Refine your search for walks in Orcines
Orcines walks
Orcines - Royat via the Chemin des Crêtes
Visorando Member
5.96 mi
+404 ft
-1,332 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Croix de Ternant from Orcines village
7.87 mi
+1,037 ft
-1,010 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Circular loop on the solidified lava flow of Puy Pariou
6.14 mi
+1,158 ft
-1,161 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-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.
Organs and the music of water at the foot of the Puy de Dôme
8.17 mi
+942 ft
-925 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Between the heights of Chamalières and the foot of the Puy de Dôme
10.49 mi
+1,447 ft
-1,473 ft
6h 05
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Tour of the Puy de Dôme via the fountains and caves
11.63 mi
+2,195 ft
-2,192 ft
7h 15
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
A taste of Auvergne in Orcines
2.71 mi
+328 ft
-325 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Short circular loop around the Croix de Ternant
1.30 mi
+190 ft
-190 ft
0h 45
Easy
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Puy des Goules from the Fontaine du Berger
7.81 mi
+1,106 ft
-1,096 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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!
Between Limagne and Puys for "Contemplation"
9.37 mi
+1,270 ft
-1,247 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
The wash houses of Orcines
7.96 mi
+699 ft
-676 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Grand Knoll, Clierzou and Pariou starting from the Fontaine du Berger
8.02 mi
+1,693 ft
-1,699 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Puy de Dôme from the North face
7.81 mi
+1,834 ft
-1,834 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Le Puy Pariou via the Chemin des Gouris
8.52 mi
+1,837 ft
-1,850 ft
5h 30
Difficult
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Le Puy de Dôme via the Muletiers, Chèvres and Gouris trails
6.99 mi
+1,814 ft
-1,788 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
A magnificent hike to the summits of the iconic Puy-de-Dôme. This route, which follows 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.
Puy de Dôme and Puy Pariou via the mule and goat trails
10.89 mi
+2,703 ft
-2,697 ft
7h 20
Difficult
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Royat - Place de Jaude via Rocher du Salut and Chamalières
7.90 mi
+1,017 ft
-1,529 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Royat (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
La Tiretaine and its wash houses
10.52 mi
+1,480 ft
-1,493 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Royat (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Hauts de Royat and Chamalières via the Roman road
7.30 mi
+1,444 ft
-1,453 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Royat (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Montrodeix rock formations starting from Royat
9.24 mi
+1,457 ft
-1,453 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Royat (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
The Royadères walk
5.30 mi
+925 ft
-909 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Royat (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Round the base of Pariou and half-way round Puy de Dôme
8.66 mi
+1,785 ft
-1,775 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
A classic in the Chaîne des Puys to admire Puy de Dôme and Le Puy de Pariou, amongst others.
The Puy des Goules and the Puy Pariou in the snow
6.83 mi
+1,302 ft
-1,309 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
In the heart of the Puys in the Volcanoes Regional Nature Park
8.38 mi
+1,483 ft
-1,480 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Le Puy Pariou from the Goules car park
3.78 mi
+712 ft
-696 ft
2h 20
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
An easy walk that takes you up Puy Pariou. A very pleasant forest at the start and end of the route, with stunning views of the Puy de Dôme on the way back.
⚠️ (3) It is forbidden to descend into the volcano or to walk all the way round it.
Le Grand Sarcoui and Le Puy des Goules
5.04 mi
+1,112 ft
-1,115 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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).
Between the Chaîne des Puys and the Limagne
7.26 mi
+1,001 ft
-1,024 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Puy des Goules, Puy des Gouttes
9.12 mi
+1,437 ft
-1,440 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Rocher du Salut Viewpoint
1.72 mi
+259 ft
-276 ft
1h 00
Easy
Departure from Royat (Puy-de-Dôme)
Enjoy a stroll through the forest to take in the scenery and the view of the Clermont-Ferrand conurbation from the Rocher du Salut.
