Puy de Lassolas and Puy de la Vache from the Col de la Moréno

Park at the Col de la Moreno.
On the north side, there are a few spaces next to the lodge at the junction with the D 52, or 50 m along the D 52 there is a nice platform on the right.
On the south side, the roadside is wide and tarmac, but the speed of passing vehicles makes parking difficult. There are a few spaces along the road.

(S/E) On the south side of the D942, follow the path eastwards along the road (D942) for about 500 m. Turn slightly to the right and follow the D 52 for another 500 m.
N.B. The two paths leading from the pass are blocked by barriers erected by hunters. Signs have been put up with comments urging hikers not to cross the forest during the hunting season.

(1) At elevation 1000 (cross), turn right towards the south-east onto a beautiful tree-lined path, running alongside fields and meadows. Cross a perpendicular path and join the^GR®®4at elevation 995.

(2) Take the^GR®® (red and white markings) on the right uphill and follow it south-west for about 2 km, ignoring the paths branching off to the sides. You will arrive at a beautiful forest platform.

(3) Continue on the^GR®® downhill, heading south-south-west.

(4) At the crossroads (signposts), continue straight ahead.

(5) At the next crossroads, turn left, heading south-east, still on the GR®^®.

(6) After about 900 m, turn left onto a path that joins the climb to Puy de Lassolas. After 50 m, you will arrive at the first viewpoint. Admire the landscape and the rest of the climb, which is quite steep on volcanic rock. Continue along the ridge line.

(7) At the junction with a path that forks off to the left and leaves the ridge line, turn right until you reach the end (about 150 m) and enjoy the view.
Retrace your steps.

(7) Continue right along the ridge and descend towards the pass between the two puys. A few hairpin bends will take you to the pass at an altitude of 1084 metres.

(8) Continue by taking the stairs that climb up to Puy de la Vache.
N.B. The path leading from the pass and descending directly to the^GR®® is closed and marked as dangerous (May 2018).
Climb up, admire the view, walk along the ridge towards the south and descend again via the steps.

(9) When you reach an altitude of 1010 metres, you will come to another path that heads south-southwest. Take it to the right and less than 100 metres later you will find yourself in a large, open "quarry". The place is pleasant, but very exposed to the sun. To reach the return trail, follow the tracks towards the southern edge, then follow this edge eastwards for 50 metres. Be careful, as there are also well-marked tracks heading north-west, but they do not lead anywhere.

(10) Turn right (south) and rejoin the^GR®® after 50 metres. Then follow the^GR®® (red and white markings) to the right (west-northwest).

(11) At the crossroads, continue straight ahead with the GR®^®.

(6) At the fork you took on the way up to climb Puy de Lassolas, continue straight ahead with the GR®^®. From this point, follow the outward route in reverse.

(5) Turn right and go back through the crossroads.

(4) Return to the forest platform you visited on the way there.

(3) Take the main path on the right towards the north-east (^GR®®4) and follow it for about 2 km.

(2) Turn left north-northwest until you approach the D52

(1) Follow the D52 and then the D452 to reach the Col de la Moreno (S/E).

There is no water on the route. Bring good standard equipment, preferably high-top hiking boots, walking sticks and a cap.

Please note: during hunting season, read the signs carefully.

At Col de la Moréno, there is an inn and a 5-bedroom lodge.

There are several other puys in the area.

Of course, the Maison du Parc des Volcans, located to the south-west of the route, is well worth a visit.

Note: the route can also be started from Laschamps (towards (2)). There is a large car park at the intersection of^{the GR®®4}and the D52 (Route de Beaune in the village). An information sign for 'Commune de Saint Genes Champanelle' and a pottery shop will serve as landmarks.