Auvergne – Chaîne des Puys

Short transfer to Orcines. Ascent to the Puy de Pariou with its perfect crater and on to the Puy de Dôme, the jewel and characteristic peak of the volcanic chain. The panorama is unique in good weather. Visit the ancient remains of the Temple of Mercury, the weather station or the exhibition on volcanism in Auvergne. Descend via the old mule track and the Ceyssat Pass to the village of Laschamps.

Today you hike through the heart of the volcanic chain towards the castle of Montlosier, the centre of the Volcanoes National Park. You hike up to the twin volcanoes of La Vache and Lassolas. Continue via the Puy de l'Enfer to the lake of Servières, a crater lake in the middle of a stunning natural landscape and the ideal place for a long break.

At the start of the stage, you climb the Puy de l'Ouire and hike over to the Puy de l'Aiguiller. This is the start of the pass that leads to Lake Guéry, a unique place with the glittering reflection of the lake, the peaks of Sancy on the horizon and the volcanic formations, the Tuilière and Sanadoire rocks. Cross the Guéry plateau to the Puy Gros, a magnificent viewpoint over the Sancy massif and the glacial valley of Mont-Dore.

Ascent to Capucin, and on to the Puy de Cliergue as far as the Tour Carrée. The high-level trail runs over the Pas de l'âne to the Puy de Sancy, the 1,886 metre-high summit of the Massif Central. Descend via the Col de Couhay into the Fontaine Salée valley, where, with a bit of luck, you can observe the local mouflon sheep at close quarters. The wide, grassy valley is framed by the south face of the Puy de Sancy and offers ideal living conditions for the wild sheep.

To round off your hiking tour, you will circle the foot of the massif once again. You will pass the Barthe waterfall and the beautiful Pavin crater lake. Descend via the Puy de Pertuyzat to the village of Besse-en-Chandesse, which welcomes visitors with its historic cobbled streets and well-preserved medieval houses. Your hike ends in the beautiful village of Besse, where you can enjoy a final night in the heart of the Auvergne.