6 hikes to do with children (from 8 years old)
April 11, 2021
With children it is possible to tackle very beautiful hikes, by adapting the pace and the snack breaks! Volcanoes, waterfalls, forests... Here are some ideas around the campsite to explore the treasures of the Auvergne volcano park. The age of 8 years is indicative, do not hesitate to discuss it with us before starting.
- Puy Pariou and Clierzou caves, approximately 2h45 walk, departure 25 minutes from the campsite. It's better to know it before: it's one of the most popular hiking spots in the chain of volcanoes. But the decor is definitely worth the detour! The majestic crater of Puy Pariou
(the deepest of the chain), the panorama of the many surrounding puys (Puy de Dôme, Puy de Côme, Puy des Goules...), the ascent of the caves of the puy de Clierzou... The hike is quite accessible
starting with a gentle climb in the shade on the Pariou then the descent is via stairs facing the Puy de Dôme. Then two options: direct return
(on the left) or a detour via the Clierzou caves (on the right, approximately 45 minutes round trip 110m difference in altitude)
Details of the hike on Visorando.
- The waterfalls of the Chaudefour Valley , approximately 3h30 walk (8km), departure 25 minutes from the campsite . You will be amazed in the heart of the Chaudefour valley nature reserve with on the program: three waterfalls, the tooth of rancor, the Sainte-Anne spring, the scenery of Sancy... It is a hike in return trip but it is possible to shorten the route along the way by not going to the Biche waterfall for example.
- Puy de Combegrasse, Puy de l'enfer and Narse d'Espinasse , approximately 3 hours of walking (10km), departure from the campsite . This hike without great difficulty (apart from the good climb of the Puy de Combegrasse) offers great discoveries including the astonishing narse d'Espinasse, an ancient crater at the foot of the Puy de l'enfer, which was long believed to be haunted! You will also be entitled 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 in the middle of the day on very hot days, there is in fact little shade on this path.
- Roches Tuilière and Sanadoire, approximately 2 hours 45 minutes walk, departure 10 minutes from the campsite . A beautiful loop around the famous Tulière 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 have to take your time and catch your breath. But we appreciate the calm of the place (rarely very busy even in summer) and its freshness when it is hot because 80% of the path is in the undergrowth. On the first part, streams can make great play areas, refreshments or picnics.
- Puy de Peyronère (with the castle and the church of St-Saturnin) , approximately 3h15 (10km), departure 15 minutes from the campsite . A hike off the beaten track and busy streets to discover Saint-Amant-Tallende, Saint-Saturnin, the surrounding vineyards and the Puy de Peyronère. On the way back you will pass in front of the royal castle of St-Saturnin but also 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 gloomy or cool weather.
- Descent from Puy de Sancy , approximately 2 hours of walking (4km), departure 40 minutes from the campsite . The traditional loop allowing the ascent of Puy de Sancy from the Mont Dore station would be too difficult for many children, but it is possible to cover a large part of the way by cable car (payable). You will then have some 860 steps (20 minutes) left to reach the top of the central massif! Then the descent to return to the station with a passage near the source of the Dordogne.
Details of the hike on Sancy.com (full loop to be taken in progress with the cable car)
To read before enjoying these hikes:
- so as not to put yourself in unnecessary danger. It is essential to be properly equipped for hiking, with suitable shoes, warm clothing (the weather changes quickly at altitude), a raincoat, water, something to eat ...
- the natural spaces that you will cross are very fragile. It is therefore advisable to stay on the trails and not leave any waste behind . These little precautions allow everyone to fully enjoy the incredible scenery that this beautiful region offers!
