Randonnée jusqu'au sommet de la Banne d'ordanche à Murat-le-Quaire

Top 10 panoramic views

Randonnée jusqu'au sommet de la Banne d'ordanche à Murat-le-Quaire

Sancy, like an island! Our massif is often likened to an island because of its dominant position, like a lighthouse standing amid the hills and plateaus.  The ideal spot for admiring panoramic views that stretch all the way to the horizon!
Grab your camera and discover these 10 sites overlooking unique landscapes!

The orientation table at the top of the Puy de Sancy with a view of the Chaine des Puys

The orientation table at the top of the Puy de Sancy with a view of the Chaine des Puys

01 Puy de Sancy

Puy de Sancy is an absolute must! The summit offers a 360° view over the Chaîne des Puys, the Volcanoes of Cantal, the Mounts of Forez and even as far as the Alps when the weather is clear! It takes 3½ to 6 hours to walk to the top. Or you can reach it by cable car from Le Mont-Dore or Super Besse, followed by a 20 to 40-minute walk.

  • 1886 m
  • Le Mont-Dore
  • June to October

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Banne d'Ordanche in Murat-le-Quaire

Banne d'Ordanche in Murat-le-Quaire

02 Banne d’Ordanche

Banne d’Ordanche is an ancient volcano standing at the entrance to the Upper Dordogne Valley. The viewpoint indicator at the top will help you appreciate the spectacular view and identify, among others, Puy de Sancy, Puy Ferrand, Puy Gros and the Charlannes plateau.

  • 1515 m
  • Murat-le-Quaire
  • June to october

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View of the Sancy from the Puy d'Alou at Vernet-Sainte-Marguerite

View of the Sancy from the Puy d'Alou at Vernet-Sainte-Marguerite

03 Puy d’Alou

This small volcanic peak stands alone on the Vernet plateau! With the fortunate consequence of being seen from a distance and offering, from its summit, a panoramic view over the Massif du Sancy and the Chaudefour Valley. To the East unfurls a panorama of the Pays Coupés and Petite Limagne regions and the Mounts of Forez.

  • From the village of Le Vernet, follow road D145 towards Boissières for 1.5km. The start of the trail is on your left. The walk there and back takes 40 minutes.
  • 1098m
  • Vernet-Ste-Marguerite
  • All year
Panorama of the Pic Saint-Pierre in Saint Pierre Colamine

Panorama of the Pic Saint-Pierre in Saint Pierre Colamine

04 Pic Saint Pierre

This is truly an aerie, occupied for a very long time by a monastery that towered over the spectacular scenery. A pretty chapel still remains, offering a 360° panoramic view over the Massif du Sancy to the west, the Livradois-Forez region to the east, and the Chaîne des Puys to the north.

  • 1050m
  • St-Pierre-Colamine
  • All year round

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Viewpoint of the Roche Vendeix at La Bourboule

Viewpoint of the Roche Vendeix at La Bourboule

05 Roche Vendeix

For a long time a medieval castle stood on this volcanic outcrop topped with beautiful basalt columns. The scattering of ruins at the top of the rock offers an uninterrupted view of La Bourboule and Banne d’Ordanche to the north, and the Sancy ridges to the east.

  • 1160 m
  • La Bourboule
  • All year

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Panorama of the Puy de Bessolles at Saint-Victor-la-Rivière

Panorama of the Puy de Bessolles at Saint-Victor-la-Rivière

06 Puy de Bessolles

Between Murol and Saint-Victor, Puy de Bessolles stands in a site of great geological interest: follow the Sancy Tour trail No. 9 “Sur les pas d’un géologue” to find out more. This balcony trail offers views over Chambon lake, the Tartaret Volcano and Dent du Marais, all against a mountain backdrop.

  • From Murol, take the D5 road towards Besse. Turn towards Roche Romaine. The trail starts on the left at the first bend. The walk there and back takes 45 minutes.
  • 1057m
  • St-Victor-la-Rivière
  • All year
Panorama from the Roche Nité in Valbeleix

Panorama from the Roche Nité in Valbeleix

07 Roche Nité

You’re sure to see a few paragliders taking to the sky from this lava crag on the edge of the Chavade plateau! You’ll admire views over the glacial valley of the Couze du Valbeleix set against the backdrop of Puy de Montchal, Puy-de-Dôme, Puy du Sancy and many more.

  • From Valbeleix, take the D127 road, then the D641 towards La Chavade. Stop at the car park on the wide bend. The trail is just opposite. The walk there and back takes 1½ hours.
  • 1150 m
  • Le Valbeleix
  • All year
View from Puy de Chambourguet in Super-Besse

View from Puy de Chambourguet in Super-Besse

08 Puy de Chambourguet

This volcanic peak is a THE place to be for spotting marmots among the fallen rocks. But if you make the effort of walking to the top, you'll not only see the volcanic crater but also be rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the resort of Super Besse, Pavin lake and the Cézallier region.

  • 1520m
  • Super-Besse
  • June to october

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View of the Sancy from the Motte de Brion

View of the Sancy from the Motte de Brion

09 Motte de Brion

The peculiar outline of this isolated mound is easy to recognise amid the rolling Cézallier landscape. Once home to a feudal castle, of which a few traces can still be seen at ground level, this site listed as a Historical Monument offers a real balcony overlooking Bordes lake, the Massif du Sancy and the Volcanoes of Cantal.

  • Drive up to the village of Brion and park on the Motte de Brion car park. 5-minute walk
  • 1273 m
  • Compains
  • All year

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View of the Massif du Sancy from the Puy de Chareire in Picherande

View of the Massif du Sancy from the Puy de Chareire in Picherande

10 Puy de Chareire

An exceptional panoramic view over the Artense plateau to the left and, on the right the Fontaine Salée glacial corrie and Puy de Paillaret.

  • Park in Chareire at the car park near the restaurant, and follow the “PR” local hiking trail towards Puy de Chareire. When you reach the bottom of Puy de Chareire, turn around to enjoy the view! The walk there and back takes 45 minutes.
  • 1180 m
  • Picherande
  • June to october

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Horizons Arts-Nature in Sancy

From June to September, the Massif du Sancy will showcase its immense natural wealth as seen through the eyes of artists. 10 monumental artworks, each an artistic gems will be installed at 10 natural sites across the Massif du Sancy, in Auvergne. A great way to explore on alternative walks to the secret corners of Sancy!
Learn about Horizons Arts-nature in Sancy

Situation map