6 hikes to do with children (from 4-6 years old): cave, puys or waterfalls

- Châteauneuf Caves (15-20 min from the campsite). Discover these ancient troglodytic dwellings, which were even topped with a fortified castle, of which we can still see some remains! The hike lasts about 2 hours without major difficulties except for two or three good climbs. The view from the caves allows you to admire St-Nectaire from below, as well as the Château de Murol and the Sancy massif

- Puy de la Tâche (20 min from the campsite). Do it in good weather, because the view is extraordinary throughout the hike and offers a 360° panorama from the summit! The entire Sancy massif is on display, as well as the lakes of Guéry and Chambon, the chain of puys... You can even make out the campsite. The hike is marked and in the form of a round trip from the Croix Morand pass. The outward journey is therefore a constant ascent

- Chiloza Waterfalls (25 min from the campsite). A beautiful walk, particularly pleasant on hot days thanks to the shade of the forest and the coolness of the river gorges. While the start of the hike is of little interest, the rest is sublime with a succession of small and large waterfalls in a sort of canyon! The steep path on this part will awaken the children's sense of adventure... In several places, it's possible to approach the torrent and play in it.

- La Dent du Marais in Murol, 2h15 walking, departure 15 minutes from the campsite. A beautiful loop for this hike that brings us close to the shores of Lake Chambon but above all to discover a very beautiful panorama on the lake and the Sancy massif. The walk is accessible, without particular difficulty except for the some 220m of elevation gain, climbed in one go between the village of Murol and the summit of La Dent du Marais, passing close to the Château de Murol. Panels will make you discover the legend surrounding this rocky needle, once called the "Saut de la pucelle"... A good part of the hike takes place in the woods, so pleasant even in the sun.

Hike details on Koomot 

- Puy des Goules and Grand Sarcoui Cave, 1h45 walking, departure 25 minutes from the campsite. The walk starts from the same car park as the famous Puy de Pariou, but with much less traffic, yet the crater is magnificent and still allows access! The return journey path presents no real difficulty, apart from a good climb to the crater. From up there, the view is breathtaking on the surrounding volcanoes: Pariou, Puy de Dôme, Puy de Côme... On the way back, you'll pass by the Grand Sarcoui cave, which was used as a quarry for sarcophagi in the Middle Ages

Details of the 1h45 hike (marked and displayed on site)

- Pic du Capucin, with or without the funicular, 1h30 to 2h walk, departure 25 minutes from the campsite. Start this adventure by taking the Capucin funicular, you will be taken back to the last century with France's oldest electric funicular. The hike then begins at the Capucin lounge and starts with a section of path on an old road (not necessarily the most pleasant) in the forest until you reach an old buron. You will then tackle the last part of the ascent, on a winding and steeper path. The arrival at the top of the Capucin offers an exceptional panorama on the whole Sancy massif ! The return is made by the same path. It is possible to walk back down without taking the funicular on the return.

To guide you, in summary:

👉 Very easy and fun: Grottes de Châteauneuf, Cascades de Chiloza

👉 Spectacular view: Puy de la Tâche, Pic du Capucin

👉 Emblematic volcano: Puy des Goules

👉 Lake & panorama: Dent du Marais”

These are often the short hikes that become the most beautiful memories for children when they return from their Auvergne vacation! Even if they grumble (a bit) before starting the hike :-)