The most beautiful hikes around d'Aydat and the volcanoes d'Auvergne
Whether you are on vacation in the Puy-de-Dôme or simply passing through for a weekend à Aydat, you will find around the volcanoes d'Auvergne dozens of magnificent randonnées. But we all ask ourselves the même question: which one to choose?
Want to set off directly à foot from the campsite, discover a volcano, cool off near a waterfall or find a hike suitable à young children? Whether you have an hour in front of you or a full day, we have gathered here the itineraries we most often recommend à our campers to help you find the one that suits you best.
Which hike do you feel like doing today?
Each hike has its own particularities. In just a few seconds, find the ones that best match your current wishes.
You are going with young children
A successful hike with children is not necessarily the shortest. From experience with our own kids, a crater, a lake or a waterfall are often the best motivations to keep moving... without (too much) complaining! 😊
You prefer to leave the car at the campsite
Several trails pass directly in front of the campsite. Ideal for setting off on foot early in the morning, without returning to the car, and discovering volcanoes, lakes or forests on foot.
Discover departures from the campsite
You feel like walking for several hours
For hikers who want to make the most of their day, here are our most sporty routes with the most beautiful panoramas of the volcanoes d'Auvergne.
You are walking the GR4 or the GR441
The campsite is located on your route. Find all useful information to prepare your stage or your night.
Our favorite hikes, according to your wishes
You will find dozens of hiking possibilities around Aydat. Rather than presenting them all, we have selected the ones we most often recommend to our campers, with their main advantages to help you make your choice.
Discover the volcanoes
If it's your first visit to Auvergne, it's often through these hikes that we recommend you start. They allow you to discover the iconic landscapes of the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with routes suitable for different levels.
Puy de Pariou
⏱️ 2 h • 20 min from the campsite
The emblématic volcano of the Chaîne des Puys. Its huge cratère circular impresses both adults and children alike. If you only have to do 'one single volcanic hikeé during your éjour, it's often the one we recommend. In été we advise you to go early to avoid the crowds. Attention: access to the heart of the crater is prohibited.
Ideal for : a première découverte of the volcanoes
Puy de la Vache and Lassolas (closed until 2027)
⏱️ 2 h • 10 min from the campsite
Two twin volcanoes with reddish colors, known for their lava flows that formed the lake d'Aydat. A hike that allows you to better understand the formation of the volcanoes d'Auvergne, and to be amazed! The ascent is a bit sporty but accessible at a relaxed pace. You can start directly from the campsite: 15 km, 5 h walk.
We recommend it for: to have l'impression of walking on the planet mars
Puy de Dôme
⏱️ 3 h • 20 min from the campsite
It's a must-see for its exceptional panorama over the entire Chaîne des Puys! The climb is rewarding and a bit physical but the view is worth the effort... The mule track and the summit are very busy, better to leave early... or late.
Idéal for : understand the formation of the Chaîne des Puys
Puy de Vichatel
⏱️ 2h30 • Départ from the campsite
Less fréquenté than the major classics, it still offers a superb cratère (the second deepest!) and the advantage of being able to descend l'intérieur to realize its impressive size! It's also a well-shaded hike and directly accessible from the campsite. Ideal for a cool hike during a période of high temperatures.
The tip-top hike for : to be able to say that you êtes descended into a volcano cratère
With young children
With children, the best hike isn't necessarily the shortest. We favor walks that make you want to move forward: a crater to explore, a lake to watch ducks, a waterfall to discover... So many small motivations that make the walk more fun.
Lake Servières
⏱️ 50 min • 10 min from the campsite
Undoubtedly the easiest walk we can recommend: a virtually flat lake circuit. Yet a wild setting for a lake nestled in a volcanic crater. You can take the opportunity to picnic in the shade of the trees lining the lake, a great cool spot!
Ideal for: a super easy walk, no elevation gain!
See the route and detailed information
Queuerilh and Rossignolet Waterfalls
⏱️ 1h15 min • 25 min from the campsite
A walk that works perfectly on its own with children, même très jeunes. Two très beautiful cascades along the way, two rivières to have a little fun between dams and small boats (our children spent hours there!). And a 100% shaded route, idéal for a cool vacation !
We recommend it : if you have a stroller, c'est one of the few hikes accessible (you need when même good wheels)
View the practical information of the cascade round
Lake Pavin
⏱️ 1 h • 30 min from the campsite
Lake Pavin intrigues both children and adults alike. Its perfectly round shape in a volcanic crater, its 90 m depth and the many legends that l'entourent make for a walk that is both fun and exotic (and shaded!). We love the changing colors of its mysterious waters...
Tip top for : a cool picnic in a magical setting
See the route and detailed information
At the campsite departure
One of the great advantages of the Les Volcans campsite is being able to set off directly à foot on the trails. No need to get back in the car or look for a parking spot: you put on your shoes, leave your emplacement ou votre hébergement... et la randonnée commence.
