The 10 most beautiful hikes in Auvergne
Located in the heart of the Massif Central, the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park is the largest natural park in metropolitan France. It offers unique landscapes, with high altitude lakes, large plateaus, and above all more than 80 volcanoes! The Chaîne des Puys was even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.
Of course, there's nothing like walking to soak up the region. Here is our selection of the 10 best hikes in the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park.
Puy de Dome
We begin this selection with one of the most famous peaks in Auvergne: the Puy de Dôme (1,465 meters). Located in the Chaîne des Puys, about fifteen kilometers from Clermont-Ferrand, this 11,000-year-old volcano is accessible by several routes.
We prefer the Sentier des Muletiers, starting from the Col de Ceyssat, which allows us to reach the summit of the Puy de Dôme and then continue via the Puy Pariou (1,209 meters). The return is then made in the forest between two smaller volcanoes, the Grand and the Petit Suchet.
Puy de Sancy
We continue this selection with the highest point of the Massif Central: the Puy de Sancy (1,885 meters). Its rugged ridges offer magnificent views of the Mont-Dore valley, while the crossing of the Val de Courre presents immaculate landscapes. An a must see trail in the region.
The Chaudefour Valley
Here is now a loop hike on the crests of the National Nature Reserve of the Chaudefour Valley. This glacial valley offers a particularly rich fauna and flora, as well as panoramic views of the Sancy and the Puys.
Want to discover the Chaudefour valley and the Puy de Sancy in a single hike? It's this way: Puy-de-Sancy by Chaudefour.
Pavin Lake
Nestled at an altitude of 1,200 meters, Lac Pavin is emblematic of the region and attracts many visitors. This lake of volcanic origin has an almost perfectly circular shape, for a depth of 92 meters. This circuit allows you to go around it while discovering a pretty forest and the summit of Puy Montchal.
The Banne d'Ordanche and the Guéry plateau
Departing from Lac de Guéry, this path allows you to discover the immense plateau of the same name, famous for its wild grasses and its many herds. Postcard landscapes.
Puy Mary
From now on, head for the Cantal mountains for a short and easy walk to Puy Mary. Little effort for a sumptuous view, which can carry as far as Mont Blanc on sunny days.
Puy de Peyre Arse
Here is a longer alternative to the previous walk. This circuit is frequented up to Puy Mary, then a little quieter on the ridges leading to the Puy de Peyre Arse. Note the crossing of the breach of Roland, a technical passage requiring the use of hands.
Puy Chavaroche
Away from the hustle and bustle of Puy Mary, but with a lovely view of it, Puy Chavaroche (1,736 meters) is a well-kept secret in the area. Going over the crests in particular offers magnificent landscapes on each side.
Puy Griou
From Les Chazes, ascent of a summit of the Monts du Cantal with an atypical shape. The climb is steep and exposed, while the descent is gentle and through the forest. And of course, the panorama is splendid.
Le Puy Bataillouse
Finally, we end this selection with a difficult hike starting from the Lioran resort. The path rises to Puy Bataillouse, before continuing towards the Téton de Vénus and the Bec de l'Aigle rock. Note that the last descent is very steep!
Want more ideas? It's this way: see all the trails in the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park . 🗺
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