Saint-Bonnet-près-Orcival walks

On the Plateau des Dôme, a circular route passing through traditional villages, a beautiful castle and a pretty site on the banks of the Sioule, offering beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys.

Walk around one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Auvergne. In addition to the basilica, you will discover a pretty hamlet, Saint-Martin-de-Tours, a rocking stone, and also, on the heights, a magnificent panorama of the Chaîne des Puys and the Massif du Sancy.

Take quiet paths to discover one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Auvergne. This route offers beautiful landscapes and passes through hamlets rich in beautiful farms, fountains and wash houses.

On the Plateau des Dômes, at the foot of the volcanoes, this hike, themed around water, takes you on a journey of discovery through three beautiful and lively waterways: a stream, the Gigeole, which feeds the Cascade des Saliens, and two rivers, the Gorce and the Sioule, which meander through peaceful countryside.

A loop on the Plateau de Dôme, starting from Vernines and passing through several hamlets where the inhabitants have preserved the traditional way of life, with fountains, wash houses, blacksmith's forges and communal ovens. A few sections on small roads at the end of the route, which are very quiet and offer unobstructed views of the Chaîne des Puys.

Walk through the meadows, frequented by cows and sheep, crossing the valleys of the Ruisseau la Gigeole and the Rivière la Gorce. The route offers numerous views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Guéry massif.

At the foot of the Chaîne des Puys, a peaceful walk from hamlet to hamlet to discover traditional rural architecture, small built heritage (fountains, wash houses, ovens, etc.) and the Château de Voissieux.

Between the Chaîne des Puys and the foothills of the Sancy, the high plateau is criss-crossed by numerous waterways. During this hike, you will encounter the Gorce and the Sioule, as well as smaller streams such as the Sioulet and the Gigeole. You will also discover villages rich in beautiful old stone houses with slate roofs.

After a moderate day's hiking, you are now in the most demanding part of the loop of domes, with magnificent views of the Puy de Côme, the Grand Knoll, the Petit Knoll and the Puy de Dôme. You will pass through beautiful forests of beech, conifer and hazel trees, a feast for the eyes!

The southern loop, to be covered on the first day, is easy going except for its length, which is nearly 27 km. This route passes through numerous hills, beautiful forests and the lovely countryside surrounding the hills. Be careful not to get your feet caught in the strings!

A two-day loop hike with accommodation in a camper van in Allagnat.

A circular starting from Lac de Servières takes you to the ridges, where you will have magnificent views of Lac de Guéry, La Banne d'Ordanche and the Sancy ridges. The climb is gentle on a forest road and the descent follows theGR®30trail, where walking poles will come in handy.

Short hike to discover the bacs, which are drinking troughs built on the solidified lava flow of Côme for the sheep that were once raised on these summer pastures. The Bacs de Montmeyre were also a favourite site for the Ardents, Resistance fighters from the Chaîne des Puys. A sign tells their story and a memorial stone has been erected in their memory. The route crosses countryside and forest and allows you to discover the small heritage linked to water in the village of Ceyssat.

The hike takes place mainly in the forest that covers the solidified lava flow of Puy de Côme, but there are some beautiful views on the outskirts of Ceyssat. In the village of Ceyssat, discover the Foker Spring and a rich heritage of water-related buildings: fountains, drinking troughs and wash houses.

This circular loop starting from Allagnat offers a variety of landscapes: forest paths, summer pastures at the foot of the Puy de Dôme, and a valley with numerous streams. Of note: a pretty castle in Allagnat, a memorial site to the Resistance, and some very beautiful beech trees that will delight tree lovers and paréidolia enthusiasts alike.

A walk from village to village on the Plateau des Dômes, focusing on rural heritage linked to water: fountains, drinking troughs, wash houses, bridges over the Sioule, canals and springs, ending at the remarkable Chez Pierre water catchment site.

A walk in the forest along trails, paths and, above all, two magnificent avenues lined with majestic beech trees.

On the Plateau des Dômes, at the foot of the volcanoes, walk through the countryside from village to village. Two wonderful surprises await you on this route: the beautiful lime tree in the square in front of Olby church and the Foker Spring in the village of Ceyssat.

In the village of Ceysat, there are numerous hydraulic structures: ponds, fountains, drinking troughs, wash houses, all made of Volvic stone, and even a mineral water spring!

