The 6 most beautiful hikes to do in Puy de Sancy

There are many ways to explore the highest point of the Central Massif. We have selected for you the best hikes in Puy de Sancy!

In the heart of the Central Massif, Sancy's puy dominates the surrounding area with its steep and shredded silhouette. From the top of her 1 886 meters altitude , this beautiful endormi is the highest volcano of Metropolitan France! He watches over the Haute Dordogne valley and the spas of Mont-Dore and La Bourboule.

Unlike the gentle peaks of the chain of the nearby Puys, the Sancy massif offers rugged terrains with false alpine airs. Thus, its panoramas make the happiness of mountain lovers. Moreover, this country of ridges and valleys has been appreciated as winter. Small paradise for cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts, it offers magical landscapes to hikers in the summer.

A cable car allows you to approach Sancy’s puy peak in just a few minutes. You will then have to climb a few steps to reach the roof of the Sancy massif. However, there is nothing better than immersing yourself in landscapes by taking the time to explore them on foot. So, to appreciate all the wealth of the Sancy, follow our guide and discover the most beautiful hikes!

1. Sancy puy buckle

This average difficulty loop is a beautiful way to climb Sancy's puy while exploring its surroundings. From the car park of the Mont-Dore ski resort, you will discover the sources of the Dordogne . You will then enjoy a nice view of the Dore waterfall. With a rather steep ascent, you will admire the local fauna and flora. You may even have the chance to see a marmotte, a chamois or a mouflon!

At the top of Sancy's puy, your efforts will be rewarded with a breathtaking view. You will see the puy Gros and Lake Chauvet. You will then climb on several summits including the cute step of the donkey, before crossing the val of Courre. With its lava pitons and grassy slopes without trees, this large valley sometimes evokes the Alps , sometimes the Iceland .

You will have understood: this fairly sporty but relatively accessible loop is a condensed of the region’s assets. Between passes, ridges, valleys, lakes or cascades, it offers landscapes as varied as captivating!

2. Sancy puy via the Chaudefour valley

We recommend this loop the eyes closed to motivated hikers! In fact, in addition to making you climb Sancy’s puy, it will allow you to explore two national natural reserves. You will start with the spectacular Chaudefour valley. This glacier-shaped circus is surrounded by ridges and rich in treasures. In particular, you will discover multiple mineral sources, remarkable fauna and flora and waterfalls. But the valley also offers some acerated "dykes" that make the happiness of climbing enthusiasts.

You will then explore the Chastreix-Sancy reserve, climbing through the Sancy flanks. There you will admire beautiful views carved by the collars, ridges and puys of the massif. Keep your eye open, too, so you won’t miss the unique fauna and flora!

3. Great loop on natural reserves and Courre val

A little longer, this difficult but splendid loop is a combination of the previous two. At the start of Mont-Dore, you will start the small loop of the Sancy before heading to the Chaudefour valley. Once you explore the valley, you will return to the Chastreix-Sancy reserve and climb the Sancy puy.

You'll finally finish the ride with the beautiful val of Courre. This sport hike will make you discover in a day the most beautiful sights in the area. You will keep an imperishable memory of your exploration of the Sancy!

4. Col de la Geneste, puy de Sancy, pas de l’Âne

Unlike the previous ones, this hike offers an ascent of the Sancy puy by its south face. Your starting point will be the Geneste Pass, between Picherande and Super-Besse. This moderate difficulty itinerary will allow you to discover Sancy's puy off the beaten paths.

Walking between puys and collars, you will plunge into the heart of Auvergne volcano park !

5. Great loop from Super-Besse

This large buckle starts with the Super-Besse ski resort. So it will make you discover the Sancy by the southeast. Note that ascent is difficult. Perhaps you will sometimes be tempted to cut by borrowing the ski tracks, but it would be a shame. Indeed, you would deprive yourself of the beautiful wild trails of Super-Besse.

Once at the top of the Sancy, you will be able to descend directly to Super-Besse. You will pass this time by the puy Ferrand and the puy of the Perdrix, two high summits near the Sancy. But for the bravest, it would be a shame to stop you in such a good way! Indeed, following the proposed route, you will discover the Chastreix-Sancy reserve and multiple summits.

6. Pic du Capucin, puy de Sancy, Plan des Longes

This last hike has the interest of being accessible even without a car! You will indeed leave the city centre of Mont-Dore. From the valley you will climb on the slopes of the massif to reach the pretty peak of the Capucin. You will then climb up at altitudes over different summits: puy de Cliergue, Square Tower, puy Redon. Finally, once you've been well breathed, you'll attack the top of Sancy's puy. The loop will then bring you back to your starting point along the valley.

Point d’orgue du massif, the Sancy puy is at the crossroads of many hiking routes. In addition, many other nearby summits are worth the detour: Ordanche banne, puy Gros, and many others. You will have understood, the Sancy massif is a paradise for hikers. Also, by choosing your itinerary, consider taking a look at the program of the Horizons Sancy festival. Indeed, during the summer, he offers many works of land art in the middle of nature, to discover through the walks!