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 D52, or 50 metres along the D52 there is a large lay-by on the right.
On the south side, the roadside is wide and tarmac-surfaced, but the speed of passing vehicles makes parking unwise; there are a few spaces along the path.

(S/E) On the south side of the D942, follow the path eastwards alongside the road (D942) for about 500 m. Turn slightly right to follow the D52 for a further 500 m.
N.B. The two paths leading from the pass are blocked by barriers put up by hunters. Signs have been put up with messages urging walkers not to cross the forest during the hunting season.

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

(2) Take the^GR®® (red and white markings) to the right uphill and follow it south-west for about 2 km, ignoring the side paths. You will arrive at a lovely forest clearing.

(3) Continue down the^GR®® heading south-south-west.

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

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

(6) After about 900 m, turn left onto a path that joins the climb up to Puy de Lassolas. After 50 m, you’ll reach the first viewpoint. Take in the scenery and the rest of the climb, which is quite steep over volcanic rock. Continue along the ridge line.

(7) At the junction with a path that has a Fork in the road and leaves the ridge line, head diagonally right to its end (about 150 m) and enjoy the view.
Retrace your steps.

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

(8) Continue by taking the steps leading up to the Puy de la Vache.
N.B. The path leading from the pass and descending directly to the^GR®® is closed, as it is marked as dangerous (May 2018).
Climb up, take in the views, follow the ridge line southwards and descend again, once more via steps.

(9) Once you reach an altitude of around 1010 metres, you’ll join another path heading south-south-west. Take it to the right and, less than 100 metres further on, you’ll find yourself in a large, open ‘quarry’. It’s a pleasant spot, but very exposed to the sun. To reach the return path, follow the tracks towards the southern edge, then follow this edge eastwards for 50 m. Be careful: clearly marked tracks also lead off to the north-west, but they do not lead anywhere.

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

(11) At the junction, continue straight on with the GR®^®.

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

(5) Turn right and go back past the junction.

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

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

(2) Head off to the left, north-north-west, 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.

Several other puys are also located 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 tackled from Laschamps (towards the '2'). A large car park is located at the junction of^{the GR®®4}and the D52 (Route de Beaune in the village). An information sign for 'Commune de Saint-Génès-Champanelle' and a pottery workshop will serve as your landmarks.