The hike takes place mainly in the woods that cover the cheire, or solidified lava flow, of the Puy de Côme. In addition to the Bacs de Ceyssat, you will discover many other drinking troughs, fountains and wash houses in the village. There are a few views of the Puy de Dôme and Puy de Côme.

On the western side of the Chaîne des Puys, this fairly easy walk offers varied landscapes. On the Plateau des Dôme, there are large agricultural areas around Aurières, interspersed with the Gigeole and Gorce valleys. At the foot of the Puy de Pourcharet, Montjuger and Montchal, there are large summer pastures and forests. Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. Parking is available along the road. There is also a large car park at the entrance to Aurières, near the cemetery (4).

The Randanne stream and the pond it feeds are inextricably linked to the work of the Comte de Montlosier on an estate where he radically altered the landscape. Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. You can park along the road or in a small space near (15), or in Aurières (9), near the cemetery, just a short distance from the circuit

A loop through woods and meadows at the foot of the puys, passing by the viewpoint at the Chapelle de Recoleine. Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. Parking is available along the road.

A short circular route to discover some aspects of the landscape developments carried out by the Count of Montlosier at the end of the 18th century to promote agriculture in a volcanic area not particularly suited to this activity. Please note: the Montlosier car park will be closed for renovation between August 2025 and 2027. Parking is available along the road or in a small area near (3).

From the Chaîne des Puys, descend through pastures and valleys into the Gorce stream valley. Beautiful views of the Sancy Massif and the Chaîne des Puys. Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027. You can park along the road or start from Nébouzat (11).

This large circular route around the Maison du Parc des Volcans will take you past fourteen puys, some small and discreet, others more imposing and some very well known and popular. Set off to discover the puys of Vichatel, Charmont, La Toupe, Boursoux, La Combegrasse, La Rodde, L'Enfer, Montchal, Montgy, Montjuger, Pourcharet, Montreillet, Lassolas and La Vache. Please note: the Montlosier car park will be closed for renovation between August 2025 and 2027. Parking is available along the road or at the Col de la Ventouse rest area (2).

A tour of the small Étang de Montlosier, passing three puys: Puy de Lassolas, Puy de la Vache and Puy de Vichatel. Magnificent views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Massif du Sancy.

Between these two small puys in the south of the Chaîne des Dômes, two streams flow, the Narse and the Labadeau, which converge shortly afterwards to form the Veyre. Shortly before this confluence, the Narse feeds a small marsh of volcanic origin, the Narse d'Espinasse.

A beautiful hike to discover the two neighbouring puys, with a refreshing approach walk. The view from the top is remarkable! Please note: Access to the summits of Puys de la Vache and Lassolas will be closed for works between spring 2026 and early 2028. Please note: the Montlosier car park is closed for works between August 2025 and 2027.

Hike on the high plateau of Pessade offering beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Massif du Sancy, with the Labadeau stream as your guide from its source to Saulzet-le-Froid.

A very beautiful and varied hike, between 1,300 and 1,500 m, which can be completed in half a day, in medium-altitude mountains (pastures, forests, peaks). Superb 360° panorama of the Sancy mountains and the Dômes chain. Good paths.Bring a map or GPS, essential for the return journey through the forest.

Stage 3 of the "Between Puy de Sancy and Monts Dore" route. A very pretty stage, starting with a route at the bottom of the valley and ending with passages along the ridges of the various puys before Mont-Dore.

Walk dedicated to exploring the small Puy de Vichatel: its slopes covered with mixed forest, its crater, and its summit reached by a beautiful trail offering a stunning panorama.The only downside to this hike is its proximity to the D2089 at the start and end of the route.

The hike takes place mainly in the forest that covers the Cheires Hautes, an ancient solidified lava flow from the Puy de la Vache and Puy de Lassolas, passing by Lac de la Cassière, an ideal place for a break, just over halfway along the route.

A short hike to climb two volcanoes with their typical open craters to delight amateur geologists and curious hikers. A beautiful view from the top of the Puy de Lassolas on over the Chaîne des Puys to the north and Monts Dore to the south.

Easy walk, accessible to all without any difficulty. Wide paths, gentle slopes. Beautiful varied landscapes, mostly in the forest but on the way back, you walk along vast meadows. (5) Alternative route possible by incorporating the fitness trail at the end of the route.

Short hike in the Ruisseau de la Graille valley, with a passage over the top of a waterfall, then a return via the mountain pastures, home to cows.

A short circuit that can also complement another hike. This route is in the woods, flat, and on well-maintained trails.

An easy hike with one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the region, overlooking both the Chaîne des Puys and the Sancy Massif. Between May and October, sheep graze on these puys, much to the delight of young and old alike!

An easy and enjoyable hike on this little-visited volcano. Despite the path being in the woods, there are several viewpoints offering views of both the other volcanoes in the Chaîne des Puys and the Sancy massif. A good option for hot days.

This is an easy hike that allows you to explore the Puy de Vichatel, whose crater is the second deepest in the Chaîne des Puys. You are allowed to go down inside! From the summit, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the other puys further south, Lake Aydat and the Sancy massif.

After a fairly challenging first section through the woods, the second part of the circuit is more peaceful and higher up, offering magnificent views of the Roches Tuilière and Sanadoire, real geological curiosities, and the tranquil valley of the Ruisseau de Fontsalade.

A circular route almost exclusively in the forest, at the foot of the giant Chaîne des Puys, which can be seen on a few open stretches, with a return trip along a superb avenue lined with hundred-year-old beech trees.

Circular loop, starting from Laschamps, which allows you to climb to the summit of Puy de Dôme via the Chemin des Muletiers and descend via the Sentier des Chèvres.In the footsteps of Roman builders: on the slopes of Puy de Grosmanaux, the route skirts Kilian Crater, the remains of a powerful volcano that was exploited by the Romans to build the Temple of Mercury, which you will discover further along the route.

Starting from Laschamps near Puy de Dôme, the route takes you to the village of Beaune le Chaud, then onto theGR®®4andGR®®30to climb the Puy de Lassolas and Puy de la Vache with magnificent panoramic views, before reaching La Cassière and its lake. Please note: Access to the summits of Puys de la Vache and Lassolas will be closed for works between spring 2026 and early 2028. Please note: the Montlosier car park will be closed for works between August 2025 and 2027.

At the foot of the Puy de Dôme, walk through pastures where cows graze, producing the delicious cheeses of Auvergne. You will pass through a few quiet villages. An idyllic countryside!

A stroll through wooded hills and meadows.

A family walk to discover the forest and how it is managed. In the village of Laschamps, keep your spirit of discovery alive and try to make your compass lose its north!

A circular route, on paths and trails, with the first part in the forest and the second part through meadows, with beautiful views of the nearby Puy de Dôme and the Massif du Sancy.

At the end of the Second Empire, when thermal spas were booming in Auvergne, Puy de Dôme became the place to visit. Tourist guides of the time stated that "it is not permissible to leave Auvergne without having climbed Puy de Dôme"!

Go back 8,600 years, to the day when two young volcanoes were born, the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas. Their two lava flows joined together as they flowed eastwards and met the River Veyre. After a battle that was lost before it even began, the bubbling river was diverted eastwards, creating two lakes, Aydat and Cassière.

A hike through the forest on little-used paths that is easy going too!

Circular loop starting from the village of Mazaye Basse, passing by the Rey de Saint-Pierre, a basalt promontory overlooking the Sioule valley and offering a beautiful panorama of the Sancy Massif and the Chaîne des Puys, then crossing the Marais de Mazaye, a Sensitive Natural Area, via a path built on stilts.

Hike on the Plateau des Dômes to discover the natural site of the Narse d'Espinasse. This narse is a peat bog which, together with the Puy de l'Enfer that borders it, forms an exceptional volcanic complex of geological and ecological interest, as it is home to a unique flora.

Starting from the village of Fontclairant, an 8-shaped route allows you to bypass Puy Charmont before circling and climbing Puy de Vichatel, whose summit offers a beautiful panorama.The downside of this hike is its proximity to the D2089 road between the two peaks.

And finally, here is the fifth stage, marked by the ascent of Puy de Dôme. The route takes the Chemin des Muletiers for the ascent, then the Sentier des Chèvres to descend towards Orcines. There is, of course, a vast panorama from the highest point of this stage, overlooking the city of Clermont-Ferrand, the chain of puys, the Combrailles, the Plateau des Dôme and the Massif du Sancy.

