blog post
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!
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!
Ideas for day hikes around Les Volcans campsite. Sancy ridges, Puys de Dôme and Pariou, Guéry plateau, waterfalls...
- Shaded hikes. Several hiking trails are well suited to very hot days thanks to the shade offered by the undergrowth. Among the easiest hikes (from 3 years old), the tour of Lake Pavin, the Puy de Vichatel or the Queureuilh and Rossignolet waterfalls are recommended. Slightly longer and shaded hikes are also possible such as the Dent du Marais loop in Murol (2h15), the three waterfalls of the Chaudefour valley (3h) or the Roches Tuillières and Sanadoire loop (3h). Remember to take water, there are generally no refueling points on the paths. - Hiking near the water. On hot days it is also pleasant to hike along a stream and have a picnic stop in the cool. The Gorges de la Monne (15 minutes from the campsite) are ideal for this type of getaway, the walk lasts 2 hours and it is possible to stop and play at the water's edge without difficulty. Be careful though, the end of the return path is not very shaded. Another possibility: the Chiloza waterfalls, a 2-hour walk near Besse which leads to the edge of multiple small waterfalls where children can play, build dams, make boats... Possibility of shortening the walk by doing a round trip to avoid the somewhat long second part of the loop. - Swimming at the lake. Although many lakes are close to the campsite, only Lake Aydat and Lake Chambon are allowed for swimming. It is even monitored there during the summer on the developed beaches. It is also possible to rent pedal boats, canoes, paddles... In July and August, we advise you to go there in the morning to enjoy the calm. - Adventures at the Forêts des Arboris (5 minutes from the campsite). This eco-citizen leisure park is located in the Aydat forest and offers activities suitable for all ages: treasure hunt for the little ones, game experiences (a sort of escape game in the countryside) or laser wood (laser game in the woods) for older children and adults. We then enjoy the freshness of the forest and the refreshment bar with its local drinks. The adventure also continues into the evening with Auvergne legends that come to life between land art and incredible light shows. We recommend +++ - Visit to the Grotte de la pierre de Volvic (35 minutes from the campsite). Freshness guaranteed in this old quarry from which Volvic stone was extracted, this dark volcanic rock found on many buildings including the Clermont-Ferrand cathedral. We also discover the daily life of the workers who worked there as well as the works made from this stone. Information on the Volvic stone cave site.
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...
Discovery of vineyards and wine tastings in Puy-de-Dôme, AOC Côte d'Auvergne, from the Les Volcans campsite in Aydat.
Campsite The Volcanoes ***
11 chemin de la Rodde, La Garandie, 63970 AYDAT
+33 (0)4 73 79 33 90
Use our secure platform to book your pitch or rental
Book online
