Hiking the lakes and volcanoes of Auvergne
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationMassif Central / Puy-de-Dôme
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions68.67 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
A hiking trip in the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park , located in the young Chaîne des Puys mountain range. You'll embark on a true outdoor exploration of volcanism , discovering its cones, craters, domes, and lava flows. The route is dotted with numerous lakes, the result of volcanic activity, including magnificent crater lakes with their romantic charm. A detour to the Puy de Sancy, the highest peak in the Massif Central, will reward you with exceptional panoramic views of the entire Chaîne des Puys volcanic chain.
The highlights
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Discover the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Park
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Extraordinary views
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Ascent to the Puy de Sancy, the highest peak in the Massif Central
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 17 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 653 m
- Average daily descent: 553 m
Management
We offer you a complete digital travel package including: access to our smartphone guide app, a list of your accommodations, any vouchers and all the essential information to ensure your stay runs smoothly.
A printed version is available as an option.
Program
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Mont Dore
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival and check-in at your hotel.
Night in the heart of Mont Dore in a 3* hotel.
Day 1 -
Mont Dore - Lake Chambon
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You begin this hiking trip in Auvergne. During this first day you will discover the great waterfall, the Durbise plateau, the Cuzeau rock, the Chaudefour valley and the Chambon lake.
You will spend the night at the 2** Hotel du Lac Chambon.
Day 2 -
Lake Chambon - Besse en Chandesse
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h45
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 755 m
- Negative elevation 515 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The day will begin with the exploration of La Dent du Marais (it is possible to shorten the stage by going directly to Murol), then a visit to the Château de Murol, the charming village of Courbanges, and finally the medieval town of Besse en Chandesse, built on a lava flow.
You will spend the night in Besse en Chandesse in a 2** hotel.
Day 3 -
Besse en Chandesse - Super Besse
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h15
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 710 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You will visit Lake Pavin, which, according to legend, was once considered unfathomable. You will then continue to the Creux de Soucy and its chasm formed by the collapse of an ancient lava flow, followed by the Puy de Montchal, which rises to 1407m and offers panoramic views. Finally, you will end your journey at Super Besse, the Auvergne resort located near its lake.
You will spend the night in Super Besse in a 2** hotel.
Day 4 -
Super Besse - Chareire or Picherande
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You will pass by Lake Chauvet, which occupies a vast explosion crater similar to that of Lake Pavin, as well as the small village of Chareire. An alternative route is via the Barthe waterfall.
You will spend the night in Chareire in an inn or in Picherande in an unclassified hotel.
Day 5 -
Chareire or Picherande - Mont Dore
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The final day of this hiking trip in the Auvergne region involves crossing the Fontaine Salée valley, traversing the ridges, and summiting the Puy de Sancy (1855m), offering panoramic views of the entire volcanic chain. The return to Mont Dore is via the Puy de Cliergue (1691m) and the Capucin (1468m), a remarkable mountain stage renowned for its ridges and viewpoints. The trip concludes after this stage upon your arrival in Mont Dore. It is possible to extend your stay by an additional night and enjoy a loop hike starting from Mont Dore.
Day 6
Note
Possible extension : An additional option would be to extend your stay from Mont-Dore with a day hike. You can discover the Guéry lake and pass, offering remarkable views of the Tuilière and Sanadoire rock formations. Next, you will reach Puy Gros, another exceptional viewpoint overlooking La Bourboule, Mont-Dore, the Puy de Sancy, and the ridges that dominate Mont-Dore, such as the Puy de la Tache and the Puy de l'Angle (22 km, 6 hours of walking, +700m, -700m).
We may sometimes need to make slight changes to the proposed itinerary, primarily due to hotel availability. Rest assured that these adjustments are always made in your best interest, to ensure your safety and provide you with greater comfort!
Accommodation
You will spend one night in a 3-star hotel, three nights in a 2-star hotel and one night in a guesthouse, in a double room.
Regarding hotel classifications in France, a growing number of hotels and bed and breakfasts are refusing to be classified, even those that were classified just a year or two ago. However, this does not necessarily mean a decline in quality; quite the opposite. Many bed and breakfasts are charming. If we indicate, for example, a comfort level of "3 stars or equivalent," it means that the establishment is not necessarily officially classified, but offers a level of comfort similar to that of a 3-star hotel.
You will spend one night in a 3-star hotel, three nights in a 2-star hotel and one night in a guesthouse, in a double room.
Regarding hotel classifications in France, a growing number of hotels and bed and breakfasts are refusing to be classified, even those that were classified just a year or two ago. However, this does not necessarily mean a decline in quality; quite the opposite. Many bed and breakfasts are charming. If we indicate, for example, a comfort level of "3 stars or equivalent," it means that the establishment is not necessarily officially classified, but offers a level of comfort similar to that of a 3-star hotel.
Access
The stay ended in the afternoon of day 6 in Mont Dore, after the hike.
Go to the starting point
From Paris Bercy: there is a change to be made in Clermont-Ferrand, it takes about 4h30.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a double room, half-board
- A travel dossier in digital format
- Tourist taxes
- Registration fees
The price does not include
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Potential transfers
- Luggage transfer
- Site visits
Options
- Paper travel file : CHF32.02 / unit
- Luggage transfer : CHF192.11 / person
- Additional night in Mont Dore - Single room : CHF123.50 / person
- Extra night in Mont Dore - Double room : CHF96.05 / person
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
⚠️ For this stay, you must also bring your health insurance card.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
For hiking:
- Telescopic walking sticks, which are very important for making walking easier.
- Mountain boots that provide good ankle support, with a good lugged sole, a heel counter and good waterproofing.
For a picnic lunch:
- Prepare your own cooking kit consisting of a bowl, a box or a plastic plate, as well as cutlery (spoon, fork, knife).
- Bring one or two water bottles with a total capacity of at least 1.5 liters – this is mandatory. For the winter months, a thermos water bottle is recommended.
To protect you from the sun and rain:
- Use a high protection sunscreen.
- Don't forget sunglasses, a cap, a hat or a bucket hat.
- Bring a rain cape or a waterproof jacket of the "softshell" or "Gore-Tex" type, as well as waterproof trousers if necessary.
Clothing to bring
Hiking tips:
For a comfortable hiking experience, a layering system is recommended. This involves wearing warm base layers such as tights and breathable base layers made of breathable, breathable fibers, a sweatshirt or fleece jacket, and a mountain jacket and overpants made of a waterproof and breathable membrane (such as Gore-Tex or similar materials) for harsh weather. Generally, it's best to avoid cotton, which retains moisture close to the body (and dries slowly), in favor of suitable synthetic materials, except in hot climates.
Here are also the clothes you should bring:
- Comfortable "hiking-specific" socks (at least 3 pairs).
- A fleece jacket.
- Comfortable walking trousers made from quick-drying technical material.
- Comfortable and technical shorts.
- Technical t-shirts or underwear, made of quick-drying material.
- A long-sleeved shirt.
It's worth noting that while technical synthetic clothing performs very well, there are also new merino wool garments that are both high-performing and comfortable to wear. Furthermore, they have the advantage of not developing perspiration odors.
After the effort :
- A pair of casual sneakers for the evening
- Change of clothes and personal toiletries
- Toiletry bag and small towel
- Swimsuit and large towel for fitness facilities or swimming occasions
They traveled with us
