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
, about 2h45 of walking, départ à 25 minutes from the campsite . Better to know beforehand: c'est l'un des lieux de randonnée les plus fréquentés de la chaine des volcans. But the décor is really worth the détour! The majestic crater of Puy Pariou (the deepest of the chain), the panorama over the many surrounding puys (Puy de Dôme, Puy de Côme, Puy des Goules...), the ascent of the caves of Puy de Clierzou... The hike is quite accessible starting with a gentle slope ascent and à the shade on the Pariou then the descent is via stairs facing Puy de Dôme. Then two options: direct return (à left) or a detour via the Clierzou caves (à right, about 45 minutes round trip 110m of dénivelé)
- The waterfalls of the Chaudefour Valley , about 3h30 of walking (8km), departure at 25 minutes from the campsite . You will be dazzled at the heart of the natural reserve of the Chaudefour valley with the program : three waterfalls, the tooth of the grudge, the Saint-Anne spring, the scenery of the Sancy... It's a round-trip hike but it is possible to shorten the itinerary along the way by not going all the way to the Biche waterfall, for example.
- Lac de Servières en passant par le puy de l'Ouire, approximately 3h30 of walking (10,5km), departure at 10 minutes from the campsite . A little‑known hike that alternates passages through woodland and paths amid high‑altitude pastures. Leaving Lac de Servières, we climb to the col de l'Ouire and its puy which offers a breathtaking view of the Massif du Sancy and Lac de Guéry in particular. The second part of the route is easier and brings us to the shores of Lac Servières , which can be circled, or not. This hike is generally very sparsely 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 3h walk (10km), from the campsite . This hike without major difficulties (except the good climb of the Puy de Combegrasse) offers beautiful views, notably the striking narse d'Espinasse, an old crater at the foot of the Puy de l'enfer, which was long thought haunted! You will also be entitled to sublime panoramas over the chain of the puys, from Espinasse and especially from the summit of the Puy de Combegrasse where you will also admire the Massif du Sancy.
Avoid this in the middle of the day on hot days, as there is little shade on this path.
Details of the Balirando hike .
- Rocks Tuilière and Sanadoire, about 2h45 walk, départ à 10 minutes from the campsite . A beautiful loop around the célèbres rocks Tulière and Sanadoire, with beautiful montées and descents! Même if you don't climb to the summit of these two impressive vestiges d'un volcano , the grimpettes are sometimes steep, you must then take your time and catch your breath. But we apprécie the calm of the place (rarely très fréquentés même en été) and its coolness when it's hot because 80% of the path is in the woods. On the first part, streams can provide great play space, cooling or picnics.
- Puy de Peyronère (with the castle and à the church of St-Saturnin) , about 3h15 (10km), departure about 15 minutes from the campsite . A hike off the beaten path and away from the main crowds to discover Saint-Amant-Tallende, Saint-Saturnin, the surrounding vineyards and the Puy de Peyronère. On the way back you will pass the royal castle of St-Saturnin but also its church, one of the five major Romanesque churches of the 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 of Puy de Sancy , about 2h of walking (4km), départ à 40 minutes from the campsite . The traditional loop allowing l'ascension of Puy de Sancy from the Mont Dore station would be too difficult for many children, but it is possible to do a large part of the path in téléphérique (paid). You will then have about 860 steps (20 minutes) to reach the summit of the central massif! Then the descent to return à the station with a passage près the source of the Dordogne.
Detail of the hike on Sancy.com (full loop to take on the way with the cable car)
These hikes allow you to share good moments with family, without constraints or complicated logistics. By adapting the pace and breaks, children discover the volcanoes of Auvergne in a playful and immersive way. And if you have any doubt about an itinerary or the weather, do not hesitate to come discuss it at the reception: we will help you choose the most suitable walk. Also check out our hiking guide.
Also discover:
- our complete guide to hikes around Aydat.
- 8 family-friendly hikes from age 3
- 6 hikes with children in the Puy de Dôme from age 8
Read before enjoying these hikes:
- so as not to put yourself unnecessarily in 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 you will cross are très fragile. It is therefore advisable to stay well on the trails and not leave any déchets behind or . These small précautions allow à everyone to fully enjoy the incredible décors offered by this beautiful région !
- there are no toilets on these hikes (except exceptionally at the departure car park)