- Puy de la Combegrasse, the essential in an hour! It's the ride to do even if you only spend one night at the campsite. Count a good hour including a nice little coast to climb the Puy but without major difficulty. And the climb is worth the detour: at the top you will have a 360 ° panorama on the chain of Puys and on the Sancy massif (with 2 orientation tables). It is also a very beautiful place to admire the sunset (provide hot clothes)! This hike is accessible to children, from 3 years old, taking its time. Please note, dogs are not allowed during summer periods, from May to October. As a bonus: the brochure "I discover the Puy de Combegrasse" (available at the reception of the campsite) The Puy de Combegrasse hike (beware here the departure is not a campsite) want to extend the pleasure? Add the Puy de l'Enfer and the Espinasse Narses after the Puy de la Combegrasse. Or about 3 hours of walking (10km, yellow markup) still from the campsite. This hike offers great discoveries with in particular the amazing Espinasse Narse, an old crater at the foot of the Puy de l'Enfer, which has long been haunted! You will also be entitled to sublime panorama on the Puys channel. Details of the Balirando hike. - Puy de Vichatel, a magnificent crater in 2:30 am! It is the second deepest crater in the Puys chain after Puy Pariou), and it is possible to go inside, a great experience! A large part of the hike is in wood (very pleasant the sunny days) with beautiful views at the top. The ride lasts about 2:30 or 3 hours with children, on very practicable paths. The route is not marked out from the campsite but you cannot get lost with an IGN card or a GPS application. The course is available is line. - Puy de la Rodde, a hike of about 1 hour (3.3km) partly in the undergrowth, so very pleasant in hot weather! This volcano opposite the entrance to the campsite was the subject of arrangements in 2025 which allow to benefit from very beautiful panoramas on the Sancy massif and the chain of Puys but also to guess its crater at the top. The path is well practicable and accessible without problem with children. A new essential in the sector! Puy de la Rodde hiking route departing from the campsite - Puys de la Vache de Lassolas, the twins in one day! Go with the picnic to discover these two beautiful twin craters. On the menu: glowing pozzolan and panoramas of the exceptional on the chain of Puys! To take advantage of it you will have to face two beautiful ribs and a lot of stairs. Our little advice: climb by Puy de Lassolas, because his path is in a pozzolan, very slippery on the descent. On your way you will also come across the Puys de Charmont and La Rodde. To discover these Puys with young children, prefer the departure of the parking lot provided for this purpose. Proposals for a 16km loop between the campsite and the Puys de la Vache and Lassolas or a longer alternative with an 18.5 km course from the campsite. - Lac de Servières, a day discovery! This lake was formed in a volcano crater and offers a still wild landscape. The hike to access it from the campsite is a round trip without any particular difficulty with several beautiful views. It is possible to eat along the way to Pessade. The hike of about 19 km is done by following the white and red marking of the GR from the campsite.
Our advice for hiking with young children (from 3 years old) in the Puy de Dôme: Puy de combegrasse, Lac Pavin, Lac de Servière, Mont Dore waterfall...
Giant zip line, via ferrata, tree climbing, e-foil, paragliding, summer tobogganing... Sensational activities around the campsite in Aydat in the Puy de Dôme (from 3 years old)
Want to go down a river in a canoe or kayak? Two possibilities are available to you depending on the type of river you expect: - On the Allier for a bit of speed and some rapids. Departure with Auvergne Loisirs from Pont-du-Chateau or Sainte-Marguerite (30 minutes from the campsite). You will discover this tributary of the Loire which is worth the detour. Our advice is to opt for the course between Coudes and Ste-Marguerite for the scenery and the rapids! (-10% on canoe rentals thanks to the Pass'Arverne available at the campsite reception) - On the Sioule for a peaceful descent in a wild setting. Departure with Aqua Canoe in Ebreuil (55 minutes from the campsite) or Sioule loisirs (1 hour from the campsite). A little extra: possibility of combining your canoe trip with a Via Ferrata or rail bike depending on the location! Ready for the canyoning adventure? Embark with Auvergne Loisirs with a meeting point at Chambon-sur-Lac (15 min from the campsite, then a little further on the road to get to the start). Then you will have a busy program: jumps, abseiling, slides... between natural pools and waterfalls! The jumps range from 2 to 7 meters in height. Are you more into sailing or paddling? Aydat Lake is the largest natural lake in Auvergne and offers a magnificent playground for all types of boats: pedal boats, paddle boats, windsurfing, catamaran, optimist, canoe... You will inevitably find what you are looking for in the sailing school (3 km from the campsite) which offers several rental formulas. Want originality? Try your hand at e-foil or wing-foil to surf the lake. It is also possible to participate in the courses organized during the summer over several days. (-10% on activities thanks to the Pass'Arverne available at the campsite reception)
Cheeses, beers, apple juice, chips, wines... We offer as many local products as possible at the campsite's grocery store and snack bar. Discover these Auvergne producers who will delight you.
Our ideas for activities and visits to do when it rains around the campsite in Aydat, in Puy-de-Dôme. Vulcania, Aventure Michelin, castle, swimming pools, climbing... You can continue to enjoy your vacation despite the rain!
