Lake Pavin

dsio.detail.topo

Étape 1 : Opposite the start sign, near the restaurant, turn right onto the path through the forest. At the intersection, go straight ahead, through a gate (view of the Sancy massif) and follow the signs for “Lac Pavin” through the meadow. Go through the first gate, then the second. At the road, go down and then left as far as Lac Pavin.

Étape 2 : Turn right on the lakeside path, direction “Puy de Montchal”, as far as “La pierre carrée”. Go right up through the beech forest to a crossroads called “Le ramier”.

Étape 3 : Cross the wide track and go up a path towards “Puy de Montchal” to a crossroads on the lip of Puy de Montchal. Climb to the right to the summit (1407m, view of the Sancy massif). Continue over the crater, leaving it to the left, and descend to a junction of 4 paths. Descend to the right, then at the fork, continue left to a T-junction. Go left for 100m, then left again to reach a road. Turn right, pass the “creux de Soucy” and continue on the road for another 100m to an intersection with a path on the left.

Étape 4 : Take this and, at the first intersection, go left. Continue on the main road to a T-junction. Turn left and go straight ahead to reach, after crossing a road, the viewpoint over Lac Pavin and the Sancy massif. Continue for 50 m, cross the road and take the path opposite. Pass 2 stepladders, skirt the end of Lac Estivadoux and climb left to a road. Cross the road and turn left onto a wide track. Continue along this main path until you reach the end of the forest. Turn left, then immediately right, to get back to the starting point.Please note: hiking with a dog is not possible.