Planning a trip to the mountains? Don’t miss these 10 must-sees for your next vacation in Le Mont-Dore!
The resort of Le Mont-Dore, located in the Puy-de-Dome département, is unique for its location in the heart of the Parc Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne. In fact, it was one of the first classified ski resorts in France! Perfect for a family trip, the mountain resort lies at an altitude of just over 1,000 meters and offers a wide range of outdoor activities to try.
Surrounded by lakes and volcanoes, the resort also offers magnificent scenery to admire. Whether you’re hiking, biking or quad biking, all within a stone’s throw of your hotel, the choice is yours! We’ll guide you through some of the things to do during your next stay in the Auvergne mountains. Don’t wait any longer to discover our selection of the 10 must-do things to do in Le Mont-Dore in winter and summer!
1. Cross-country skiing
- 🗓️ Best period:December to end of February
- ❄️ Opening dates: December 03 to April 04
- 💙 We like: try cross-country skiing for a change from downhill skiing!
In winter at Le Mont-Dore, it’s all about skiing! From downhill and cross-country skiing to ski touring and snowboarding, you can try it all. The resort offers a wide choice of runs and itineraries, so you’re spoilt for choice. But by far our favorite activity at Le Mont-Dore is cross-country skiing!
Indeed, the Le Capucin sector of the Mont-Dore resort offers a magnificent choice of cross-country ski trails stretching over 49 kilometers, including 3 forest trails. There’s no need for a guide: whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for while enjoying the mountain scenery. Some of the trails are specifically for Nordic skiing, but others are multi-activity and can also be used by snowshoers and pedestrians.
To avoid queues in sports stores, remember to book your skis or snowboard in advance. Generation Voyage offers you 5% off the total cost of your ski rental.
2. Test the aventu’ride
- 🗓️ Best period: December to February
- ⏳ Duration: descent takes about 1 hour
- 💙 We like: the unique aspect of the activity
We’ve got the perfect outdoor activity for you ! Hold on tight, and try theaventu’ride. But what exactly is aventu’ride?
It’s a snowboard on which you lie down, allowing you to take on the slopes in a whole new way. In simple terms, it’s like bodyboarding, but on snow! In our opinion, this really is the must-do activity in Le Mont-Dore, not only for the incredible sensations it provides, but also for its uniqueness! In fact, you won’t find this activity in many resorts. So why not make the most of it on your next trip?
3. Go paragliding
- 🗓️ Best period: all year round, because every season has its advantages!
- ⏳ Duration: approx. 1h30
- 💙 We love: the subtle blend of tranquility and thrills
If you like to discover different points of view, you should of course discover, or rediscover, paragliding.
! You’ll be able to observe the Auvergne volcanoes from the air, and it’s a complete change from terrestrial vantage points. As far as the eye can see, you can admire the whole massif, including theincredible Chaîne des Puys, while sitting comfortably with your professional guide. The perfect opportunity to observe the Puy de Dome in an original way!
As you’ll be in a two-seater with a passionate instructor, you’ll feel completely at ease! The reviews are unanimous: after a smooth take-off, you’ll just have to enjoy the experience.
4. Go snowshoeing
- 🗓️ Best period: December to end of February
- ⏳ Duration : half a day to a full day, depending on the itinerary chosen
- 💙 We like: the affordability of the activity
If you’re in Le Mont-Dore and want to do something other than skiing while enjoying nature and the cool outdoors, you should simply opt for a snowshoe walk. On the plus side, it’s very affordable, and physically too! Once you’ve got your snowshoes on and your warm clothes on, you’ll be able to explore magnificent snow-covered landscapes and take in the sights.
The best way to enjoy snowshoeing in complete safety is to take one of the marked snowshoe trails at the Capucin cross-country ski base. You’ll have a choice of 4 dedicated snowshoeing itineraries, forming loops of varying levels, but each one offering great memories!
5. Dog sledding
Video credit: Sancy
- 🗓️ Best period: December to February
- ⏳ Duration : half a day or more
- 💙 We love: the feeling of being an explorer in the Great North!
In our opinion, another must-do activity in Le Mont-Dore is a nice, quiet sleigh ride! In the heart of theAuvergne countryside, let yourself be swept along by the endless white expanses, in such calm that the only noise you’ll hear is that of the sled and the dogs as they take you on a journey!
Thanks to their strength and admirable resistance to the cold, sled dogs will take you into the snowy plains with pleasure and drive. To the delight of you and your children, it’s like a trip to the Far North, but within easy reach of France! You’ll return from the ride with stars in your eyes and a whole host of unforgettable memories.
6. Hike one of our must-see trails
- 🗓️ Best period: June to end of September
- ⏳ Duration : half a day to a full day
- 💙 We love: the multitude of possible itineraries, allowing the activity to adapt to all levels!
Of course, when you think of mountains in summer, you think of hiking, which is why we’ve selected two hiking trails that are both unique in their kind. Moderate in level, yet accessible and suitable for children. Between waterfalls, lakes, valleys, forests and ridges, the area is full of surprises!
