Tower and summit of Puy de Vichatel

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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.

Details

n°67831928
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.08 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 433 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 433 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,566 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,133 ft
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Description of the walk

Park in the Col de la Ventouse car park on the D2089. Information board about Puy de Vichatel near the small circular building: the route of the hike is marked on the board and its technical characteristics are listed below.

Blue markings

(S/E) Head towards the stairs and the D2089. Climb the stairs following the direction "Laschamps" indicated on a sign and cross the road at the pedestrian crossing, taking extreme care.
On the other side, turn left onto the path along the road (this is not the most pleasant part, but it is not dangerous). The path then veers away from the road and reaches a fork.

(1) Keep to the right and ignore the path on the left, then another one a little further on. Climb gradually into the forest that covers the slopes of Puy de Vichatel and arrive at the crater.

(2) Take the path on the right towards "Accès sommet" (summit access). At the top, continue (panoramic view) then descend via another path towards "Accès cratère" (crater access).

(3) Back at the crater, follow the path on the right which descends and reaches an intersection at the edge of the D2089.

(4) Follow the path along the road towards "Stationnement de la Ventouse". Find the pedestrian crossing. Cross again with extreme caution to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,133 ft - Col de la Ventouse car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.4 - alt. 3,173 ft - Intersection of paths
  3. 2 : mi 0.87 - alt. 3,366 ft - Crater, summit access - Puy de Vichatel
  4. 3 : mi 1.37 - alt. 3,353 ft - Crater - Puy de Vichatel
  5. 4 : mi 1.81 - alt. 3,166 ft - Intersection of paths
  6. S/E : mi 2.08 - alt. 3,133 ft - Col de la Ventouse car park

Notes

Easy hike, standard hiking equipment required.

Caution! Crossing the D2089 as safely as possible requires walking along an unpleasant path close to this road. Crossing requires vigilance.

Col de la Ventouse car park: toilets, picnic tables.

Worth a visit

Discover more hikes in this area with a description or the Visorando app in Puy-de-Dôme here

Photo album here

Note the beautiful beech tree at the summit of Puy de Vichatel. Panorama of the Sancy massif.

Information about Puy de Vichatel here

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Babs Sirène
Babs Sirène

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 05, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Despite the sections along the departmental road, it’s a very pleasant walk during a heatwave: the coolness of the beech woodland, the tranquillity as it’s very quiet, and a stunning view from the summit.
The only downside: as I have dogs, I would have liked to have known in advance that the route crossed a mountain pasture, rather than finding myself faced with a fait accompli after a 40-minute walk...
Even on a lead, it’s never very comfortable.

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vverte25
vverte25

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

One of the advantages during this spell of hot weather is that the walk takes place in the shade of the forest. At the summit, there’s a beautiful view and a light breeze keeps you cool. Ideal for children. Another point is that the Puy de la Vache is currently closed to the public, so this is a pleasant alternative.

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User 29325785

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 29, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very easy walk under the trees, ideal for short routes on hot days. Visit to an accessible crater.

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User 15663600
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A short route suitable for everyone. A pleasant introduction to volcanoes.

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Luc1
Luc1

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A challenging hike with splendid views of the puys.

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claudekiko
claudekiko

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant little hike with easy trails. What's more, under bright sunshine (with sub-zero temperatures), the walk is wonderful.

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