Sancy

🥾 In a nutshell

⏱ Duration: 4 days
📏 Length: 57 km
⛰ Elevation gain: 2,400 meters
💪 Difficulty: difficult
🌤 Season: May to October

Display map

🙋 Who is this trek for?

This trail in the Sancy massif is aimed at experienced hikers, who are used to walking about fifteen kilometers, with an elevation gain of around 700 meters.

🚆 Getting there

The starting point of this trek is located at the parking lot of the Mont-Dore tourist office.

For those who prefer public transport, it is possible to take a train to Clermont-Ferrand, then a coach to Mont-Dore. The bus journey takes approximately 1h30.

🛌 Sleep and eat

This 4-day trek includes 3 nights in the following towns: Chambon-sur-Lac, Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise and Super-Besse. Each of them includes several lodgings, hotels and restaurants, which makes it possible to do this trek with a light bag. Our recommendations are indicated within each step.

However, if you prefer a tent, there are campsites in Chambon-sur-Lac and Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, but not in Super-Besse.

The bivouac is tolerated from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., provided you leave no trace of its passage. It is best to seek discretion away from the path, so as not to disturb locals and other walkers. And it should be noted that fires are strictly prohibited.

🎒 Equipment

Like any trek, this one requires a minimum of preparation. To manage it like a pro, please consult our dedicated guide: What to bring on a trek.

🥾 Day 1: above the valleys of Mont-Dore and Chaudefour

From Mont-Dore, the trail quickly leaves the town to reach the Grande Cascade. This is the highest in Auvergne with 32 meters.

The path then climbs to the Roc de Cuzeau (1,737 m) and the Puy des Crebasses (1,761 m), which are located on a ridge line overlooking the Mont-Dore valley and facing the Puy de Sancy. Magnificent landscapes.

The route continues overlooking the Chaudefour valley and its nature reserve, before reaching Chambon-sur-Lac to complete this first day.

From Mont-Dore to Chambon-sur-Lac

15km • Hard •

🥾 Day 2: Lake Chambon and Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise

This second stage is about the same distance as the first, but has less elevation.

It allows you to walk along the lake of volcanic origin of Chambon, on its shore which has remained wild. The path then rises somewhat in the forest, crossing several rivers, then arrives on a plateau with unobstructed views of the Forez, Cézallier and Sancy mountains.

Finally, this stage ends in the charming medieval and Renaissance village of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise.

From Chambon-sur-Lac to Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise

17km • Medium •

🥾 Day 3: Lac Pavin

Like the end of the previous stage, this one takes place essentially in open and slightly uneven landscapes. This frame offers a rather staggering feeling of space.

However, there are two exceptions: the passages through the forest of the Fraux mountain, then by Lake Pavin.

The latter is undoubtedly a local highlight, visited by nearly 200,000 people a year. Its fame is due to its almost perfectly round shape, and the fact that it is the youngest volcano in mainland France with only 6,900 years.

Finally, the trail climbs to the foot of the Puy de Chambourguet, then ends at Super-Besse.

From Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise to Super-Besse

12km • Medium •

🥾 Day 4: Puy de Sancy

Here is the last stage of this 4-day trek around Sancy, and it allows you to take the famous ridge line of the massif.

The trail first leaves Super-Besse, crossing its ski area, then joins the Col de la Cabane and the Puy de Sancy (1,885 m), the highest peak in the Massif Central. The view is simply exceptional.

The path continues along a crest linking numerous puys, and descending towards Mont-Dore. As you approach the town, the trail returns to the vegetation with a forest, then leads to the parking lot of the starting point.

From Super-Besse to Mont-Dore

12km • Medium •

Share your experience of this Sancy tour with us on social media at @hikaguide!