Puy de Sancy from Super Besse

Access to the Puy de Sancy on the outward journey via the eastern and northern ridges of the Super Besse resort, and return via the^GR®®4.
Please note that two vehicles are required for this hike: one at the top of the resort and another at the Lac des Hermines car park.

⚠️ 22/07/2026: the GPX track at Puy de la Perdrix has been slightly modified to follow the current signposting on the ground.

Details

n°23223921

Creation:
21 Jun 2022

Last update:
22 Jul 2026

Last review:
03 Aug 2026

Activity: Walking
Distance: 6.16 mi
Average duration: 4h 20
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: No
Ascent: + 1,703 ft
Descent: - 2,037 ft
Highest point: 6,165 ft
Lowest point: 4,229 ft

Country: France
Areas: Massif central, Monts Dore, Vallée de Chaudefour
City: Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (63610)
Start: N 45.510751° / E 2.862842°
End: N 45.509112° / E 2.853658°
IGN map(s): Ref. 2432ET, 2432ETR
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Description of the walk

Park at the top of the Super Besse resort: please note that parking spaces are scarce here on the Route du Chambourguet.

(S) Continue north along this road to reach the junction of the Chemin de Chambourguet and the Belhambra holiday village. Turn right onto this path and you will soon reach a trail junction.

(1) Turn right onto this path; there is a sign for Puy de Sancy. Cross the copse and reach its edge. Continue slightly uphill and take the path through the Plaine des Moutons. After a long, gently ascending stretch, you’ll reach a multi-directional junction near an aerial.

(2) Stay on the path on the right and begin a steeper climb, first through alpine pastures and then along a sort of stony track. You’ll reach the area just below the barriers at the top station of the Perdrix cable car.

(3) Continue along a superb path, completely refurbished by the Sancy Park, until you reach a wide track; head up to the right along this track to pass between the arrival points of the Ferrand Sud and Nord ski lifts. Continue downhill to reach the large crossroads of paths at the Col de la Cabane.

(4) Take the track straight ahead and complete the ascent to reach the Puy de Sancy orientation point.

(5) Head back down via the same route to the Col de la Cabane.

(4) Turn right and follow the^GR®®4, passing under the Ferrand Sud ski lift to reach, further on, the multi-path junction at the Col du Couhay.

(6) Make sure to stay on the^GR®®4to the left, following the signposts, whilst letting the^GR®®30branch off to the right. Then cross the Super Besse ski area to reach the edge of the Bois de la Biche.

(7) Stay on the^GR®® at all times to make a gentle descent and reach the resort and the large car park on the shores of Lac des Hermines (E).

Waypoints

S : mi 0 - alt. 4,580 ft - Top of the resort at - Super-Besse
1 : mi 0.24 - alt. 4,685 ft - Trail junction
2 : mi 1.12 - alt. 5,052 ft - Branch
3 : mi 2.12 - alt. 5,850 ft - Below the Perdrix cable car
4 : mi 2.83 - alt. 5,846 ft - Col de la Cabanne
5 : mi 3.01 - alt. 6,086 ft - Puy de Sancy
6 : mi 4.32 - alt. 5,505 ft - Col du Couhais (1676m)
7 : mi 5.3 - alt. 4,803 ft - Bois de la Biche
E : mi 6.16 - alt. 4,229 ft - Lac des Hermines. Near the - Couze Pavin (rivière) à finaliser

Notes

Please note: as mentioned at the start of the description, parking spaces at the start point at the top of Super Besse are very scarce. There is the Belhambra car park, but parking there is strongly discouraged, especially during busy periods.
During our visit, the view from the summit of Puy de Sancy was completely obscured as, unfortunately, thick clouds and heavy rain were the order of the day.
Between (3) and (4), this section is completely off-limits to dogs.

REGULATIONS: This route passes through the Chaudefour Valley Nature Reserve. Dogs are not permitted on this route. Mountain biking, foraging and camping are prohibited. Please stay on the marked paths. Full details at: Chaudefour Valley Nature Reserve

This route passes through multiple protected areas, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

(E) The resort of Super Besse, beautifully set within a magnificent cirque, is unfortunately marred by the presence of a tower over twenty storeys high. Now well-suited to both winter and summer tourism, it offers a superb 1,600-metre-long zip line which allows hikers to descend much faster than on foot.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5

Based on 14 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5

Route interest
4.3 / 5

machin

03 Aug 2026 at 08:58 7200

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 03, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

The start at Super Besse isn’t exactly pleasant, given the number of trails of all kinds (including mountain bike trails) and the fact that it’s in full sun.

