Do you love hiking and breathtaking scenery? We invite you to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve!
The Chaudefour nature reserve is located in the Sancy massif in the Auvergne region of France. The eponymous valley was created 600,000 years BC, following a major volcanic eruption. The valley’s unique structure has led to the formation of a lake at its center. The backbone of its ridges is made up of magnificent volcanic apparatuses, including the famous Dent de la Rancune. Today, Chaudefour’s extraordinary scenery attracts many visitors. In addition to hiking, the valley offers many interesting activities. The flora and fauna of this special place are fascinating, and you’ll be amazed in no time. Need more information on how to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve? Let’s discover this exceptional reserve together!
History of the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve
Photo credit: Shutterstock – MrCed
Chaudefour lies in the northern part of the Monts Dores massif. The creation of the valley is the result of major volcanic activity, followed by numerous ice ages. Even today, the structure of the Monts Dores valleys reveals the vestiges of its geological evolution. The rounded buttes, for example, bear witness to ancient domed craters. The cliffs are the result of ancient lava flows. The eruptive rocks, meanwhile, rise up in fascinating pyramids. The transformation of the valley over the millennia has also created numerous thermal springs. Not least of which is the Saint-Anne fountain.
These magnificent and unusual landscapes have long intrigued visitors. And to protect it, a nature reserve was created on May 14, 1991. It is now possible to visit the reserve, subject to certain conditions, as we shall see.
Our tips for visiting the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve
The Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve is a real treasure of the Massif Central. The site can be visited in high season, and there are plenty of activities on offer. However, for the most enjoyable exploration, it’s best to be prepared. Here are our tips for visiting the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve!
The equipment
The Chaudefour reserve is located at an altitude of almost 1,200 metres. So, even when visiting in summer, it’s important to dress warmly. Temperatures can drop very quickly in the mountains. Likewise, you can’t always anticipate bad weather.
What’s more, the reserve is a wild valley, even if many trails have been developed. The mountainous terrain is not at all flat, and is often studded with small obstacles. So remember to bring your best hiking boots to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve.
Visiting time
When considering exploring such an area, it’s important to optimize your visit time. The Sancy Massif Reserve covers an area of almost nine hundred hectares. If you simply want to stroll its trails, a day should suffice.
But if you’re thinking of trying your hand at other activities (hiking, discovery outings…) you might need an extra day. Climbing, for example, or climbing the Puy Ferrand. To visit the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve in its entirety, we recommend 2 to 3 full days.
The rules
Chaudefour is a national nature reserve. Visits to the valley are therefore strictly regulated, so as not to disturb the flora and fauna. Before you go, remember to take a few precautions, and above all to consult the valley code. In particular, you’ll need to take along a bag for your garbage, which you can’t dispose of in the wild. Likewise, if you’re planning to fish or hunt, make sure you follow the rules.
Picking flowers and disturbing wildlife is also forbidden. You can’t take a dog with you either, as our furry companions could disturb wild animals. Similarly, bicycles, motorized vehicles, noisy appliances and drones are prohibited. Also, for safety reasons, camping and fires are prohibited at all times.
What to see and do in the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Chodimeafotime
Flora and fauna
The Chaudefour valley is one of the most flourishing in the Massif Central. Its nature reserve is home to exceptional flora and fauna. As it’s located in the mountains, it’s obviously teeming with roe deer, hares, Corsican mouflon and ermines. Rare bird species can also be spotted in the rocks. When the sky is clear, peregrine falcons, rock blackbirds and ravens can be admired.
The valley’s flora also includes many medicinal plants. In fact, Chaudefour is the cradle of such flowers as arnica, calendula and gentian. A visit to the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve is a must for nature lovers.
Climbing
In the reserve, you can enjoy this rewarding sport at three different sites. La Dent de la Rancune is the most popular, rising to an altitude of almost 1500 metres. It offers almost 40 different climbing routes, ranging from expert to advanced. The Crête du Coq, meanwhile, is ideal for climbing enthusiasts.
However, climbing these dykes will give you a breathtaking view of the magnificent Auvergne countryside.
A naturalist experience
Every summer, the valley organizes an exceptional visit for birdwatchers. They can stroll through the reserve in hushed tones, accompanied by specialists. Musicians also join in, trilling, chirping and whistling to the sounds of the mountain’s birds.
This unusual walk and show is sure to please young and old alike. It’s a fun way to discover Chaudefour’s extraordinary wildlife.
The summits
Every Wednesday during the high season, the more athletic can embark on an ascent of the valley. A guide will accompany them from the bottom of the reserve to the crest of the highest peak, Puy Ferrand.
At an altitude of almost 1900 metres, they can admire the extraordinary landscapes of the Massif Central. Another way to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve. For this immersive experience, however, reservations are essential.
How much does a ticket to the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve cost?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Chodimeafotime
Admission to the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve is entirely free.
However, the various activities offered by the reserve require prior reservation. Simply call the Maison de la Réserve a few days before the activity to organize your visit.
How do I book a ticket online for the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve?
Entrance to the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve is free. Consequently, there are no online reservations available, but you can book outdoor activities.
Opening hours of the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve
Although access to the reserve is free, it is not permitted at all times. For safety reasons, the valley is only open to visitors from May to August. Outside the high season, bad weather and snow make the trails impassable.
You can visit the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve from 10am to 12pm, and from 2pm to 6pm. It’s open every day from Friday to Sunday. On Ascension and Whitsun weekends, however, opening hours are limited to the afternoon.
How do I get to the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve?
The Chaudefour reserve is located in the Monts Dores massif in the Auvergne. Unfortunately, it is not accessible by public transport. By car, you can reach the valley via route nationale 89 and départementale 5 from Clermont-Ferrand. If you’re coming from the south of the massif, you’ll need to go as far as Besse before taking départementale 36. The same road will take you up to the valley from the town of Le Mont-Dore. However, this time you’ll have to go over the Col de la Croix Saint-Robert.
When you arrive to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve. You can park your car at the Maison de la Réserve. From here, you’ll be able to explore the valley’s many marked trails.
Where to stay near the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve?
If you want to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve, you’ll find plenty of accommodation nearby. In the Puy-de-Dôme département where the valley is located, the best accommodation options are hotels and gîtes. So, to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve, booking a room in a hotel in Le Mont-Dore or Super-Besse is the best solution. Not only will you be staying close to the valley, but you’ll also be able to discover some of Auvergne’s most charming towns.
Do you prefer Airbnb ? Then most of them are located around the nature reserve, right in the heart of the massif. So they’re all the closer to Chaudefour. And they’re often located in atypical, even unusual buildings. They are a haven of relaxation and comfort for visitors. What’s more, they allow them to discover local customs with meals prepared by the hosts.
So what are you waiting for to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve?