7 hikes to do with children (from 8 years old)
With children, it's possible to tackle some beautiful hikes, adapting the pace and snack breaks! Volcanoes, waterfalls, forests... Here are some ideas around the campsite to explore the treasures of the Auvergne volcanoes park. The age of 8 is indicative, don't hesitate to discuss with us before you start.
All these hikes have been chosen for their scenic appeal, their accessibility with children and the possibility of easily adapting the distance or difficulty.
Notable hikes and "wow!" effect
- Puy Pariou and Clierzou caves
, approximately 2h45 walking, departure 25 minutes from the campsite . Better to know before: it's one of the most frequented hiking areas in the volcanic chain. But the scenery is really worth the detour! The majestic crater of Puy Pariou (the deepest in the chain), the panorama of the numerous surrounding puys (Puy de Dôme, Puy de Côme, Puy des Goules...) , the ascent of the grottes of Puy de Clierzou... The hike is quite accessible starting with a gentle slope ascent in the shade on Pariou, then the descent is made via stairs facing Puy de Dôme. Then two options: direct return (left) or a detour via the grottes de Clierzou (right, approximately 45 minutes round trip, 110m elevation gain)
- The Chaudefour Valley Waterfalls , approximately 3h30 of walking (8km), departure 25 minutes from the campsite . You will be amazed in the heart of the Chaudefour valley nature reserve with the following itinerary: three waterfalls, the Dent de la Rancune, the Sainte-Anne spring, the Sancy scenery... It's an out-and-back hike but it's possible to shorten the route along the way, for example by not going all the way to the Cascade de la Biche.
- Servières Lake via the Puy de l'Ouire, approximately 3h30 of walking (10.5km), departure 10 minutes from the campsite . A little-known hike that alternates between passages through woods and paths in the middle of high-altitude pastures. Leaving Servières Lake, we climb up to the Col de l'Ouire and its puy, which offers an incredible view of the Sancy massif and Lake Guéry notably. The second part of the route is easier and brings us back to the shores of Servières Lake , which we can walk around or not. This hike is generally very little frequented and therefore very pleasant in all seasons.
Hikes that venture off the beaten track
- Puy de Combegrasse, Puy de l'enfer and Narse d'Espinasse , about 3 hours walk (10km), departure from the campsite . This hike without great difficulties (except for the good climb of Puy de Combegrasse) offers beautiful discoveries, notably the astonishing Narse d'Espinasse, an ancient crater at the foot of Puy de l'enfer, which was long believed to be haunted! You will also be treated to sublime panoramas of the chain of puys, from Espinasse and especially from the summit of Puy de Combegrasse, where you will also admire the Sancy massif.
Avoid this in the middle of the day on hot days, as there is little shade on this path.
Details of the Balirando hike .
- Tuilière and Sanadoire Rocks, approximately 2h45 of walking, departure 10 minutes from the campsite . A beautiful loop around the famous Tuilière and Sanadoire rocks, with beautiful climbs and descents! Even if you don't climb to the top of these two impressive remains of a volcano , the climbs are sometimes steep, so you need to take your time and catch your breath. But you can appreciate the calm of the place (rarely very crowded even in summer) and its freshness when it's hot because 80% of the path is in the woods. On the first part, streams can make for a great play area, refreshment or picnic.
- Puy de Peyronère (with the castle and the church of St-Saturnin) , about 3h15 (10km), departure 15 minutes from the campsite . A hike off the beaten track and away from the crowds to discover Saint-Amant-Tallende, Saint-Saturnin, the surrounding vineyards and the Puy de Peyronère. On the return journey, you will pass by the royal castle of St-Saturnin and its church, one of the five major Romanesque churches of Puy de Dôme.
The lower altitude than most other hikes makes it an ideal route in case of bad or cool weather.
Details of the hike on Balirando.
Hiking from the summit of the Massif Central
- Descent from Puy de Sancy , approximately 2 hours walking (4km), departure 40 minutes from the campsite . The traditional loop allowing ascent of Puy de Sancy from Mont Dore station would be too difficult for many children, but it is possible to do a large part of the journey by (paid) cable car. You will then have about 860 steps (20 minutes) to reach the summit of the Massif Central! Then descend to return to the station, passing near the source of the Dordogne.
Details of the hike on Sancy.com (full loop to be taken during the cable car ride)
These hikes allow you to share good times with family, without complicated logistics or constraints. By adapting the pace and breaks, children discover the volcanoes of Auvergne in a fun and immersive way. And if you have any doubts about an itinerary or the weather, don't hesitate to come and discuss it at the reception: we'll help you choose the most suitable walk.
Read before enjoying these hikes:
- so as not to put yourself unnecessarily in danger.It is essential to be properly equipped for hiking,
- the natural areas you will cross are very fragile. It is therefore necessary to stay on the paths and not leave any litter behind . These small precautions allow everyone to fully enjoy the incredible scenery that this beautiful region has to offer!
- there are no toilets on these hikes (except exceptionally at the departure car park)
