6 hikes a day with exceptional panoramic views in the Puy de Dôme

Florian Meyer • March 17, 2024

Craving for wide open spaces? Take your hiking shoes and picnic to immerse yourself in nature for the day. We've selected 5 hikes with exceptional panoramas around the campsite in the Chaîne des Puys or the Sancy massif (+ two bonus ones).

Hike to Puy de Pariou 20 minutes from the campsite

The Cascades (and the ridges), departing from Mont Dore (25 minutes from the campsite). Some summarize this hike as being the most difficult but also the most beautiful of the Puy de Dôme ! Its approximately 1030m of elevation gain over 6 hours of walking makes it a demanding hike that should not, however, intimidate you. You will find on your way the Grande Cascade of Mont Dore at the start, and the Queureuilh and Rossignolet waterfalls at the arrival. Meanwhile, you will climb the ridges of the puys de l'Angle, de Monne, and de la Tache with incredible panoramas over the Sancy massif, as well as the entire chain of puys and the lakes below. The hike is to be avoided on days of strong winds or when the summits are in the clouds.
Information and details on Balirando
Puy de Dôme and Puy Pariou, departing from Col de Ceyssat (20 minutes from the campsite). This hike doesn't present any particular difficulties, apart from its reasonable 750m incline. However, be aware that it's not entirely marked, so keep an eye on your map. You'll start with the ascent of Puy de Dôme to enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the entire chain of puys to the north and south. You'll then join the legendary crater of Puy Pariou, the deepest in the chain! On the return, the proposed route takes you to the Petit and Grand Suchet, which you can skip to shorten the hike. Conversely, you can make an additional detour via the pretty Clierzou caves. This 4- to 5-hour walk is very pleasant, despite some very busy passages in the summer!
Information and details on Les Terres du Milieu

The Chaudefour Valley via the ridge and Puy de Sancy, from Chambon-des-Neiges (25 minutes from the campsite). Hike duration: 5 to 6 hours, approximately 950m elevation gain. The start of the hike offers a discovery of the exceptional natural reserve of the Chaudefour Valley with the Dent de la Rancune, the Crête du Coq... (possibility to see two waterfalls by making a detour off the path). The continuation is more demanding with an ascent to the ridges of the valley but with very beautiful panoramas in store! You can then climb 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 natural reserve.
Hike details on Balirando

Guéry Plateau, departing from the Guéry pass (15 minutes from the campsite). Little elevation gain for this hike (525m) which winds across the Guéry plateau and offers wonderful views throughout the route. Shortly after departure, you'll be surprised to discover the Guéry waterfall which jumps over a basaltic lava flow before joining the Guéry lake, which you'll walk along again on the return. The path then contours around Puy May before passing over the summit of Puy Gros. In the meantime, don't hesitate to leave the marked path for a detour to the summit of Banne d'Orbanche and its 360° panorama ! This 4- to 5-hour walk is surprising and really very pleasant !
Information and details on Balirando
The Sancy Ridges via the Capucin, departing from Mont Dore (25 minutes from the campsite). With 7 hours of walking and 1050m of ascent on the program, it's the longest hike in our selection, but perhaps also the most impressive! From the start, you'll climb via the Capucin to the puy Redon, with breathtaking views along the way! The next section will take you to the summit of the central massif, the puy de Sancy (which may be very crowded at the arrival of the cable car in summer). Try to spot the campsite from up there, we'll wave at you from the snack bar :-) The continuation will overlook the Chaudefour valley reserve and lead you to the Grande Cascade of Mont Dore. On the return, your legs will be tired, but you'll also have taken in the stunning views, we promise!
Info and details on Balirando

Puys de Jumes, de la Coquille and des Gouttes, departure near St-Ours (30 minutes from the campsite). A very beautiful hike in the Auvergne volcanoes, neither very long (5 hours walking), nor very difficult (15km for 500m elevation gain) and 50% shaded. The only negative point is the beginning and end of the walk, to reach the parking lot, which are a bit flat and monotonous. For the rest, it's a feast for the eyes! Two very beautiful craters to start with the Puys de Jume and de la Coquille, we walk on the ridge and have a plunging view into the volcanoes! The rest of the hike offers three very beautiful viewpoints on the chain of puys up to the Puy de Dôme (don't hesitate to make the short round trips to these viewpoints, it's well indicated). We finish with Puy Chopine and its magnificent panorama as a final bouquet!
Information and details on Balirando

BONUS >> Two other day hike ideas from the campsite.

As with all hikes, but especially for these, walking requires a minimum of equipment for your safety: closed shoes (good sneakers, hiking boots...) and warm clothing in your bag (most of these walks are over 1000m altitude). Also, remember to bring enough water and food to last the distance!
These long hikes are not recommended with young children, don't hesitate to come and discuss with us if you have doubts about your children's ability to embark on such adventures so that walking remains a pleasure.

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