Puy-de-Dôme via the Sentier des Muletiers trail

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.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.57 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,135 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,135 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,642 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,507 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the car parks at Col de Ceyssat or, if necessary (if there are no spaces left), along the road heading downwards (you will be fined if parking on the uphill side).

(S/E) Follow the path at the top of the car parks heading off to the left, or take the path alongside the restaurant (closed in August 2024); both routes will take you to the actual starting point of the hike.

(1) Take the path on the right.

(2) Cross the track of the Puy de Dôme panoramic train with care: pedestrians are strictly prohibited from using the tarmac road. Resume the path on the other side.

(3) From this point (bend no. 8), the landscape opens up, offering views of the volcanic range. Continue to the summit.

(4) Enjoy the panoramic view and follow the ascent path back in the opposite direction to return to the Col de Ceyssat (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,507 ft - Car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.1 - alt. 3,556 ft - Junction
  3. 2 : mi 0.44 - alt. 3,802 ft - Panoramic mini-train route
  4. 3 : mi 0.85 - alt. 4,180 ft - Bend no. 8
  5. 4 : mi 1.28 - alt. 4,636 ft - Puy de Dôme
  6. S/E : mi 2.57 - alt. 3,507 ft - Car park

Notes

Hike accessible to children.

Remember to bring water and a cap/hat, as you will be in direct sunlight for half of the hike.

No water source on the hike, but there is a bar at the top.

Hiking boots and walking sticks are highly recommended.

Dogs on leads are permitted.

Toilets at the refuge, snack bar, café at the top.
Picnics are possible at the summit.

Worth a visit

Option to descend via the Puy de Dôme panoramic train (fee applies) or to make the ascent.

From the Col de Ceyssat, you can reach the car park of the Puy de Dôme panoramic train via a marked trail.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
jjmangier
jjmangier

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We only walked down via the Muletiers trail (we took the panoramic train up, and one of us, who came back down by train, met us at the Col de Ceyssat). The walk down takes half an hour, but walking poles are useful as we saw some people slipping. The view is superb.
Thanks to the author.

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réulyonnais
réulyonnais
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A short but intense route with a beautiful view from the Puy de Dôme platform.

Machine-translated

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