Wild crossing of the Sancy, from volcanic peaks to Lake Pavin
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationClermont-Ferrand / Massif Central
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions13.38 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover the wild Auvergne region on a 3-day trek through the heart of the Massif Central . Starting from Mont-Dore , this exceptional route takes you to the most beautiful panoramas of the Sancy massif, all the way to the mysterious Lac Pavin .
Your adventure begins with the ascent of Puy des Crebasses , offering spectacular views of the surrounding glacial valleys . You will then take on the challenge of reaching Puy de Sancy , the region's highest peak at 1,885 meters. Between technical mountain trails , exposed sections , and traverses of high plateaus , each day will bring its own unique thrills. Depending on the weather, refreshing breaks and swims in high-altitude lakes will reward your efforts.
As night falls, the experience continues in a unique trapper atmosphere. You'll share traditional Auvergne meals cooked around the campfire before drifting off to sleep in a tipi bivouac . This guided adventure emphasizes conviviality and total disconnection from nature , ideal for lovers of wide-open spaces seeking authenticity.
The highlights
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Nights spent camping with Auvergne-style meals around the fire
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Cross the Sancy massif, from Mont-Dore to Lake Pavin
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Reach the Puy de Sancy, the highest peak in the Massif Central
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 780 m
- Average daily descent: 550 m
Management
French
I was born and raised in the Limagne plain, with the Chaîne des Puys as my playground from a very young age. What began as a passion has become my profession: guiding and sharing the treasures of the Auvergne. I envision experiences where sport, nature, and conviviality come together… always with delicious food on the menu!
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 770 m
- Negative elevation 690 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at 10:30 am at Clermont-Ferrand train station, or directly at 11:30 am in Mont-Dore. After welcoming the group and receiving instructions from the guide, the adventure begins with a warm-up hike in the mountain atmosphere of the Sancy region. An Auvergne-style picnic kicks off the hike with a focus on local flavors and conviviality.
From Mont-Dore, a former spa town nestled in a glacial valley, the trail climbs gradually towards the Grande Cascade waterfall. The route then reaches the Durbise plateau, offering beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. The day continues past the Roc de Cuzeau, followed by a climb along the ridges to the Puy des Crebasses summit, perched at 1,762 meters.
The descent then leads to the wild Chaudefour Valley, before reaching Chambon-des-Neiges and then the shores of Lake Chambon. Depending on the weather and the group's wishes, a relaxing break or a swim allows everyone to enjoy the surroundings. We set up camp at the end of the day, followed by an evening of local aperitifs, an Auvergne-style meal, and a campfire.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 160 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a night in a tipi, the day begins at the group's pace, with the goal of continuing the trek across the Sancy massif. The route climbs again through varied landscapes: high-altitude forests, open pastures, volcanic formations, and valleys carved by ancient glaciers. This stage allows you to experience the full diversity of the Massif Central, from the gentle green spaces to the more rugged, rocky character of the ridges.
The highlight of the day is the ascent of the Puy de Sancy, which rises to 1,885 meters. From the summit, the view stretches far across the Auvergne mountains and the rounded outlines of ancient volcanoes. Some sections require attention, particularly the more exposed parts, but the guide adjusts the pace and accompanies the group throughout the climb.
After a long day of hiking, it's back to the bivouac spirit for the second evening. The group settles into a peaceful natural setting, with the option of using a nearby shower, depending on the planned arrangements. A hot dinner and local specialties extend the simple and welcoming atmosphere of the stay.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 870 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The final day extends the journey towards one of the region's iconic sites: Lake Pavin. The route continues through the characteristic landscapes of the Sancy, traversing mountain paths, high plateaus, open valleys, and offering views of volcanic formations. After two days of exertion, this stage allows you to fully appreciate the progress and wide-open spaces of the Massif Central.
The guide shares his knowledge of the terrain, the fauna, the flora, and the volcanic history of the area. As the kilometers pass, the atmosphere becomes gentler, until the arrival at Lake Pavin, surrounded by forests and volcanic slopes. This final scene provides a beautiful conclusion to the trek.
After the final picnic, the group heads to the designated return point near Clermont-Ferrand. The expedition is scheduled to end around 4:30 pm at the train station, with three days of hiking, two nights camping, and a true immersion in the wild landscapes of the Sancy region.
Day 3
Note
Walking and activity times are given as a guide and may vary depending on the weather and the pace of the group.
Accommodation
Access
Meet at 10:30 at Clermont-Ferrand train station, or directly at 11:30 in Mont-Dore.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by an experienced mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the terrain.
- Accommodation in a 10-person tipi tent will be provided by us; an opportunity to discover the joy of comfortable nights spent camping.
- All the meals from the picnic on Day 1 to the picnic on Day 3 offer the opportunity to taste the region's specialties.
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Your own mattress and sleeping bag for comfortable nights in the tipi
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
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 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) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider 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.
