From La Bourboule or Le Mont-Dore, at the foot of Puy de Sancy, the highest mountain in the Massif Central, the GR®30 trail takes you across a land of lakes and volcanoes but also reveals the heritage and traditions of the villages of Auvergne.

9

days

198

km

Medium

level

5568 m

elevation gain

Lakes and volcanoesalong the way

This loop passes close to a multitude of lakes, including Guéry, Chambon, Pavin, Chauvet, Montcineyre and the Godivelle lakes, with Puy de Sancy as a constant focal point throughout the itinerary.

On a long-distance hike along the GR®30 Tour des Lacs d’Auvergne trail, follow the red-and-white waymarkers across the green summer pastures of the Monts Dore and Chaîne des Puys mountains dotted with characteristic craters and the steppe landscape of the Cézallier mountains.

Check out the GR 30 Tour des Lac d'Auvergne trail

Added bonus

Follow the GR®30 Tour des Lacs d’Auvergne trail in June to fully appreciate the lush greenery of the flower-festooned pastures of the Massif du Sancy!

Lake En-Haut at La Godivelle

Lake En-Haut at La Godivelle

Red and white marking for the GR

Red and white marking for the GR

Lake En-Haut at La Godivelle

Lake En-Haut at La Godivelle

Practical tip: for greater peace of mind, take a map and guidebook with you.

The GR®30 “topoguide” is a hiking guide published by the French Hiking Federation. You’ll find it online or at bookshops under the title:

  • Volcans et Lacs d'Auvergne - GR®441 - GR®4 - GR®30

The ideal map to take on the GR®30 trail is the Chaîne des Puys & Massif du Sancy Top 75 IGN map. This is available in bookshops and at the Sancy Tourist Offices.

Carte du GR 30, Tour des Lacs d'Auvergne

Carte du GR 30, Tour des Lacs d'Auvergne

Added bonus

Lakes, volcanoes, cows and truffade!

Visit the picturesque villages of Sancy

As you progress along the trail, you’ll visit the lovely little villages of Sancy. Stop off in Murol to admire the impressive medieval castle, or in Besse et Saint-Anastaise, officially listed as a “Petite Cité de Caractère”.

History-of-Art fans, this loop trail also offers a chance to admire one of Auvergne’s most beautiful examples of Romanesque architecture, the church of Saint-Nectaire.

Tips

For a hike of several days, have your luggage forwarded:

Porterage

Stopover in Besse and Saint-Anastaise

Stopover in Besse and Saint-Anastaise

Hikers are encouraged to follow a code of good practices:

  • Stay on the waymarked paths, close gates behind you when passing through private property, and make a detour around any herds you come across.
  • Admire the wild flowers but do not pick them (many are rare and/or protected species).
  • Do not frighten grazing animals or wildlife.
  • Dispose of rubbish responsibly.
  • Keep your dog on lead. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve.
Herd of Aubrac cows in summer pasture at Capucin

Herd of Aubrac cows in summer pasture at Capucin

Near the GR®30 trail

Find overnight accommodation near the GR®30 trail. You'll also find provisions and restaurants at various places within 1.5km of the GR®30 trail.

List of accommodation near the GR®30 trail

Food shops near the GR®30 trail

Restaurants near the GR®30 trail

Services along the trail

Download the GR30 trail map with practical information on where to find drinking water, toilets, showers, etc.

 GR®30 trail facilities map (french)

Accommodations near the GR30

Accommodations near the GR30

Bivouacking on the GR®30 trail

Bivouacking is tolerated on long-distance hiking trails with the prior consent of the property owner.

Be aware, however, that bivouacking is not allowed in the Chastreix-Sancy and Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserves.

  • Tents should be pitched at dusk and taken down at dawn the next day.
  • Avoid volcano summits.
  • Do not light fires.
  • Take all rubbish away with you.

2 bivouac camps are at your disposal along the way:

Full details of the Chastreix-Sancy bivouac camp

Full details of the Picherande bivouac camp

 

 

Bivouac on a long-distance trail

Bivouac on a long-distance trail

Stress-free bivouacking by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Nature Parks