Sancy is hiking heaven! With over 670km of trails, you’ll never get bored with hiking here. Even the local people are always delighted by their adventures in Sancy.
Check out the 5 essential hikes you absolutely must do during your stay!
The ascent to Puy de Sancy
You simply cannot visit the Massif du Sancy without climbing its highest mountain, Puy de Sancy. It takes a lot of energy to reach the top, elevated to 1,886 metres, but the reward is just magical! You’ll look out over the entire Massif Central, including the Cantal, Forez, Limousin, Cévennes and Aveyron mountains.
Grande Cascade
The tallest waterfall in Auvergne, no more, no less. A waterfall exceeding 30 metres in height, in a corrie and in the cool shade of a forest. Starting at the impressive thermal baths of Le Mont-Dore, you'll explore along a historic trail that spa customers and holidaymakers have followed for centuries.
Fontaine Salée
This hiking route is ideal for die-hard fans of the great outdoors and nature unspoilt. You’ll be entering a preserved wilderness where the unique fauna and flora are protected by the area’s classification as a National Nature Reserve.
Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead.
Family walk around the Chambon lake
The walk around Chambon lake is very easy to do. Besides the lake itself, you'll also enjoy some picturesque views against the backdrop of the Massif du Sancy ridges in the distance. On the other side you can see Murol Castle from the beach at Chambon-sur-Lac.
Tour of Pavin lake
Pavin lake is one of the must-see natural sites of Auvergne. You can walk all the way round in less than an hour to admire the beautiful hues of Pavin lake as they change from turquoise to deep blue in their ancient crater.
If you fancy escaping for a few days on a long-distance hike in the unspoilt natural setting of the Massif du Sancy, then opt for the Sancy Loop trail, the GR4 Hauts Plateaux et Monts d’Auvergne trail or the GR30 Tour des Lacs d’Auvergne trail.
Check out long-distance itineraries
Draw on the knowledge of the mountain leaders and guides who will help you discover lakes, volcanoes and glacial valleys, along with the fauna and flora.
Check out mountain leaders
