5 day hikes with exceptional panoramas in Puy de Dôme

Florian Meyer • March 17, 2024

Want wide open spaces? Take your walking shoes and your picnic to immerse yourself in nature for a day. We have selected 5 hikes with exceptional panoramas around the campsite in the Puys chain or the Sancy massif (+ two bonuses).

The Cascades (and the ridges) , departing from Mont Dore (25 minutes from the campsite). Some people summarize this hike as being the most difficult but also the most beautiful in the Puy de Dôme! Its 1030m of elevation gain for 6 hours of walking make it a demanding hike which should not scare you. You will find on your way the Great waterfall of Mont Dore at the start, and the Queureuilh and Rossignolet waterfalls at the finish. In the meantime, you will climb the crests of the Puys de l'Angle, Monne and La Tache with incredible views of the Sancy massif but also the entire chain of Puys and the lakes below.
The hike should be avoided on windy days or when the peaks are in the clouds. Info and details about Balirando .
The Puy de Dôme and the Puy Pariou , starting from the Col de Ceyssat (20 minutes from the campsite). This hike does not present any particular difficulties , apart from its reasonable height difference of 750m. Be careful however it is not fully marked, so keep an eye on your map. You will start by climbing the Puy de Dôme to enjoy the panorama at the top over the entire chain of puys to the north and south. You will then reach the legendary Puy Pariou crater , the deepest in the chain! On the way back, the proposed route takes you to Petit and Grand Suchet, which you can pass to shorten. Conversely, you can make an additional detour through the pretty caves of Clierzou .
This ballad of 4 to 5 hours of walking is very pleasant, despite some very busy passages in summer! Middle-earth info and details .

The Chaudefour Valley via the ridges and Puy de Sancy, starting from Chambon des Neiges (25 minutes from the campsite). A 5- to 6-hour hike, with an elevation gain of approximately 950m. The start of the hike will offer you a chance to discover the exceptional Chaudefour Valley nature reserve, with the Dent de la Rancune and the Crête du Coq (possibility of seeing two waterfalls by going back and forth off-route). The rest is more challenging, with a climb to the valley's ridges, but with some very beautiful panoramas to enjoy! You can then climb the Puy de Sancy (round trip) or simply continue the loop via the ridges on the other side of the valley for a gentle return. Dogs are not allowed in the nature reserve.
Details of the hike on Balirando

Plateau du Guéry , from Col de Guéry (15 minutes from the campsite). Little difference in altitude for this hike (525m) which criss-crosses the Guéry plateau and offers wonderful viewpoints all along the route. Shortly after the start, you will be surprised to discover the Guéry waterfall which jumps a basaltic lava flow before joining the Guéry lake , which you will follow again on the way back. The path then goes around the Puy May before going through the summit of the Puy Gros. In the meantime, do not hesitate to leave the marked path for a detour to the top of the Banne d'Orbanche and its 360° panorama!
This walk of 4 to 5 hours of walking is surprising and very pleasant! Info and details about Balirando .
The Sancy crests via Le Capucin , departing from Mont Dore (25 minutes from the campsite). With its 7 hours of walking and 1050m of vertical drop on the program, it is the longest hike of our selection , but perhaps also the most impressive! breathtaking views along the way The next section will take you to the top of the Massif Central, the Puy de Sancy (which can be very busy when the cable car arrives in summer). Try to spot the campsite from up there, we'll say hello to you from the snack bar :-) The next step will take you over the Chaudefour valley reserve and lead you to the Grande cascade du Mont Dore.
On the way back, you will have your legs full but also your eyes full, we promise! Info and details about Balirando .

BONUS >> Two other ideas for day hikes from the campsite.

As for all hikes, but for these in particular, walking requires a minimum of equipment for your safety: closed shoes (good sneakers, hiking boots...) and warm clothes in the bag (most of these walks are more than 1000m above sea level).
Also remember to take enough water and food to last the distance! These long hikes are not recommended with young children, do not hesitate to come and discuss them with us if you have any doubts about your children's ability to embark on such adventures so that the walk remains a pleasure.

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