The 7 most beautiful hikes to do in Mont-Dore

Hiking on volcanoes, peaks and glacial valleys of Auvergne tempt you? This exceptional Earth promises a unique adventure in the heart of Mont-Dore. Let's explore its most secret paths!

At the heart of the Central Massif and Auvergne is a territory that is both grandiose and epic: Mont-Dore. Ski resort in winter, the landscape turns into a haven of hikers in the summer. And if this panorama of postcard is breathtaking, the Mont-Dore is not looking, he lives at the pace of his hikes.

Between volcanoes, ridges and glacial valleys, everything is conducive to wonder here! You will find natural and preserved landscapes, a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. So to help you prepare your stay in Auvergne, here are the 7 most beautiful hikes to do in Mont-Dore.

1. The Puy of Sancy

It is impossible to discover Mont-Dore without climbing its highest peak: the Puy de Sancy. Uncontournable in the region, it is the route that will allow you to observe the most beautiful landscapes of Auvergne. Accessible to the small and large, the trail will give you access to the sources of the Dordogne, before starting your climb to the top.

Once reached the highest point of the Puy de Sancy it is ecstasy: a breathtaking view of the Puy Gros, the Chauvet lake and the surrounding mountains. On the redescent side you will borrow different collars and summits such as the Puy Redon or the Col de Courre before finally arriving in its Val. As green as vallonné we no longer know if we are in France or one of the famous Scottish Munro.

Accessible to all and perfectly marked, if there is a hike in Auvergne it is this one!

2. The Great Cascade

Among the most impressive landscapes in the region, the Grande Cascade is in the lead. Considered as the highest Auvergne waterfall, the hike will ensure a spectacular shower!

With a fall of more than 30 meters surrounded by a circus, this short hike has all the ingredients to produce the so-called wonder spark. Especially since the trail has been historical, stained for centuries by the curists since the Great Baths of Mont-Dore, it is today a high place for hikers to pass.

The route will make you cross undergrowth, the assurance of getting fresh and quiet during the walk. And if it turns out to be rough sometimes, it will lead you to a great view of the Mont-Dore Valley.

3. Sancy's ridges

In the Dordogne valley, the volcanic peaks of Sancy are as spectacular as they are dizzy. You increase the level on this path reserved for hiking enthusiasts with a denial of course present, but which remains very correct. The main advantage of circulating on ridges lies in the 360° view of these panoramas on the glacial valleys.

And in addition to the grandiose landscapes on the Chaudefour and Chastreix-Sancy valley, it is also the animal life that you can observe with marmots and chamois passing through the valley every day. Mythical path, any good hiker in the region must have realized at least once this ascent.

4. The discovery path of the Guéry

Considered as the highest lake of Auvergne, the Lake of Guery formed following a lava flow was a volcanic dam for centuries.

Once explosive, it is today a place that breathes calm and serenity enveloped by its wild and preserved mountains. The walk is quick and easy to realize, it is the perfect opportunity to discover different views of the lake as well as the Guery waterfall.

Landes and forests will accompany your path before arriving at a superb panoramic view of the Sancy Massif and the Puys Chain from the heights of the Lake. It is a pleasant and accessible hike for all, a must-see during a stay in Mont-Dore.

5. The Sancy loop

If you come to discover Mont-Dore, take the time to stroll through the glacial valleys of the Massif and its surrounding Puys. And it falls well, the Sancy loop runs through all the most beautiful corners of the region.

The trail will give you access to Puys as grandiose as different holding each of the spectacular views on the massif. You will thus cross the Puy de Redon as green in the summer and fairy season the winter waged with its snow coat, the Puy de Ferrand, not to mention the famous Puy de Sancy.

And that’s not all, prepare yourself to discover two of the three sublime glacial valleys of the Massif du Sancy: the Chaudefour Nature Reserve and Chastreix-Sancy. Renowned for their sublime panoramas with a very marked alpine flora, they represent the most spectacular Auvergne valleys!

If the hike is sporty, it is absolutely worth the detour, it is a spectacle not to be missed.

6. The puy Gros

You will have understood it, the Mont-Dore houses different Puys as varied as spectacular. If they all have unique features, the Puy Gros offers the most beautiful viewpoint on the Puy de Sancy, the Mont-Dore valley and the Haute Dordogne.

The trail is accessible to all and will alternate between undergrowth landscapes and grandiose panoramas. This vestige of a former sun dome is therefore a pleasant hike to be realized with family offering you a new landscape on the region from Mont-Dore.

7. The Puy de Sancy by the Vallon de Chaudefour

Let us now discover the most secret glacial valley of Mont-Dore: the Chaudefour valley. Classified as a natural site, the place is framed by the steep cliffs of the glacial circus. At the heart of this magical nature is sources, cascades, but also the Dent de la Rancune or the crest of Coq.

This vast natural and preserved space then gives way to a flora and an intact fauna of the human footprint, a real happiness! If the trail represents one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Mont-Dore, it remains much less known than the Sancy Mountain. It is a small haven of peace for hikers looking for nature and tranquility.