8 hikes to do with children (from 3 years old)
Because hiking is even better when you can share it with family, here are 8 walks near the campsite tested and approved with our children, between volcanoes, waterfalls and lakes of Auvergne. Good news: all these hikes start from the Les Volcans campsite or are located less than 30 minutes drive away.
Puy de la Combegrasse
Allow a good hour with children to complete this loop from the campsite. There is a gentle slope to climb the puy but without major difficulty. And the climb is worth the detour: at the top, you'll have a
360° panorama on the chain of puys on one side and on the Sancy massif on the other (with 2 orientation tables). Along the way, you may encounter sheep in estive, cows or horses. It's also a great
spot to admire the sunset (bring warm clothing)!
The big plus: departure from the campsite and one of the
most beautiful panoramas in the region.
The
Puy de Combegrasse hike
Tour of Lake Servière
Walk for 40 to 60 minutes (departure 10 minutes from the campsite), very accessible as there is no incline. The only difficulty is the first part of the path with many roots. But then the path is very passable, with large spaces, small ladders to cross fences, small bridges in the wet area... Children love it! In the summer you may even have a chance to find raspberries at the end of the route, or mushrooms in the autumn.
10 minutes from the campsite, on the road to Mont-Dore, good signage and parking.
The
Tour du Lac de Servière on Balirando
Puy de Vichatel
The second deepest crater in the chain of puys, this volcano offers a beautiful hike through the woods (very pleasant on sunny days) with beautiful views from the top. The walk takes about 1h30 or 2h with children, from the parking lot of the Col de la Ventouse (5 minutes from the campsite), there are some steep climbs but on a very accessible path.
The
Puy de Vichatel on Balirando
Rossignolet and Queureuilh Waterfall
25 minutes from the campsite, in Mont-Dore. A loop of about an hour on an easy path for children (only a few climbs and a sometimes slippery passage before the Rossignolet waterfall). A large part of the path is in the woods, very pleasant in all weather, and a section runs along the river with the possibility of water games for children (building dams, bark boats...).
The two waterfalls are really worth a detour!
The
hike Ronde des cascade on the Sancy website
Tour of Lac Pavin
30 minutes from the campsite, in Besse. The loop takes an hour, with very little elevation gain and a path that is often wide and easy. You just need to keep an eye on your younger children: even if the path is not dangerous, the lake is always below. Of volcanic origin (93m deep), this lake offers
an incredible landscape in all seasons and its water takes on magical colors! By extending the walk by a few minutes, you can enjoy beautiful views from above (good signs on site).
As a bonus: stop in the very beautiful village of Besse and stroll (or have a snack!) in its medieval streets.
The
Tour du Lac Pavin on the Sancy website
The geyser trail at Sainte-Marguerite
30 minutes from the campsite: a marked trail takes us along the Allier between different sources of an old thermal site now abandoned. After a few minutes of easy walking, we come face to face with the geyser which becomes active every 20 minutes or so, a beautiful surprise that astonishes children every time! Several other sources are of interest around (
some photos ). The path is quite flat and easy, so it's possible to take bikes or balance bikes.
Information on the location and access
More ideas: It is possible to take advantage of the trip to visit Vic-le-Comte nearby, to discover the wild Quayres waterfall or to go up and admire the panorama from the Vierge de Monton.
Puy de Montenard
5 minutes from the campsite. It is the
volcano furthest south in the chain of puys, it is clearly visible from the campsite. The hike starts from the village of Zanières and is well marked. The first part is uphill and essentially through woodland until the summit of the puy where
a very beautiful view of the Sancy massif opens up . The return is made on a gentle slope back to the starting point. In total, between 1h30 and 2h of very accessible walking.
For adults, it is possible to leave directly from the campsite by taking the direction of the Narse d'Espinasse for a total of 14km.
Information about the Balirando site
Tour of the Gergovie plateau
20 minutes from the campsite. On the site of
the battle that opposed the armies of Vercingetorix and Julius Caesar! The tour of the plateau presents no difficulty, with very little elevation gain. Be careful only on days of high heat as there is very little shade. You will have
magnificent views throughout the route: on the chain of puys, on Clermont-Ferrand, on the Livradois... which makes it a very pleasant walk for both kids and adults!
Take the opportunity to visit the brand new museum of the Battle of Gergovia , fascinating to realize what happened on the plateau a few hundred years ago.
On windy days,
bring a kite, the spot is fantastic :-)
Information on the Destination Auvergne website
Hiking with young children is taking the time to observe, marvel and share good times together. In Auvergne, volcanic landscapes, lakes and forests offer an ideal playground for accessible and surprise-filled walks. Each at their own pace, the essential thing is to enjoy the journey... and the memories we create as a family.
Don't hesitate to ask us for advice at the reception during your stay at the campsite :-)
As with all hikes, going for a walk with children requires a minimum of equipment for your safety: closed shoes (good sneakers, hiking boots...) and warm clothing in your bag (most of these walks are above 1000m altitude). Also think about a water bottle and a small snack to motivate the troops!