Puy de Combegrasse
⏱️ 1 h • Departure from the campsite
If there is a hike that we recommend to all our campers, it's this one. Our favorite starting from the campsite as it undoubtedly offers one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region, with the chain of puys on one side and the Sancy massif on the other.
Idéale for : a couché de soleil à breathtaking
View the route and detailed hike sheet
The Puy of Vichatel
⏱️ 2 h 30 • 🚶 Departure from the campsite
Still little known, the Puy de Vichatel nevertheless has the second deepest crater of the Chaîne des Puys. Being able to descend into the l'interior of the volcano makes this walk truly unique. As a bonus, a good part of the route is shaded.
We recommend it if: you want to découvrir a beautiful cratère without taking the car again.
The Puy de la Rodde
⏱️ 1 h • Départ from the campsite
The walk on this volcano combines two strengths: a route that is almost entirely shaded and absolute calm because it isn't yet listed as a hiking spot. The loop starting from the campsite is therefore very pleasant on hot days and still offers two viewpoints of the Sancy massif.
We recommend it if : you enjoy walks away from the crowd
See the route and detailed sheet for Puy de la Rodde
Our tips to make the most of your hikes
These tips are not always found in hiking guides. They are simply what we would have liked to know when we started exploring the volcanoes d'Auvergne with our children.
In summer, leave early... or later in the day
Even if the temperatures are often more pleasant than in the lowlands, some hikes are little shaded. By setting out before 9 h or after 17 h, you will enjoy wonderful light, milder temperatures... and far fewer people. And enjoying a sunset from the puy de Combegrasse, la Banne d'Ordanche or the Puy de Sancy, that is priceless!
Plan for suitable equipment
We are not in high mountains but these are still sometimes demanding hikes that should not be taken lightly. Forget sandals and flip‑flops, and wear good trainers or walking shoes! Slip a small warm garment, a raincoat or windbreaker, and something to snack on into the bag to regain strength if needed.
Always carry a little more water than planned
On most routes, you will find neither water points nor shops. An extra water bottle is often useful, especially on the hottest days. It's better to carry a little more weight than to run out of water in the middle of your hike.
The most well-known hikes are not necessarily our favorites
Le Pariou and the Puy de Dôme are must‑sees, but some lesser‑known walks, such as the Puy de Vichatel or the Puy de Combegrasse, sometimes offer a more pleasant experience, especially in full season. Likewise, the Puy de l'Angle or the Puy de la Tâche have panoramas that have nothing to envy compared to the Puy de Sancy, with added tranquility!
Are you hesitating between several hikes?
Stop by the reception! We will be happy to advise you on an itinerary based on the weather, your skill level, the children's age, or simply your wishes for the day. We also have many laminated hiking maps to lend you to guide you.
And if you discover a hike that deserves to be included in this selection, come tell us... we love chatting with our campers!
Frequently asked questions about hiking around the campsite
What is the most beautiful hike to do if you have to choose only one?
If it's for a first discovery of the Auvergne volcanoes, we recommend the puy de Pariou. Its huge cratère is spectacular and représente perfectly the emblematic landscapes of the Chaîne des Puys.
Which hike to choose with young children?
We often recommend the Lake Servières for its facilité and its magnificent setting. The waterfalls of Queureuilh and Rossignolet are également a good option : the route is ombragé and the children love playing près the two rivièrs.
🚶 Can we start walking directly from the campsite?
Yes! Several of our favourite hikes start directly from Camping Les Volcans, especially towards the puy de Combegrasse, the puy de Vichatel or the puy de la Rodde. It's one of the great advantages of staying with us and makes the Camping Les Volcans an ideal place for hikers.
What time to leave in summer?
During the hottest journées, we recommend leaving before 9 h or after 16-17 h. You will enjoy more pleasant températures, less fréquentés trails and a superb light for photos.
Do you need hiking shoes?
For the easiest walks, a good pair of sneakers is usually sufficient. For longer or more technical hikes, hiking or trail shoes provide better comfort and better grip.
Are there water points on the trails?
Very rarely, if ever. Make sure to bring enough water before you leave, especially in summer. It's better to bring a little too much than not enough!
Are the parking lots easy to access?
Yes, but the parking lots for the most popular hikes (such as Puy de Pariou or Puy de Dôme) can quickly fill up during peak season. If you can, aim for an early morning start. Some parking lots are paid in high season, such as for the Vallée de Chaudefour and the Col de Guéry.
Do you have hiking maps?
Yes! We provide several laminated hiking maps that we lend free of charge to our campers. It is also possible to d'acheter the IGN maps at the reception.
Can we hike with a dog?
Yes, many randonnées are accessible with a dog on a leash. Some areas, however, cross sensitive natural spaces or pâturages; we will point you to the most suitable itineréraires or you can consult our page dedicated to vacations with your dog in Auvergne.
Are you hesitating between several hikes?
Come see us at the reception! We will be delighted to advise you on an itinerary based on the weather, your level, l'âge des enfants or simply your wishes for the day.
Find all the other frequent questions about the campsite