Tour of the Charade valley in Royat
4.87 mi
+1,142 ft
-1,155 ft
3h 15
Easy
Departure from Royat (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Guided tour of Royat
4.00 mi
+449 ft
-446 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Chamalières (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
The hills of Chamalières
5.52 mi
+869 ft
-869 ft
3h 20
Easy
Departure from Chamalières (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
From the Jardin de Saint-Alyre to the Amazon via Montjuzet
3.28 mi
+525 ft
-525 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme)
An urban walk in Clermont-Ferrand to discover two beautiful murals from 2022 around Montjuzet Park.
On the Ardents trails
9.35 mi
+892 ft
-883 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Puy-de-Dôme via the Sentier des Muletiers trail
2.57 mi
+1,135 ft
-1,135 ft
2h 10
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
The Sentier des Muletiers, comprising fifteen numbered bends spread over the 350-metre climb to the summit of the Puy de Dôme, is the ancient path that led pilgrims to the Temple of Mercury. It offers superb panoramic views throughout the ascent, taking in the entire 45 km stretch of the Chaîne des Volcans.
The Puy de Dôme via the Chemin des Chèvres
4.86 mi
+1,368 ft
-1,368 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
The view is as lovely as ever at the top of this legendary route. A longer climb, but more enjoyable and varied than the ascent via the Sentier des Muletiers.
Puy-de-Dôme passing through the col de Ceyssat
3.39 mi
+1,286 ft
-1,257 ft
2h 40
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Puy de Dôme - Petit knoll - Le Cliersou - Puy Pariou
6.46 mi
+1,775 ft
-2,113 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Ceyssat (Puy-de-Dôme)
A pleasant, easy walk in the Chaîne des Puys. There are magnificent views of the Puy de Dôme to admire.This walk requires two cars.
On the Limagne Fault in Ceyrat
4.60 mi
+1,115 ft
-1,129 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Ceyrat (Puy-de-Dôme)
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).
Chapels of Thèdes and Berzet
6.66 mi
+1,086 ft
-1,060 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Ceyrat (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
On the heights of Ceyrat
6.81 mi
+1,352 ft
-1,322 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Ceyrat (Puy-de-Dôme)
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).
Puy des Gouttes, Beauregard and SHHH!
8.13 mi
+1,030 ft
-1,027 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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!
Puy de Jume and Puy de la Coquille
7.32 mi
+938 ft
-915 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Three small volcanic hills in a row (puys)
8.55 mi
+1,319 ft
-1,309 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Orcines (Puy-de-Dôme)
"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.
Puy des Gouttes and meadows around Les Fontètes
7.30 mi
+978 ft
-961 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Ours (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Around Puy des Grosmanaux
5.64 mi
+712 ft
-725 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
A hike through the forest on little-used paths that is easy going too!
Plateau de la Bade from Sayat
6.21 mi
+538 ft
-535 ft
3h 20
Easy
Departure from Sayat (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
The Rocher du Salut from Beaumont
8.92 mi
+1,818 ft
-1,808 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Beaumont (Puy-de-Dôme) (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Cellars and hillsides of Châteaugay
10.92 mi
+928 ft
-945 ft
5h 50
Moderate
Departure from Sayat (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Laschamps - Orcines via Puy de Dôme
8.03 mi
+1,663 ft
-2,129 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
Le Chaos de la Faille
5.02 mi
+991 ft
-988 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Ceyrat (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
From the Kilian Crater to the Temple of Mercury, the trachyte route
9.26 mi
+1,955 ft
-1,959 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
In the forest at the foot of the Puy de Dôme
7.62 mi
+778 ft
-787 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
From Laschamps to La Cassière
9.27 mi
+1,463 ft
-1,732 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
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.
The Puy de Dôme from Laschamps
8.42 mi
+1,850 ft
-1,854 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
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"!
Tour of Puy de Mercœur and Beaune le Chaud from Laschamps
6.89 mi
+866 ft
-879 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (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.
Discovering the forest in Laschamps
2.93 mi
+348 ft
-331 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
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!
The pastures of Laschamps
9.45 mi
+1,014 ft
-1,027 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Genès-Champanelle (Puy-de-Dôme)
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!
More walks in Orcines
Select a point of interest below: