falling rocks. Due to falling rocks from the cliffs, the Chemin des Muletiers is STRICTLY closed until further notice by municipal decree of the commune of Orcines.

Circular loop of geological interest among the rocky chaos of the Limagne Fault, on the heights of Ceyrat. A slightly challenging first part followed by a more leisurely return with a passage through the old village of Boisséjour. Update 2025: Please note! The circular pattern is temporarily closed due to a landslide between (S) and (1).

A circular route, mostly through forest, to discover two well-restored chapels, one very original and the other more traditional. Before planning this hike, check the schedule of activities on the Charade motor racing route and postpone it if there are any events planned: very loud noise pollution.

In the green belt of Clermont, hike in the forest, first following the Artière stream, then a path passing by an old oratory and lined with beautiful enamelled lava rocks from an arboretum/Jeu de l'Oie. Update 2025: Please note! The circular pattern is temporarily closed due to a landslide between (2) and (3).

A circular route that is half mountain, half countryside, passing by the summit of Puy des Gouttes before descending towards the Combrailles to discover the hamlet of Beauregard. A leisurely return via a sculpture in Courtadon. SHHH!

This route starts at the Vulcania crossroads and begins with a long, fairly flat, open path before crossing the forest to reach these two magnificent volcanoes. The route can be done in either direction.

"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.

This circular loop will take you to the summit of Puy des Gouttes, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Chaîne des Puys, then into the countryside near Fontètes, a hamlet with a pretty little chapel. On the way back, you will discover a beautiful row of about twenty drinking troughs in a meadow, the Fontaine des Pères.

A hike through the forest on little-used paths that is easy going too!

Walk on one of the plateaus north of Clermont-Ferrand, where cultivated fields, orchards, vineyards and wild bushy groves alternate. On the way back, discover T. Courtadon's series of sculptures "Ondoyer" on the banks of the Bédat.

Hike along the slopes of the Montaudoux and Gravenoire puys to reach the viewpoint of the Rocher du Salut. On the way back, you can visit the town and the Royat spa district.

Leaving Sayat, discover the wine-growing village of Châteaugay on the way out through the orchards of the Plateau de Lachaud and on the way back through the Plateau de Bade. Along the way, you'll discover the market towns of Malauzat and Blanzat.

And finally, here is the fifth stage, marked by the ascent of Puy de Dôme. The route takes the Chemin des Muletiers for the ascent, then the Sentier des Chèvres to descend towards Orcines. There is, of course, a vast panorama from the highest point of this stage, overlooking the city of Clermont-Ferrand, the chain of puys, the Combrailles, the Plateau des Dôme and the Massif du Sancy.

This route allows hikers to walk among the granite rocks that bear witness to the Limagne Fault, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.

Circular loop, starting from Laschamps, which allows you to climb to the summit of Puy de Dôme via the Chemin des Muletiers and descend via the Sentier des Chèvres.In the footsteps of Roman builders: on the slopes of Puy de Grosmanaux, the route skirts Kilian Crater, the remains of a powerful volcano that was exploited by the Romans to build the Temple of Mercury, which you will discover further along the route.

A circular route almost exclusively in the forest, at the foot of the giant Chaîne des Puys, which can be seen on a few open stretches, with a return trip along a superb avenue lined with hundred-year-old beech trees.

Starting from Laschamps near Puy de Dôme, the route takes you to the village of Beaune le Chaud, then onto theGR®®4andGR®®30to climb the Puy de Lassolas and Puy de la Vache with magnificent panoramic views, before reaching La Cassière and its lake. Please note: Access to the summits of Puys de la Vache and Lassolas will be closed for works between spring 2026 and early 2028. Please note: the Montlosier car park will be closed for works between August 2025 and 2027.

At the end of the Second Empire, when thermal spas were booming in Auvergne, Puy de Dôme became the place to visit. Tourist guides of the time stated that "it is not permissible to leave Auvergne without having climbed Puy de Dôme"!

A circular route, on paths and trails, with the first part in the forest and the second part through meadows, with beautiful views of the nearby Puy de Dôme and the Massif du Sancy.

A family walk to discover the forest and how it is managed. In the village of Laschamps, keep your spirit of discovery alive and try to make your compass lose its north!

At the foot of the Puy de Dôme, walk through pastures where cows graze, producing the delicious cheeses of Auvergne. You will pass through a few quiet villages. An idyllic countryside!

A stroll through wooded hills and meadows.