Hiking and grandiose landscape lovers? We invite you to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve!
The nature reserve of Chaudefour is located in the Sancy massif in Auvergne. The eponymous valley created 600,000 years before our era, following a heavy volcanic eruption. Its particular structure allowed the formation of a lake in its centre. The structure of its ridges consists of beautiful volcanic devices, including the famous Dent de la Rancune. Today, the extraordinary landscapes of Chaudefour attract many visitors. The valley offers many interesting activities, in addition to hiking. Also, the fauna and flora of this particular place are most fascinating, and you will be quickly marvelled. Need information to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve? So let's go together to discover this exceptional reserve!
History of the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve
Photo credit: Shutterstock – MrCed
Chaudefour is located in the north of the massif of Dores . The creation of the valley results from an important volcanic activity, followed by many glaciation eras. Still today, one can guess in the structure of the valleys of the Dores Mountains the vestiges of its geological evolution. For example, rounded butts are a witness to old dome craters. The cliffs are from the old lava flows. On their side, eruptive rocks stand in fascinating pyramids. The transformation of the valley over the millennia has also created many thermal springs. And, in particular, the Saint Anne fountain.
These beautiful and unusual landscapes have long intrigued. And in order to protect it, a natural reserve was created on May 14, 1991. Reservation that it is today possible to visit, under certain conditions as we will see it.
Our advice to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve
The national nature reserve of the Chaudefour Valley is a true treasure of the Central Massif. The site can be visited in high season, and many activities are available. However, for an exploration of the most pleasant, it is better to prepare. Here are our tips to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve!
Equipment
The Chaudefour reserve is located close to 1200 metres above sea level. Also, even when visiting in the summer, it is important to dress warmly. The temperature can indeed very quickly drop in the mountains. In the same way, it is not always possible to foresee weather.
In addition, the reserve is a wild valley, although many trails have been developed. The mountainous terrains are not flat at all, and are often hidden from small obstacles. Think about bringing your best shoes hiking to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve.
Visit time
When considering the exploration of such a domain, it is important to optimise your visit time. The Sancy Mountain Reserve is a territory of almost nine hundred hectares. If you simply want to walk on its paths, a day should be enough.
But if you’re thinking about trying out other activities (winning, out-of-discovery...) you might need another day. One thinks of the climbing or ascent of the Puy Ferrand. To visit the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve in its entirety, we recommend that you plan 2 to 3 full days .
The rules
Chaudefour is a national natural reserve. Visits to the valley are therefore very regulated, not to disturb fauna or flora. Before you go there, think about taking some precautions, and especially to consult the valley code. In particular, you will have to carry a bag for your waste, which you will not be able to throw in kind. In the same way, if you plan to fish or hunt, make sure you comply with the established instructions.
Besides, he is forbidden to pick flowers and disturb wildlife . You can't take a dog with yourself, since our hair companions could disrupt wild animals. Similarly, bicycles, motorized vehicles, noisy devices and drones are prohibited. Also, wild camping and fire creation are prohibited at all times, for security issues.
What to see and what to do at the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Chodimeafotime
The flora and fauna
The Chaudefour valley is one of the most flourishing of the Central Massif. Its natural reserve therefore houses an exceptional fauna and flora. As it is situated in the mountains, it is evidently full of deer, hares, sheep of Corsica and hermines. Rare specimens of birds can also be observed in its rocks. When the sky is clear, one can admire the pilgrim faucets, the rocks and the great corals.
On the other hand, the flora of the valley consists of many medicinal plants. Chaudefour is also the cradle of multiple flowers such as Arnica, Calendula, and Gentiane. Visiting the national nature reserve of the Chaudefour valley is therefore a must for nature lovers.
The climb
In the reserve, you can indulge in this enriching sport on three different sites. La Dent de la Rancune is the most popular of them and stands at almost 1500 meters above sea level. It offers almost 40 different climbing paths, ranging from an expert-informed level of sport. For its part, the Crête du Coq can be apprehended by climbing enthusiasts.
However, the ascent of these dykes will offer you a breathtaking view of the magnificent Auvergnat landscapes.
A naturalistic experience
Every summer, the valley organizes an exceptional visit for lovers of ornithology. They can then walk in the open-ended reserve, accompanied by specialists. Musicians then add to the walk, to triller, to gazouiller and to whistle at the sound of the mountain birds.
This unusual walk-show will certainly appeal to the little ones as to the great ones. It will allow them to discover the extraordinary fauna of Chaudefour, while having fun.
The summits
Every Wednesday during the high season, the most sporting will be able to embark on the ascent of the valley. A guide will then accompany them from the bottom of the reserve to the peak peak peaks, the Puy Ferrand.
At about 1900 meters above sea level, they can admire the extraordinary landscapes of the Central Massif. Another way to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve. However, for this most immersive discovery, they will have to reserve their places.
How much does a ticket cost to the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Chodimeafotime
Entrance to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve free .
However, the various activities proposed by the reservation require a prior reservation. To do this, simply call the House of the Reserve a few days before the activity to be able to organize its coming.
How to book an online ticket for the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve?
The entrance to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve is free. Therefore, there is no online reservation available but you can book outdoor activities.
Schedules to the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve
If access to the reservation is free, it is not permitted at all times. For security reasons, the valley opens to visitors only May to August . Outside the high season, weather and snow make the trails impractical.
You can visit the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. . It is accessible daily from Friday to Sunday . On the weekends of Ascension and Pentecost, the opening hours are limited to the afternoon schedule.
How to access the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve?
The Chaudefour reserve is located in the Monts Dores massif in Auvergne. Unfortunately, it is not accessible by public transport. By car, you can reach the valley by National Road 89 and Departmental 5 from Clermont-Ferrand . If you leave from the south of the massif, you will have to go to Besse before taking the departmental 36. The same road will allow you to reach the valley from the city of Mont-Dore. However, this time you will have to pass through the Col de la Croix Saint-Robert.
When you arrive to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve. You can park your car at the Reserve House. From this welcome you will be able to visit the multiple marked paths of the valley.
Where to stay near the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve?
To visit the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve, you can easily find many nearby accommodations. In the department of Puy-de-Dôme where the valley is located, the best accommodation options are hotels and holiday homes. So, to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve, book a room in a hotel Mont-Dore or Super-Besse remains the best solution. In addition to staying near the valley, this will allow you to discover charming cities of Auvergne.
You prefer them Airbnb ? So most are located around the natural reserve, in the heart of the massif. They are therefore all the closer to Chaudefour. Also, they are often located in unusual, atypical buildings. They are a haven of relaxation and comfort for visitors. In addition, they allow them to discover local customs with meals prepared by the hosts.
So, what are you waiting for to visit the Chaudefour Valley National Natural Reserve?
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