Hikers and cyclists: prepare your stop at the campsite!
Located along GR 4 and GR 441, and near GR 30 and GTMC VTT, our Les Volcans campsite is a must-stop! Whether you're on foot or by bike, we'll welcome you in the best conditions at the campsite. Here you'll find practical tips to easily reach the campsite, avoid unnecessary detours, and enjoy its services designed for hikers and itinerant cyclists.
Come to the campsite
Here are some tips to make it easier for you to access the campsite and avoid unnecessary kilometers! Recent changes to the GR route will make you take an unnecessary 2.7km detour, so here's how to avoid it:
GR 4 and GR 441
After the parking of the Puy de la Vache turn right, you will then take the old route of the GR (unmarked, orange route see below) with a great path through the woods, beautiful viewpoints and a passage at the foot of the Puy de Vichatel. You will join the GR just above Fonclairant. 2,7 km less and quite a bit of elevation avoided! See plan below.
GR 30
My directions after the parking of the Puy de la Vache, turn right onto the old GR (unmarked, orange trail below). You will avoid many road sections and enjoy several peaks on the route (6,3km to the campsite). The next day you will join the GR at Lake Aydat (3,6 km descent, light blue trail). The total distance is therefore equivalent to the GR trail (9,4km) but with less road, more forest and more volcanoes!
Great Massif Central Crossing (GTMC) by mountain bike
two possible solutions to reach the campsite during the standard Laschamps-Murol stage:
- At the start of the stage, turn left at the level of Puy de Monteillet, heading towards Puy de la Vache (violet route below) then after the parking of Puy de la Vache follow the old GR (orange route). Total distance 8.4km with good path.
- In the middle of the stage, at the level of Saulzet-le-Froid, turn left and pass through the narse of Espinasse before reaching the campsite (violet route). Total distance: 5.2km of good paths.
- The other possibility is to arrive via option 1, then join the GTMC route the next day via option 2, the total distance will be slightly less than the normal GTMC route.
Sleep at the campsite, your hiking stage
For your stage at the campsite, you have a choice between:
- A campsite spot , for which we offer you a specific rate with our Hiker package (see section Our rates ). In high season (from July 5 to August 25), we advise you to book so that we can be sure we can welcome you.
- Nightly accommodations , perfectly suited to traveling travelers! We offer you three itinerant accommodations: the Dome, the Tentenbois and the Trappers Lodge. Each time, you will find real beds and a kitchenette. You also have the possibility to reserve sheets .
We know that sometimes the journée of walking or the vélo does not go as prévu, so
if you think you will arrive après l'heure de fermeture de la réception (18h) give us a call : we will tell you où you install à your arrivée or
we will wait for you !
Dining at the campsite
You can stock up and dine directly at the campsite. Several options are available to you:
- Our épicerie , in which you will find basic products (compotes, pates, salads, gâteaux, drinks...) and dépannage (brosse à dent, toilet paper, bandages...)
- The rotisserie , order a roasted chicken with fries to enjoy upon your arrival! Call us no later than the day before to order (open in high season).
- The Snack , will offer you the comfort of a refreshment or an ice cream upon arrival! Then a good dinner (burgers, pizzas, Auvergne specialties...), washed down with Auvergne drinks! (open in high season)
Useful services at the campsite
La laverie : une machine à laver et un sèche-linges (rapides !) vous permettrons de repartir tout propre si vous le souhaitez.
The freezer : to freeze bottles or ice blocks during the night (free of charge).
Free Wi-Fi access everywhere in the campsite (free of charge)
Lockers for charging mobile phones (free)
The book box to take or exchange a novel for the next part of your journey.
Whether you are on a multi‑day itinerary or on a shorter stop, the campsite is designed as a place of rest, practical and welcoming. If you have any doubt about your arrival, your next stop or the current conditions, don't hesitate to call us : we will do our best to make the road, or the path, easier for you! :-)
