A circular route around the Puys de Jume, de la Coquille and des Gouttes, starting from Beauregard

Village of Beauregard (municipality of Saint-Ours). Car park on the left at the village entrance. Access by car via the D943 then the D576.

(S/E) From the car park, head straight up the path (tarmacked at the start) for about 0.9 km, heading north-east to east, until you reach the crossroads featuring a sculpture (CHUT! by the Volvic-based artist Thierry Courtadon).

(1) Carry on straight ahead in the same direction for 1.7 km to the foot of the Puy de Jume, ignoring all the paths branching off to the left.

(2) At the “Pied de Jume” junction, ignore the path branching off to the right and continue along the path until you reach the junction with the^GR®441.

(3) Follow the^GR®441to the right and climb to the summit of the Puy de Jume. Enjoy the lovely views marked along the way.

(4) Continue south-west on the^GR®, which descends to a pass before climbing again to the summit of the Puy de la Coquille.

(5) Continue south-west downhill.

(6) Go round the Puy de Clermont on the right, still following the^GR® markings^. At the foot of the Puy Chopine, continue to the right.

(7) For a round trip to the summit of the Puy des Gouttes, follow the^GR®441to the left, leaving the path that heads straight on (which you’ll rejoin on the way back). At the viewing point on the Puy des Gouttes, take a moment to admire the sweeping panorama, with the Lemptégy Volcano (leisure park) and Vulcania at the foot of the hill. Behind them lie the Puy de Dôme, the Combrailles and, further in the distance, the Mille Vaches plateau.

(8) Head back down via the same route you took on the way up.

(7) Turn left to join a wide track, which forms part of the^GR®4and^GR®89routes.

(9) Turn right, ignore the first path on the right and follow the path on the left. Stay on the^GR® until you reach Beauregard and the car park (S/E).

There is no shelter on the route. There are no water points.

Whilst the Puy des Gouttes balcony offers a lovely panoramic view during the day, it can also be an ideal vantage point for a beautiful ‘sunset’ or for watching the Puy de Lemptégy fireworks from above on certain days (special evening events) during the summer season, or even those at Vulcania, with an easy night-time return journey (45 to 50 mins). Depending on the weather and the season, you may spot hot-air balloons and paragliders around the Puy de Dôme. To catch the sunset, arrive at least 15 to 20 mins before sunset.