Hiking Collection by SimonWicart
Volcanic walk in scenic Auvergne – Sancy loop, long version
6 days
3-7 h/day
90.2km
3,590m
3,590m
This is not the case. In the course of this long walk, I propose to take you around the highest summit of the Auvergne mountains: the puy de Sancy. From the apex of its 1,886 metres (6,188 ft), you discover volcanic landscapes that are unique in France. In the distance, the chain of puys (extinct volcanic cones), the Forez peaks, the Meygal, the Mézenc or the Cantal mountains, are just a few of the sights you admire along the way.
This 80-kilometre (50 mi) loop takes you to villages, rivers, waterfalls, ancient volcanic peaks, lakes and craters. All along this route, with almost 3,000 metres (10,000 ft) of elevation gain, you walk between ridges that criss-cross the great summits and valleys carved out by intense volcanic activity. You discover verdant scenery, idyllic and bucolic in character. The people live a rural life that’s still firmly rooted here.
In the heart of these preserved landscapes, livestock farming is practised with ancestral fervour. Lovers of good cheeses, such as Saint-Nectaire, and good meats, such as Salers beef, will be able to taste quality local produce. The delicious flavours are the result of know-how passed on from generation to generation.
For my part, I took these paths in spring. However, I also recommend this beautiful walk during the summer too. Note that in winter, many of the trails are reserved for snow sports.
As recommended by the official itinerary (marked in green and white), I decided to start from the charming town of Mont-Dore. The train stopped serving the town at the beginning of 2023 but the P46 bus line regularly leaves the SNCF station in Clermont-Ferrand to the spa town. Car sharing is also common.
From Mont-Dore, you climb towards the dishevelled crests, to discover the Grande Cascade and the high puys neighbouring the magnificent Sancy. Then, you continue in the direction of the beautiful Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, leaving behind the Chambon lake or the atmospheric Courbanges forest. Later, Lake Pavin will open up to you, before a tough climb to the top of the Puy de Sancy. You come down between plains and forests, towards the thermal town of La Bourboule. Finally, after a few panoramic breaks over the Dordogne valley, you return to Mont-Dore.
With the exception of the fourth stage, it’s possible to finish each day in a gîte or hotel. Therefore, please bring your own tent, mattress and sleeping bag. If you wish to take advantage of wild camping spots on the route, ask the tourist offices about the legislation in force. Take into consideration that:
- Wild camping is forbidden in the national nature reserves of Chastreix-Sancy and the Chaudefour Valley.
- Fires are forbidden.
- You must take all your waste with you.
- Your tent may remain pitched from sunset until sunrise the next morning.
If you enjoy literature and want to know more about volcanoes, I recommend ‘Les diables des volcans’, written by André Demaison and published by Glénat in 2021. The story relates the tribulations of passionate volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft.
Finally, have a good walk!
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Sancy Loop
82.5km
3,070m
3,070m
Last updated: November 12, 2024
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Activities
1. Stage 1: Mont-Dore to Voissières – volcanic walk in Auvergne
14.0km
05:48
710m
840m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
2. Stage 2: Voissières to Besse – volcanic walk in Auvergne
18.5km
06:25
500m
390m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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3. Stage 3: Besse to Super-Besse – volcanic walk in Auvergne
12.5km
04:39
560m
290m
Expert hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4. Stage 4: Super-Besse to Chastreix-Sancy – volcanic walk in Auvergne
8.85km
03:51
560m
470m
Expert hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5. Stage 5: Chastreix-Sancy to La Bourboule – volcanic walk in Auvergne
20.6km
07:26
480m
1,020m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
6. Stage 6: La Bourboule to Mont-Dore – volcanic walk in Auvergne
15.7km
06:12
790m
590m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Collection Stats
Activities
6
Distance
90.2 km
Duration
34:20 h
Elevation
3,590 m
3,590 m
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