A beautiful hike between the Chaîne des Puys and the Chaîne du Sancy. Gentle slopes and lovely views of both mountain ranges.

Just above Clermont-Ferrand, the inescapable climb to Puy-de-Dôme through the col de Ceyssat is a short but intense hike with an astonishing view over Clermont-Ferrand, the chaîne des Puys, paragliders and Millevaches. Caution, it's a very popular walk so be sure to do it during week days for a bit of peace and quiet.

A pleasant and easy hike in the Chaîne des Puys. Magnificent views of the Puy de Dôme can be admired.This hike requires two vehicles.Warning! Immediate danger – falling rocks. Due to falling rocks from the cliffs, the Chemin des Muletiers is STRICTLY closed until further notice by municipal decree of the commune of Orcines.

A hiking trail in the Auvergne summer pastures, on a summit overlooking the spa resort of La Bourboule.

On the agenda: pontoons, Cascade des Mortes waterfall, magnificent pastures, pine forest, surprise from the (4).

The view is just as pleasant at the top of this legendary trail. A longer but more enjoyable and varied climb than the Sentier des Muletiers.Warning! Immediate danger – falling rocks. Due to rockfalls from the cliffs, the Chemin des Muletiers is STRICTLY closed until further notice by municipal decree of the commune of Orcines.

A hike around the largest dome in the Chaîne des Puys. Views and openings on all sides, surrounded by forests and summer pastures on the Traversin section, the central point of the chain between Puy de Dôme and Puy du Pariou.

The Sentier des Muletiers, consisting of fifteen numbered bends spread over the 350 m elevation gain leading to the summit of Puy de Dôme, is the ancient path that led pilgrims to the Temple of Mercury. It offers superb panoramic views throughout the ascent, covering the entire 45 km of the Chaîne des Volcans.Warning! Immediate danger – Rockfalls. Due to rockfalls from the cliffs, the Chemin des Muletiers is STRICTLY closed until further notice by municipal decree of the commune of Orcines.

For hot summer days, this route is almost exclusively in the forest, at the foot of the volcanoes, following in the footsteps of the heroes of the Auvergne Resistance. A few crossings of meadows will offer you beautiful views of the Puy de Dôme.

The Lac de Guéry, of volcanic origin, is the starting point for this hike. At 1244 m, it is the highest lake in Auvergne. Along the way, you'll follow the ridge to the Lac de Servières. ⚠️Please note that the route of the GR® 30 has been modified since 2022, and several sections have been changed and no longer correspond with the IGN maps.

Circular route around the heights of Lake Aydat, in the middle of pastures, to enjoy beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Massif du Sancy.

A circular trail to discover different aspects (leisure activities, wild spots, landscaped marshes) of Lake Aydat, with a passage along its heights for beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Sancy massif, and passing by a menhir, the Pierre Longue. On the way back, the route takes you to the beautiful 13th-century church of Aydat.

At the foot of the Monts Dore, hike on the plateau criss-crossed by streams, between pastures and coniferous forests.

A beautiful climb through undergrowth from Mareuge, on the heights of the upper Monne valley, a stream that rises from the Puys de Baladou and Védrine brooks. From the heights, there is a magnificent panoramic view of the Monts Dore, the Chaîne and the Plateau des Puys. Traditional architecture and heritage in the villages of Mareuge and Pessade.

An unmissable viewpoint over the surrounding mountains, the Banne d'Ordanche, with its orientation table, allows you to locate yourself in relation to the Monts Dore and the surrounding massifs. Don't forget to take a detour through the summer pastures to the Borne des Quatre Seigneurs and then on to Puy Loup with its renovated circular shelter.

On this comet-shaped route, discover the solidified lava flow of Côme, a remarkable natural area in the Chaîne des Puys. This lava flow from the Puy de Côme, which stretches for almost 10 km, has solidified into extremely chaotic terrain and has been colonised by a beautiful forest of birch and beech trees. To extend this hike, I suggest you then walk around the Puy de Côme, through the beech forest that covers its slopes.

North of Saint-Nectaire, the high plateaus are home to the cows that produce the delicious cheese. It is a peaceful and uncrowded countryside that nevertheless offers superb panoramic views.