Hiking in the Auvergne is the best way to appreciate its rolling, volcanic landscapes. They offer exceptional vistas, breathtaking landscapes, and sometimes even the joy of discovering a rich historical heritage. The best part? There's something for every level, from Sunday walker to seasoned hiker!
1. Puy de Dôme via the Col de Ceyssat
- Distance: 5.3 km
- Difference in altitude: 384 m
- Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
The region's highest volcano, so beautiful and distinctive that it has given its name to an entire département and is a Unesco World Heritage site, certainly deserves its place as Auvergne's most beautiful hike! What's more, this hike is easily accessible, being very close to Clermont-Ferrand, and of average level, even if the gradient becomes a little steep over the last few metres. It also offers beautiful panoramic views. Some of the rocky sections can be a little slippery, so good walking shoes are recommended. Please note, however, that a mythical and accessible hike is bound to be crowded, so don't expect to be alone, especially in summer or at weekends.
2. The Banne d'Ordanche
- Distance: 14.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 531 m
- Walkingtime: 4 h 30
- Itinerary
This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Auvergne: it starts by skirting Lac de Guéry, a lake of volcanic origin. At an altitude of 1,244 m, it is the highest lake in Auvergne! You'll then have to climb to the Banne d'Ordanche, a volcanic peak towering above La Bourboule at 1,512 m altitude. The climb is done in stages rather than all at once, and remains accessible to an average level. Above all, this looped itinerary offers extraordinary, typically Auvergne landscapes all along its length, and a beautiful, unobstructed view. That's why, in summer, it's a good idea to do this walk in the morning, to avoid baking in the sun!
3. Puy de Pariou
- Distance: 5.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 228 m
- Walkingtime: 1 h 45
- Itinerary
On your vacation in the Auvergne, this walk is an easy way to enjoy the volcanoes, without too much change in altitude. Departing from the Les Goules parking lot, you'll set off to conquer Puy de Pariou, a volcano rising to 1,209 m above sea level. If the silhouette of this volcano rings a bell, it's simply because it's the emblem of the Volvic brand, which features it on its logo! From the summit of this volcano, you can admire a magnificent panorama, particularly of Clermont-Ferrand, just 15 kilometers away. The proximity of the volcano to Clermont-Ferrand makes it a popular destination, especially at weekends.
4. The grand tour of Lac Pavin
- Distance: 3.1 km
- Difference in altitude: 91 m
- Duration: 1 hour
- Itinerary
In the heart of the Parc Régional Naturel des Volcans d'Auvergne, an ideal hiking destination, this is a fairly short loop hike. It can even be completed in three-quarters of an hour for good walkers. So it's ideal for those looking for a quick, easy stroll. From the parking lot, it circles the magnificent Pavin volcanic lake, which has the distinction of being the youngest volcano in mainland France! In fact, it's only 7,000 years old! Almost perfectly round in shape, its calm waters actually conceal an impressive depth of over 90 m. You can also opt for a slightly longer hike, via the puy de Montchal and the Creux de Soucy chasm, for a total duration of 3 h.
5. Corboeuf ravine
- Distance: 5.5 km
- Height difference: 129 m
- Duration: 1 h 30
- Itinerary
This beautiful, easy Auvergne hike combines nature and heritage. You'll start your journey in Rosières, along an old railroad line, before crossing the hamlet of Chastel, with its old-fashioned washhouse and bread oven. Then you'll walk through the forest before reaching your goal: a magnificent panorama of the Corbœuf ravine. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural sites in theAuvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This rocky canyon is made up of different layers of clay, giving it a variety of colors, from gray to yellow.
6. Puy de Sancy
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Difference in altitude: 530 m
- Walkingtime: 3 h
- Itinerary
This hike guarantees breathtaking scenery from start to finish! But it has to be earned, as it is best suited to experienced walkers. Indeed, it includes some fairly steep climbs, and a good difference in altitude over a short distance. What's more, the paths are sometimes difficult to walk on, with pebbles and gravel. So bring good shoes, hiking poles, and maybe even a plastic bag to collect your garbage and travel eco-responsibly. That said, the Puy en Sancy offers magnificent views over the entire valley.
