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5 running and trail courses in volcanoes

Florian Meyer • May 1, 2021
Do you want to take advantage of your vacation to stretch your legs? Here are some ideas for routes on the paths surrounding Camping Les Volcans, for beginner joggers or experienced trailers.  
Panorama from Puy de Combegrasse
Running in volcanoes has several advantages: beautiful, well-maintained paths, hilly terrain and a dream setting! SO don't forget your sneakers when packing your suitcase, you might regret it.

We offer 5 routes starting from the campsite that we have experimented with with height differences and distances to suit all desires:
- The small Garandie loop, 4km, easy.
- The  volcano rollercoaster, 6km, medium.
- Narse d'Espinasse and Puy de Combegrasse loop, 10km, medium.
- Puy de Vichatel and Puy de Charmont tour, 11km, demanding.
- Les Puys de la Vache and de Lassolas, 17km, difficult.

1. The small loop of La Garandie
It is an accessible circuit with very little difference in altitude which allows you to go around the village and enjoy pretty views. Despite a visit to the Puy de l'enfer, you shouldn't suffer too much! Ideal for stretching your legs, discovering the trail or digesting a truffade :-)

Sheet and route of the small loop of La Garandie


2. The roller coaster of volcanoes

This circuit will make you draw an 8 while passing the crater of Puy de Combegrasse and going around Puy de la Rodde. But it will also be a sort of roller coaster with alternating climbs and descents. Its 150m difference in altitude makes the 6km of the course less easy than it seems. Your reward: the incredible viewpoint at the top of Puy de Combegrasse!

Sheet and route of the Grandhuit des volcanos.


3. Narse d’Espinasse and Puy de Combegrasse loop

The advantage of this loop is that it is fully signposted (yellow and PR markings), there is no risk of taking the wrong path!

Two major points of interest: the Espinasse narse at the foot of the Puy de l'Enfer and above all an exceptional panorama 1km before arrival with a 360° view of the chain of puys and the Sancy massif.

Hilly route with a steeper side to climb the Puy de Combegrasse.

Sheet and route of the Narse d'Espinasse and Puy de Combegrasse loop.


4. Puy de Vichatel and Puy de Charmont tour

A main difficulty with this circuit: the ascent of Puy de Vichatel. get to the top, you'll have plenty of fun, but you'll also be amazed! The panorama of the Puys chain and the Sancy massif alone should give you the strength you need to climb to the summit :-)

The route is entirely on a path, with just a secondary road to cross twice (be careful!)

Sheet and route of the Puy de Vichatel with the tour of the Puy de Charmont.


5. Puy de la Vache and Lassolas

Your calves may heat up for this demanding but superb course! The icing on the cake is the passage to the top of the twin puys of Lassolas and La Vache with very beautiful panoramas to discover. If there is no continuous marking on the route, the path is still well maintained and passable. Very little road, mainly crossings where you will have to be careful, particularly at the Col de la Ventouse. The two main difficulties are the climb of Puy de Lassolas (on a pouzolan ground) and the descent of Puy de la Vache with a lot of steps.

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