Auvergne is a natural playground for nature lovers. Discover the most beautiful hikes in the Puy-de-Dome, all perfect for satisfying your desire for greenery and mountains.
The Puy-de-Dôme takes its name from a dormant volcano, in other words, a puy. It enjoys a wide natural advantage with the presence of many volcanoes, natural regional parks, and remarkable mountain ranges.
In other words, it is one of the Auvergne paradises for hikers, amateurs, or experts in the field. For this reason, we have drawn up a list of the best hikes in Puy-de-Dôme.
So it’s up to you to play, conquer valleys, ridges, and other puys puydômois and take a 100% natural adrenaline shot!
Here is the list of the most beautiful hikes in the Pue-de-Dome:
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Page Contents
The 10 Most Beautiful Hikes in the Puy-de-Dome
1. The Puy du Pariou
Photo credit: Alltrails
La Fontaine du Berger is a small village located at the foot of Puy Pariou, about fifteen kilometers from Clermont-Ferrand. Thus, it becomes the starting point of this hike which offers you the ascent of this puy.
Puy Pariou and its 1,200 meters above sea level are among the long list of Auvergne puys, symbols of an entire region. At the top, expect to observe a beautiful panorama of the other puys around and especially the city of Clermont-Ferrand.
Also, its crater is hollow and accessible to hikers, so it is ideal for taking a short break or snack.
2. The Ridges of Sancy
Photo credit: Alltrails
The Crêtes du Sancy trail is one of the most popular and challenging hikes in Puy-de-Dome. It follows a steep and vertiginous path but is still safe enough for the passage of hikers.
You will crisscross a succession of peaks and puys before arriving at Puy de Sancy (1,885 meters). It is the highest peak of the Mont-Dore massif.
The highest point dominates the entire valley, and a breathtaking view is offered. Take the opportunity to pause and enjoy the surroundings.
Finally, you cross the Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve on the way back, see the Roc de Cuzeau (1,737 meters) and approach the Grande Cascade. In summary, it is a hike rich in discoveries!
3. The Puy de Dôme via the Col de Ceyssat
Photo credit: Alltrails
With its 1,465 meters above sea level, the Puy de Dôme is the highest in the department and has given its name. Close to Clermont-Ferrand, like many hikes in puy-de-Dôme, this trail promises you a breathtaking 360° view.
Its zigzag ascent from the Col de Ceyssat may give you a hard time because of its constant elevation gain, but you will not regret it!
In addition to offering a spectacular view from its summit, the Puy de Dôme is home to the historical remains of the Temple of Mercury, dating from the beginnings of the first millennium. But also the TDF pylon built in the 1950s, which has now become the symbol of the puy.
The lucky ones among you will even be able to see Mont Blanc, 315 kilometers away, on perfect weather days.
4. The Banne d’Ordanche by the Guéry plateau
Photo credit: Alltrails
The Banne d’Ordanche is an Auvergne summit that dominates the city of La Bourboule but also Mont-Dore. To visit it, you will have to follow the path of one of the most beautiful hikes in the Puy-de-Dôme.
During this walk, you’ll have the opportunity to walk along the Lake of Guéry, which feeds a pleasant stream that feeds the plateau of the same name.
It is characterized by large and beautiful expanses, bordered by the Puy de Chantuzet (1,385 meters) to the south and the Banne d’Ordanche (1,513 meters) to the west.
On the way back, you will partially cross the forest of Guéry.
5. The Chaudefour Valley
Photo credit: Alltrails
The Chaudefour Valley Nature Reserve has settled in the glacial valley of the same name. Its territory protects many animal and plant species, some endemic, such as the Auvergne frizzy jasione, a small flower that grows only at 1,500 meters above sea level.
It is bordered by a ridge composed of several puys, such as puy de Sancy or Puy Ferrand, culminating at 1,885 and 1,854 meters. Through this fantastic hike, enter the natural volcanic lair of Auvergne!
The views are beautiful and unobstructed in addition to being panoramic. Also, if you are lucky, you can cross mouflons, marmots, or chamois! The Chaudefour Valley is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Puy-de-Dome.
6. The Biche waterfall
Photo credit: Alltrails
Nestled in the Chaudefour Valley, below the Puy de la Perdrix (1,850 meters), the Cascade de la Biche results from the fall of the stream of the same name.
Waterfall formed over millennia, and it measures nearly 30 meters, barely less than the Great Waterfall nearby. It is an actual natural work; you can observe its magnificent basaltic organs, on which pure water flows.
Moreover, the flow of this waterfall is entirely dependent on the melting of the snow of the upper mountains. At times, the path to access it is in the forest and undergrowth, with some plains or meadows.
However, some places can be slippery due to the slightly humid area, so be especially careful!
7. Puy de Montchal and Lake Pavin
Photo credit: Alltrails
Like some of the most beautiful hikes in the Puy-de-Dôme, this one is located in the Volcanoes Regional Natural Park. Therefore, you will be surrounded by the green domes that form this natural picture typical of the region.
But first, you will start the ascent with Lake Pavin, slowly but surely. Ancient crater turned lake; it has the particularity of being meromictic. A lake is said to be meromictic when its banks are too steep for surface and depth waters to mix under the effect of the wind.
Then, the difference in altitude is constant up to the Puy de Montchal, at 1,407 meters. A passage near the Creux de Soucy (chasm) through the undergrowth, you are on the way back!
8. The Saut du Loup waterfall via the Queureuilh waterfall
Photo credit: Alltrails
From the Prends-Toi-Garde village, go up the side of the plateau of the Ferme de l’Angle, along a stream. It will first take you to the Queureuilh waterfall, in the heart of the forest of the same name.
Not very high, less than 10 meters, it is nevertheless exciting. If the time has not formed a water basin, it continues and flows, feeding further the stream.
Then, head to the Saut du Loup waterfall in its green setting. Lower than the first, it is divided into two flows, influenced by the melting of snow.
To summarize, this small popular hike will allow you to discover two pretty waterfalls with the family, all lulled by the cries of jays, which are very present in the area.
9. The Great Waterfall
Photo credit: Alltrails
Following a small path from the Thermes de Mont-Dore, join the Grande Cascade, the highest in Auvergne.
The stream that flows takes its source under the Roc de Cuzeau, further south. Despite fewer than 4 kilometers, the course remains quite demanding because the positive altitude difference is constant on the way out, sometimes even steep.
During the ascent, don’t forget to look around. In addition to the undergrowth, you will have superb views of the Mont-Dore Valley and the surrounding mountains.
The Great Waterfall is one of the best and most beautiful hikes in the Puy-de-Dome. You can also read our article on “Best things to do in Mont-Dore in summer and winter.”
10. The Puy des Goules and the Sarcoui cave
Photo credit: Alltrails
The Puy des Goules and the Puy du Grand Sarcoui are two mountains next. They are both parts of the chain of puys and are located north of Puy Pariou.
This hike will make you follow a single path with simple forks to access the points of interest. From La Fontaine du Berger, this small village very popular with hikers, start your ascent to the first stage: the Sarcoui cave.
Once exploited by the Merovingians, this cave, in addition to being surprised, offers you the first point of view of the plain. Then you will continue to the Puy des Goules from the top of which you will observe the whole valley and the puys around. In particular, the Puy de Dôme, Como, or Pariou mentioned above.
So, which one do you think is the most beautiful hike in Pue-de-Dome?
