Saint-Nectaire walks

This route takes you to the Châteauneuf Caves, ancient cave dwellings, then the small Freydefond Menhir, with its viewpoint, and the Dolmen de la Pineyre burial mound. The return journey follows a wild and steep path through the undergrowth.

North of Saint-Nectaire, the Plateau de Sailles offers beautiful views of Murol and the Couze Chambon valley. You will discover an ancient troglodyte settlement and some of the megaliths that dot the area around the village, known for its beautiful Romanesque church and cheese.

This mystical route takes you past two menhirs, one of which has been Christianised, a tumulus and its dolmen, and the beautiful Basilica of Notre-Dame du Mont Cornadore, a jewel of Auvergne Romanesque architecture. This hike also passes by the Châteauneuf Caves, which offer a beautiful view of Murol Castle, the Couze Chambon valley and the Sancy massif.

The route starts in the hills above the Couze Chambon valley and is circular, looping back via Saint-Nectaire and its unmissable Cornadore Basilica. There are numerous viewpoints along the route, particularly over the Couze Chambon valley, dominated by the hilltop Château de Murol, and the entire Massif du Sancy.

A peaceful hike, far from tourist sites, on the plateaus overlooking Saint-Nectaire, cow country. A route with constant unobstructed views of the Sancy and Guéry mountains and the Chaîne des Puys.

A circular route on the heights of Saint-Nectaire to discover some of the megaliths of this region of Auvergne, which is rich in them. The site of the megaliths of Puy d'Alou, at its summit, offers a beautiful panorama. This circular route is extended by a return trip to another viewpoint at the summit of Puy de Châteauneuf.

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.

This is a shaded hike with very little traffic on three-quarters of the route. You can contemplate the beauty of nature. Pass through the undergrowth on wide footbridges to discover the marshy areas and viewpoints over Lake Chambon, not forgetting to take a look at the Monts du Sancy and the rock of La Dent des Marais.

Stage 2 of the 5-day route. This stage takes you to theGR®4trail through the countryside. You can visit Murol Castle at the start of the stage, then the troglodyte caves of Chautignat.

Climb up a small volcano and its crater, with a view of Lake Chambon and the Sancy in the background from the summit.

Immerse yourself in the coolness of the superb Monne Gorges. On the heights, enjoy absolute calm in a Mediterranean atmosphere on large rocky plateaus. Discover places of worship from yesterday and today: the Allée Couverte de la Grotte and the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Randol (modern). Please note that the path through the gorges is narrow and slippery, with ropes in some places.

Cross the Malvoisière valley and then the Courbanges Forest, and discover the Cheix Waterfall before descending into the refreshing Courbanges Stream valley.

Starting from Zanières, the first part of the hike is on the top of the plateau, with beautiful views of the Chaîne des Puys and the Monts Dores, to the La Pierre Longue menhir, which marks the beginning of hills dotted with rocky outcrops. Return via the bottom of the valley, along the La Ribeyre stream.

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

A circular route to discover two very different volcanic craters: the Narse d'Espinasse, a marshy maar on the slopes of the Puy de l'Enfer, and the more classic crater of the Puy de Monténard.