7. The Meygal tour
- Distance: 13.10 km
- Height difference: 385
- Duration: 5 h
- Itinerary
Despite its length, this hike is of average to easy level, with only a few ascents and descents. Starting out from the village of Queyrières, you'll climb for the first five kilometers, before easing back down. Le Meygal is a pretty forest-covered volcano in the Massif Central. This walk takes place mainly in forest, making it a perfect hike on a hot summer's day. The main attraction is the lovely view from the top of Testavoyre.
8. Le Puy Mary
- Distance: 1.4 km
- Height difference: 134 m
- Duration: 45 min
- Itinerary
Looking for a quick, but spectacular hike? The Puy Mary, one of Auvergne's most beautiful hikes, is for you! Part of the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, this peak is an integral part of the Monts du Cantal, a remnant of Europe's largest stratovolcano. At 1,783m, Puy Mary is one of the highest peaks in the massif, offering magnificent views of the valley and surrounding puys. On a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc! The reason this route is so short is that it starts high up, at the Pas de Peyrol, the highest road pass in the Massif Central. However, it's not a leisurely stroll, as you'll have to make a steep ascent.
9. Gorges du Bès
- Distance: 6.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 237 m
- Duration: 2 hours
- Itinerary
In the heart of the Aubrac Regional Nature Park, this easy trail follows the vertiginous Bès gorges. Next to it, the Bès river meanders between the rocks. And opposite, on the other bank, the ruins of the Château d'Arzenc! This short but beautiful Auvergne hike has all the ingredients for a superb ride. Some passages can be slippery, so bring your hiking boots, even if it's far from a dangerous hike.
10. Puy des Goules
- Distance: 4.7 km
- Elevation gain: 188 m
- Duration : 1 h 30
- Itinerary
This beautiful walk will plunge you into the heart of the Auvergne, a magnificent destination of mountains and volcanoes. You'll survey the Puy des Goules, a volcano peaking at 1,146 m above sea level. From here, you'll have a bird's-eye view of the other peaks in the Puys chain. But that's not all: along the way, you'll also have the opportunity to observe the Sarcoui cave, located on the side of the eponymous volcano, and requiring only a short detour. Best of all: this hike is easy, even for families. This hike is ideal in summer, as most of it takes place in the shade of trees.
11. The Chaudefour Valley
- Distance: 15 km
- Difference in altitude: 880 m
- Duration : 5 h 45
- Itinerary
This pretty hike once again offers a view of the beautiful Puy de Sancy. And so much the better, because you just can't get enough of it! This itinerary, too, is more difficult and longer than the first, without being at the level of a long hike either, but your efforts will be rewarded by superb panoramas. This time, the trail passes through the Vallée de Chaudefour national nature reserve, one of the three glacial valleys of the Puy de Sancy. In addition to a good pair of shoes and poles, don't forget to bring a pair of binoculars, as you may be lucky enough to spot chamois and mouflons. And if you still have some energy left, you can also climb to the summit of Puy de Sancy, for an exceptional view.
12. Pic du Lizieux
- Distance: 5.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 176 m
- Duration: 1 h 30
- Itinerary
This hike near Le Puy-en-Velay explores the Pic de Lizieux, a peak at 1,386 m altitude. It offers superb views of the green, undulating landscapes of peaks like Mont Mézenc, which make the Auvergne one of France's greenest regions. You'll be able to name them all, thanks to an orientation table in front of the panorama. If the weather is on your side, you may even catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc in the distance! Despite the real height difference, this is an easy hike for families and beginners alike. As most of the route is shaded, it's also an ideal summer walk.
13. The Beaume waterfall
- Distance: 2.1 km
- Difference in altitude: 71 m
- Duration: 45 min
- Itinerary
This pretty walk takes less than an hour and is very easy, but remains one of the most beautiful hikes in the Auvergne. It leads up to the cascade de la Beaume, a 27 m-high waterfall at 900 m altitude. The Beaume, a small river, flows a little further into the Loire, but not before carving its way through the rock, forming organs.
