Great crossing of the Auvergne volcanoes by trail running in 4 days
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration4 days
-
LevelConfirmed
-
DestinationPuy-de-Dôme / Clermont-Ferrand
-
AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions44.42 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
English
In a few words
Embark on a trail running trek across the Auvergne Volcanoes ! This 4-day journey between the Chaîne des Puys, the Monts Dore , and the Puy de Sancy is a golden opportunity to discover these majestic landscapes while honing your trail running skills. You'll explore nature reserves such as the picturesque and protected Chaudefour Valley. During this 120km trek with nearly 5,000m of cumulative elevation gain , you'll enjoy the best terrain in the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park ! With a mountain guide specializing in trail running , you'll learn the specific running techniques for this discipline, allowing you to progress and better understand running uphill, downhill, on rough terrain, using poles, and more. Furthermore, you'll address all the issues related to preparation and performance in trail running: training, effort management, and recovery. You will spend your nights in comfortable accommodations, with a heated pool and spa to recover from your efforts.
The highlights
-
4 days of trail running to discover the best of the Massif Central
-
Each evening you find your luggage ready to run light during the day
-
The wild and little-known landscapes of the Chaîne des Puys on trails
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
The expert's opinion
Prerequisites: You regularly practice running (at least 4 outings of 1h30 per week) and you regularly do a long run of more than 4 hours on a trail.
You practice other endurance sports (cycling, cross-country skiing, etc.), and you regularly go hiking in the mountains.
Technicality of the terrain: Rolling paths, alpine pastures, some small trails or short scree crossings. Possibility of crossing a ridge or a slightly exposed ledge.
UTMB Index required: 450
The UTMB index level is given as a guide and indicates, according to our team, the score to reach to get the most out of this training course. More info on the UTMB index
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 30 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1375 m
Management
English
Supervision by one (or two if there are more than 8 participants) specialist trail running instructor who will give you their best advice.
Program
-
From Orcines - Aydat - “The peaks of the Chaîne des Puys” (29 km and 1,100 m elevation gain)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 30 km
- Positive elevation gain 1098 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 10:30 am at Clermont-Ferrand train station.
Transfer to Orcines.
We begin our adventure with a day trip through the peaks of the Chaîne des Puys .
In the evening, we retrieve our luggage for the night in a small mountain hotel.
Day 1 -
Aydat — Mont-Dore via the ridges (32 km 1,300 m elevation gain)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 30 km
- Positive elevation gain 1300 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off from Aydat to reach Mont-Dore by walking along a pretty path of volcanic ridges .
In the evening, we find our luggage.
We are settling into our mountain inn in Mont-Dore for two nights.
Day 2 -
Banne d'Ordanche and Puy de Sancy (32 to 38 km and 1,700 m elevation gain)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 30 km
- Positive elevation gain 1700 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we are embarking on the ascent of the highest peak in the Massif Central, the Puy de Sancy , which rises to an altitude of 1885 m.
We return to our hostel in Mont-Dore.
Day 3 -
Chaudefour Valley and Lake Pavin (29 km — 1,400 m elevation gain)
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 30km
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 29 km
- Positive elevation gain 1400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We conclude this internship by discovering the incredible landscapes of the Chaudefour Valley and Lake Pavin.
A transfer takes us back to Clermont-Ferrand station.
The internship ends at 4:30 pm at Clermont-Ferrand train station.
Day 4
Note
The mileage and elevation gain mentioned are only indicative. The guides may need to modify this program, particularly depending on weather conditions, the physical and technical level of the participants, or any other unforeseen event.
Accommodation
You will be staying in hotels and mountain hostels in shared rooms.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by one (or two, if there are more than 8 participants) trail running specialist instructor
- Accommodation and meals from the evening of the first day to lunchtime on the last day
- Your transfer (included in the program)
- Your luggage will be transferred daily.
- Your transfer from Clermont-Ferrand train station
- The landscapes of the Chaîne des Puys and the Massif Central
The price does not include
- Lunch on the first day (picnic)
- Transfers not included in the program
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Your race snacks (cereal bars, etc.)
- Your transportation to the meeting point and from the end-of-internship location
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.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Things to plan for the day
- A trail running backpack from 5 to 20 L
- A water bladder or water bottles on the bag (1.5 L minimum, 2.5 L recommended)
- A waterproof or windproof jacket
- A warm long-sleeved top
- Tights or long trousers in the bag
- Trail-specific socks
- A pair of sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.
- A plastic bag for waste
- Bars, dried fruit...
- A little cash and your bank card.
- A hat and thin gloves
Things to plan for your stay
- A change of clothes for the duration of the internship
- A toiletry bag and a towel
- Spare trail running shoes (especially for trips longer than 3 days)
- An outfit for after the race
- A pocket knife
- Earplugs or earplugs
- A headlamp
Clothing to bring
Things to plan for the day
- A trail running backpack from 5 to 20 L
- A water bladder or water bottles on your pack (1.5 L minimum, 2.5 L recommended), to be adjusted on the morning of departure according to the weather and your needs
- A waterproof or windproof jacket
- A warm long-sleeved top
- Tights or long trousers in the bag
- Trail-specific socks
- A pair of sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.
- A plastic bag for waste
- Bars, dried fruit...
- A little cash and your bank card.
- A hat and thin gloves
