Getting around the Massif du Sancy

Crédits photo bandeau Getting around in the Massif du Sancy

Getting around the Massif du Sancy

In the heart of the Massif Central, the Massif du Sancy is a vast territory of medium mountains, composed of 20 communes, distributed around the Puy de Sancy.
To make your stay easier, we have compiled in this page some advices to get around on our mountain roads.

The peaks and ridges of the Massif du Sancy form a natural barrier for the connections between the different communes. There are several "slopes", each connected by different roads and means of locomotion.

Avoid calculating your itinerary "as the crow flies", as the roads are not always straight in the Sancy!

Map of the Sancy in Auvergne

Driving in France

To drive in France, you must be in possession of:
A) your national driving license (if you’re not an EU citizen, you must have your international driving license)
B) a certificate of registration – the original not a copy – which is called carte grise (grey card) in France, and
C) a certificate of insurance

If your stay in France is for less than 6 months, you can travel freely with your car around the country. You can also rent a car in France. You will be able to find rental companies at each airport and in most train stations in the country. If your stay in France is greater than 6 months you must change your license and have you car inspected.

On the roads of the Sancy

Road rules

Here are some road rules to respect whilst driving in France:

The speed limit is 50km/h in cities, 80km/h in regional areas and 130km/h on motoways unless indicated otherwise.
The minimum driving age is 18.
In France, you drive on the right hand side of the road.
Seatbelts are a requirement by law and must be fastened by passengers in the front as well as in the back of the vehicule at all times.
The use of a mobile phone while driving is illegal unless in use with Bluetooth or handsfree.
The maximum blood alcohol limit is 0.5mg/mL
The use of psychoactives whilst driving is strictly prohibited.
It is recommended to have your headlights on low during the day.
It is mandatory to have a high-visibility vest and hazard triangle in your car at all times in case of emergency.

Getting around with the bus shuttles in the Massif du Sancy

Drinving on snow

The roads are cleared quickly, but your vehicle must be equipped with winter tires or you must have chains in your trunk from November 1 to March 31.

Chaining areas are available at the entrances of the communes and on the accesses to the ski resorts.

Adapt your driving and your speed: avoid braking and sudden acceleration.

Some passes may be closed to traffic due to heavy snowfall or strong wind gusts forming snow drifts.

Practical

Some passes may be closed to traffic due to heavy snowfall or strong wind gusts forming snow drifts.
To follow the traffic conditions in the Puy-de-Dôme department, go to the website inforoute 63

Snowy roads, think equipment and road conditions

In summer, shuttles run between Besse, Super-Besse and Egliseneuve d'Entraigues or between La Bourboule, Murat-le-Quaire and Le Mont-Dore.

In winter, shuttles allow you to go directly to the ski slopes of Le Mont-Dore or Super-Besse.

Cab services are also available.

Consult the list of the different modes of transportation

Getting around with the bus shuttles in the Massif du Sancy