Crédits photo bandeau 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
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.
Banne d'Ordanche in Murat-le-Quaire
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.
View of the Sancy from the Puy d'Alou at Vernet-Sainte-Marguerite
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.
Panorama of the Pic Saint-Pierre in Saint Pierre Colamine
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.
Viewpoint of the Roche Vendeix at La Bourboule
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.
Panorama of the Puy de Bessolles at Saint-Victor-la-Rivière
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.
Panorama from the Roche Nité in Valbeleix
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.
View from Puy de Chambourguet in Super-Besse
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.
View of the Sancy from the 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.
View of the Massif du Sancy from the Puy de Chareire in Picherande
An exceptional panoramic view over the Artense plateau to the left and, on the right the Fontaine Salée glacial corrie and Puy de Paillaret.
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