The first itinerary is the Puy de Sancy from the resort of Le Mont-Dore. It takes you on an 8-kilometre loop and offers a view of some of the most beautiful scenery in the Auvergne! By the way, when winter arrives, you can also do this hike on snowshoes: it’s a great way to discover the trail and the surrounding area in a completely different way.
The second hike we’ve selected is 3.5 kilometers long. It’s the round trip to La Grande Cascade, a walk that takes you through the heart of the undergrowth. Ideal for cooling off in summer, it’s after an ascent of around 250 meters that you’ll discover the highest waterfall in the region, as well as a superb viewpoint over the valley. A refreshing change from lakes!
7. Explore the surrounding area on a quad bike
- 🗓️ Best period: June to end of August
- ⏳ Duration : half a day
- 💙 We love: the unusual aspect of the activity!
If you’re looking for a completely different kind of riding experience, you’ve come to the right place.
that you should try out! It’s an all-terrain quadricycle with electric assistance to help you push back your limits while enjoying the scenery around you: the tour is more than original.
A not-to-be-missed activity in Mont-Dore, a quad bike tour is the perfect way to discover the lakes and volcanoes of the Auvergne in a different way, all on rugged trails for added thrills. How’s it going?
8. Take the cable car up to Puy de Sancy
- 🗓️ Best period: June to September
- ⏳ Duration: half a day to get the most out of the summit!
- 💙 We like: the way to discover the highest point of the Massif Central
If you’re looking for some height, the resort’s famous cable car is the place to be! Climb aboard and you’ll be on your way to the summit. However, before you get there, the climb is not only vertiginous, but also offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. You’ll have just a few minutes to make the most of it!
When you get off the cable car, you can take a staircase up to the summit of the Puy du Sancy: the perfect opportunity to discover the highest point of the Massif Central and tick a new peak off your bucket list!
9. Get your thrills at Sancy Park
- 🗓️ Best period: all year round: every season has its own activities!
- ⏳ Duration: one day
- 💙 We love: the multitude of possible activities
If you like fun tourism, the resort of Le Mont-Dore has the perfect infrastructure for you: the Sancy Park. In this park, you’ll find activities for adults and children alike, whatever the season! The perfect opportunity to see the Sancy massif in a different light.
From zip lines with 360° turns, giant buoys and infernal towers, quad bikes and electric go-karts, to tobogganing and disc golf, you’ll be able to discover a multitude of activities as unique as they are fun, in the company of your friends or family. For half a day (or more!), forget everything and have a blast in this super park!
10. Travel by LEGO summer toboggan
- 🗓️ Best time of year: spring and summer!
- ⏳ Duration: 1 hour
- 💙 We love: falling back into childhood in an original universe
If you love tobogganing and the thrill of sliding in an original world, the LEGO summer toboggan run in Le Mont-Dore is well worth a visit.
A not-to-be-missed activity for its uniqueness in France, this summer toboggan will take you down a 520-metre track in LEGO colors, decorated by characters who will guide you all the way! Opinions are unanimous: children will be delighted, and older children too!
You’ve just discovered our selection of the 10 must-do things to do in Le Mont-Dore. Here are some other ideas for activities and visits you can enjoy in the resort:
- If you liked the Puy de Sancy cable car, try the Capucin cable car!
- Take to the heights on an accrobranche.
- Discover the region in a whole new way with the Explor’Game.
- Reconnect with your senses thanks to the sylvatorium.
- Discover the 7 most beautiful hikes in Le Mont-Dore
Good to know: During your stay in Le Mont-Dore, you can also take advantage of your time in the region to visit the surrounding towns: between La Bourboule, Chambon-sur-Lac, or Murol, you’ve got plenty to choose from. For example, the spa town of La Bourboule is perfect for a family health break on the banks of the Dordogne River! If you prefer to stay by a lake, Charbon-sur-Lac or Murol are the places to head for.
Our tips for a successful stay in Le Mont-Dore
How to get to Le Mont-Dore
🚗 By car: 4 main motorway routes can be taken by car, each as far as the town of Clermont-Ferrand and then on to Le Mont-Dore, depending on where you’re coming from. From Paris, take the A71 before joining the road to Le Mont-Dore. If you’re coming from Lyon, take the A72.
Holidaymakers arriving from the south will need to take the A75, and those arriving from Bordeaux will need to take the A89. Make sure you’re equipped for snow (chains, socks or snow tires), as winter driving in the mountains can be dangerous! Find the best rental deals here!
🚄 By train: if you’re coming by train, the easiest way is to take a train to Clermont-Ferrand and then on to Le Mont-Dore SNCF station.
✈️ By plane: the easiest way to get to Le Mont-Dore by plane is to land in Clermont-Ferrand or Lyon, then take a carpool, train or shuttle! Find the best flights for your stay here!
Where to stay in Le Mont-Dore
To help you choose your accommodation in Le Mont-Dore, the first step is to decide on the type of vacation you’d like to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a hotel, apartment or chalet rental, or a self-catering cottage, there’s a wide range to choose from. Whether you’re staying right in the heart of Mont-Dore or in a nearby town, you’re bound to find something to suit you! Sports enthusiasts will undoubtedly prefer rented apartments, which are very practical, while families will certainly get the most out of their stay by booking a hotel room.
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