6 hikes to do with children (from 4-6 years old): caves, volcanic peaks or waterfalls

- Châteauneuf Caves (15-20 min from the campsite). Explore these ancient troglodytic dwellings , which were even topped by a fortified castle, some remains of which can still be seen! The hike lasts about 2 hours and is not very difficult, apart from two or three steep climbs. The view from the caves allows you to admire St-Nectaire below, as well as Murol Castle and the Sancy massif (or so it seems, because we were in the fog the day of our walk!).

- Puy de la Tâche (20 minutes from the campsite). A must-do in good weather, as the view is extraordinary throughout the hike and offers a 360° panorama from the summit! The entire Sancy massif unfolds before you, as well as the Guéry and Chambon lakes, the Chaîne des Puys... You can even glimpse the campsite. The hike is marked and is an out-and-back trail from the Col de la Croix Morand. The ascent is a steady climb to the summit, and the return is downhill. Children should manage without any problem if you take your time on the way up (and promise a crêpe at the mountain hut on the way back?).

- Chiloza Waterfalls (25 min from the campsite). A beautiful walk, particularly pleasant on hot days thanks to the shade of the forest and the coolness of the river gorge. While the beginning of the hike is not particularly interesting, the rest is sublime with a succession of small and large waterfalls in a kind of canyon! The steep path in this section will awaken the adventurous spirit in children... In several places, it is possible to get close to the stream to play in it.

- The Dent du Marais hike in Murol and 15 minutes, starting 15 minutes from the campsite . This beautiful loop hike takes you close to the shores of Lake Chambon and, more importantly, offers a stunning panoramic view of the lake and the Sancy massif . The walk is accessible, with no particular difficulties except for the approximately 220 meters of elevation gain, climbed in one go between the village of Murol and the summit of the Dent du Marais , passing near Murol Castle. Information panels will tell you the legend surrounding this rocky peak, once called the "Maiden's Leap"... A good part of the hike is through woodland, making it pleasant even in the sunshine.

Details of the hike on Koomot 

- Puy des Goules and Grotte du Grand Sarcoui , 1 hour 45 minute walk, starting 25 minutes from the campsite . The walk begins from the same parking lot as the famous Puy de Pariou, but it's much less crowded. Yet the crater is magnificent, and it's still permitted to enter it! The out-and-back trail isn't particularly difficult, apart from a good climb up to the crater. From up there, the view of the surrounding volcanoes is breathtaking: Pariou, Puy de Dôme, Puy de Côme... On the return, you'll pass by the Grotte du Grand Sarcoui, which was used as a quarry for sarcophagi in the Middle Ages .

Details of the 1 hour 45 minute hike (marked and signposted on site)

- Capucin Peak, with or without the funicular, 1.5 to 2 hours hike, starting 25 minutes from the campsite . Begin this adventure by taking the Capucin funicular ; you'll step back in time on the oldest electric funicular in France . The hike starts at the Capucin lounge and begins with a section of path along an old road (not necessarily the most pleasant) through the forest until you reach an old shepherd's hut (buron). You'll then tackle the final part of the ascent, on a winding and steeper path. Reaching the summit of Capucin offers an exceptional panoramic view of the entire Sancy massif! The return is via the same route. It is possible to descend on foot without taking the funicular back down.