Are you tempted to hike the volcanoes, ridges and glacial valleys of the Auvergne? This exceptional land promises a unique adventure in the heart of Le Mont-Dore. Let’s explore its most secret trails!
In the heart of the Massif Central and the Auvergne lies a land of epic proportions: Le Mont-Dore. A ski resort in winter, the landscape is transformed into a hiker’s paradise in summer. And while this postcard panorama may take your breath away, Le Mont-Dore is not just something to look at, it’s something to experience as you hike.
Between volcanoes, ridges and glacial valleys, everything here is conducive to wonder! You’ll find natural, unspoilt landscapes, a veritable paradise for hiking enthusiasts. To help you plan your stay in the Auvergne, here are the 7 most beautiful hikes in Le Mont-Dore.
1. Puy de Sancy
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: approx. 2h30
- Distance: 7.9 km
- Difference in altitude: 536 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
It’s impossible to discover Le Mont-Dore without climbing its highest peak: Puy de Sancy. A must-see in the region, this is the trail that will take you to the most beautiful landscapes in the Auvergne. Accessible to young and old alike, the trail takes you to the headwaters of the Dordogne, before beginning your ascent to the summit.
Once you’ve reached the highest point of the Puy de Sancy, you’ll be in ecstasy: a breathtaking view of the Puy Gros, Lake Chauvet and the surrounding mountains. On the way down, you’ll take in a number of passes and summits, including Puy Redon and Col de Courre, before finally arriving in the Val. As green as it is hilly, you’ll never know whether you’re in France or on one of Scotland’s famous Munro mountains.
Accessible to all and perfectly signposted, if ever there was a hike to do in the Auvergne it’s this one!
2. The Great Cascade
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 1h30
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 249 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
Among the region’s most impressive landscapes, the Grande Cascade tops the list. Considered to be the highest waterfall in the Auvergne, the hike will guarantee you a spectacular shower!
With a 30-metre waterfall surrounded by a cirque, this short hike has all the ingredients to produce that long-awaited spark of wonder. All the more so as the trail is historic, having been criss-crossed for centuries by spa-goers from the Grands Thermes du Mont-Dore, and today represents a major stopping-off point for hikers.
The route takes you through undergrowth, ensuring a cool, peaceful walk. And even if the gradient is a bit steep at times, it’ll take you to a superb viewpoint over the Mont-Dore valley.
3. The Sancy ridges
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: approx. 6 hours
- Distance: 16.1 km
- Ascent: 1,010 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- See the route
In the Dordogne valley, the volcanic crests of Sancy represent a route that is as spectacular as it is vertiginous. This trail, reserved for hiking enthusiasts, is a little more demanding, with a gradient that is certainly present, but still very reasonable. The main advantage of riding on ridges is the 360° panoramic view over glacial valleys.
And in addition to the breathtaking scenery of the Chaudefour and Chastreix-Sancy valleys, you’ll also be able to observe animal life, with marmots and chamois roaming the valley every day. A mythical route, every good hiker in the region must have made this ascent at least once.
4. The Guéry discovery trail
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 1 hour
- Distance: 4.7 km
- Height difference: 122 m
- Difficulty: Easy
- See the route
Considered the highest lake in the Auvergne region, Lac du Guery was formed by a lava flow and has served as a volcanic dam for centuries.
Once explosive, today it’s a place that exudes calm and serenity, enveloped by its wild, unspoilt mountains. The walk is quick and easy, and the perfect opportunity to discover different viewpoints of the lake and the Guery waterfall.
Moors and forests will accompany your path before arriving at a superb panoramic view of the Massif de Sancy and the Chaîne des Puys from the heights of the Lac. It’s a pleasant hike, accessible to all, and a must-do during your stay in Le Mont-Dore.
5. The Sancy loop
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: approx. 6 hours
- Distance: 16.9 km
- Height difference: 1,183 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- See the route
If you’re coming to discover Le Mont-Dore, take the time to wander through the glacial valleys of the Massif and its surrounding Puys. And just what you need, the Sancy loop covers all the most beautiful corners of the region.
The trail will take you to Puys as grandiose as they are different, each offering spectacular views over the massif. You’ll pass through the Puy de Redon, as verdant in summer as it is magical in winter with its coat of snow, the Puy de Ferrand and the famous Puy de Sancy.
And that’s not all: get ready to discover two of the three sublime glacial valleys of the Massif du Sancy: the Réserve Naturelle de Chaudefour and the Réserve Naturelle de Chastreix-Sancy. Renowned for their sublime panoramas and distinctive alpine flora, these are the most spectacular valleys in the Auvergne!
If it’s a sporty hike, it’s absolutely worth the detour, a sight not to be missed.
6. Le puy Gros
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: approx. 2 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Difference in altitude: 389 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- See the route
As you can imagine, Le Mont-Dore is home to a variety of spectacular Puys. And while they all have their own unique characteristics, the Puy Gros offers the finest view of the Puy de Sancy, the Mont-Dore valley and the Haute Dordogne.
The trail is accessible to all, alternating between undergrowth and grandiose panoramas. This vestige of an ancient sunken dome is an enjoyable hike for the whole family, offering a new view of the region from Le Mont-Dore.
7. Puy de Sancy via the Vallon de Chaudefour
Photo credit : Alltrails
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Distance: 15 km
- Difference in altitude: 904 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
- See the route
It’s time to discover Le Mont-Dore’s most secret glacial valley: the Vallée de Chaudefour. Classified as a natural site, the area is framed by the sheer cliffs of the glacial cirque. At the heart of this enchanting natural setting are springs, waterfalls, the Dent de la Rancune and the Crête de Coq.
This immense, unspoilt natural area is home to flora and fauna untouched by the human footprint – a true delight! Although the trail is one of the most beautiful hiking circuits in Le Mont-Dore, it remains much less well known than the Sancy massif. It’s a little haven of peace for hikers in search of nature and tranquillity.