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User 1876295

11 Aug 2025 at 16:52 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The route is very well signposted and the description of the hike is excellent. There is a bit of zigzagging on the descent with the mountain bikes, but you quickly find the right track.
No need for a second car. Just park in the car park not far from the Perdrix cable car.
You just need to walk a little way up to the "Panorama" building, which you can't miss as it's the tall tower.
Go around it on the left and climb up the short track to find a wide path that you follow back up to the starting point indicated in this guide. You'll arrive behind the Belhambra.
Enjoy your hike 😉

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sdel

02 Aug 2025 at 16:58 7200 • Edited: 02 Aug 2025 at 17:17 7200

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : Yes

Stunning panoramic views around the highest point of the Chaîne des Puys, but ultimately a disappointing hike in several respects.
In my experience, hikes in ski areas are often mediocre, and this one is no exception: little vegetation, almost no water, particularly steep terrain that is especially difficult on the way down with paths that lead straight down to the valley, ground badly damaged by ski and mountain bike trails... In short, not a very pleasant walk.
Add to this the exaggerated accessibility of the site, with two ski lifts from Super Besse and Mont Dore, which has forced the closure of a large area off the trails to the public, and you completely lose the mountain spirit.
Once you reach the top of the Sancy after a final climb on a path crowded with people, the panoramic view is sublime, or at least it must be, because in early August it is impossible to get a clear view from the summit platform due to the large crowds of tourists in trainers.
In conclusion, you should go to the top of Sancy because it's magnificent, but you should go early, out of season, and take a different route, such as the Chaudefour valley...

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Bruno "CNIEG"

28 Jul 2025 at 11:36 7200

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,
The route from point 7 back to Lac des Hermines is far from straightforward, with few visible trail markers and poorly maintained paths.
The end can be a bit tricky, particularly a section after point 7 going downhill... For a beginner hiker with poor footwear, this hike is rated as moderate, but I think difficult would be more appropriate.
Nevertheless, it is a very pleasant hike with a magnificent view at the top of Sancy.
To really enjoy it, you need to set off very early to avoid the crowds on the last stretch up to Sancy.
Have a good day.

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User 25120358

02 Jun 2025 at 15:06 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb hike! The route is very well marked on the hike description and very well marked on site. This hike allows you to walk around Puy de Sancy in a day while having time to enjoy the views. A few sections were congested due to crowds and there were no water points available.

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Dussin

02 Sep 2024 at 16:45 7200

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A section in the first part passes close to a ravine on the left. Simply turn off onto a path 10 metres to the right to be safer.
The descent onto the GR is quick but busier.

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bernardino

19 Aug 2024 at 10:36 7200

Hello and thank you very much for your comment. This hike is indeed superb, despite the crowds at Puy de Sancy.
Enjoy the rest of your time in this area, where there are many varied and enjoyable hikes to enjoy.

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S.David

19 Aug 2024 at 09:15 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Climbing Puy de Sancy was the adventure of the week for our little family: a couple with a teenager and a 6-year-old. We were not disappointed 🤩 Despite an unreliable GPS, as reception is very poor in Super Besse, we tackled the climb without difficulty. The low-lying clouds lifted and the landscape was already beautiful (8:30 a.m.). We were careful not to end up on the mountain bike trails. After the Col de la Cabane, there were a lot more people, but it was still reasonable. The wind blew away the clouds, revealing a superb landscape! We admired the mouflons and began the descent after the mini-circular of Le Puy. Descent in the clouds. The return trip was a leisurely one back to the village. Superb hike!

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23 Jul 2024 at 17:48 7200

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We took the cable car from Super-Besse and then continued on foot. The view is magnificent. At the summit of Sancy, instead of turning back, don't hesitate to descend on the Mont-Dore side, which allows you to discover another aspect of Puy de Sancy. Once at the cable car station on the Mont-Dore side, it's easy to join the GR30 trail, which descends to Super-Besse.
There are lots of people at the summit, so it is strongly recommended that you plan to arrive early (we went up when the cable car opened). Otherwise, it will be difficult to climb up to the orientation table. The return via the GR30 is much less busy, as most visitors come down by cable car.
After point 6, be careful not to miss the trail. You leave a wide, flat path for a narrow, uneven path that descends to the right.

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tebon

20 May 2024 at 20:31 7200

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike to do in clear weather to enjoy the magnificent landscapes. We returned to the starting point by taking the trail that runs along the back of the Super Besse tower.

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maribern

18 Sep 2023 at 20:10 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The unfavourable weather today meant we didn't get the beautiful view we had hoped for, but we were happy with this windy day because the route before the summit was magnificent.

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inconnu qui randonne

27 Aug 2023 at 16:16 7200

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 21, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike, very popular since the arrival of the Perdrix cable car.
The climb to the summit feels like climbing the stairs of Montmartre hill; there are lots of people on this very sunny August day.
The descent with the sun in our faces was difficult; it is really too hot on this 21st of August 2023.

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minana

14 Aug 2023 at 15:01 7200

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk, best done out of season.

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VIKING5083

05 Aug 2023 at 11:46 7200

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike (starting from the central car park at the bottom of Super Besse: 11.4 km and 610 m elevation gain) at 8:30 a.m. towards the Puy de Sancy, offering superb 360° panoramic views.
The route was completed using only the GPS track from the Visorando app, without using the suggested description.
Important tip: If you can, avoid the summer months to really enjoy the area! From 9 a.m. onwards, the Super Besse and Mont-Dore cable cars bring crowds of tourists to the foot of the Puy, causing traffic jams in the final part of the ascent and making it almost impossible to access the summit platform and orientation tables. If you can't avoid this period, then get up very early in the morning, even if it means setting off with a head torch (which we regretted not doing!!!).

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Philippe rando 63

29 May 2023 at 12:06 7200

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very accessible hike, even for occasional walkers. Magnificent when the weather is favourable.

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Author

bernardino
511 Walks

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