The highest summit of the Central Massif, the Puy de Sancy (1886m), opens the doors of its kingdom to reveal its most beautiful jewels: the lakes and volcanoes of the Auvergne. Each day, you will go in search of a new Grail: there, a lake, a real pearl in its green setting. Here, a waterfall with a flowing stream. And further on, a Romanesque church where the stones tell you their story. This 7-day version allows you to enjoy the three valleys around the volcano: Dordogne, Chaudefour and Fontaine salée.
You will like
The three valleys Dordogne, Chaudefour, Fontaine salée
Without baggage transport
740€ per person comfort accommodation.
+ 250€ for a single room.
Single departure: extra fee + 30€
With baggage transport
920€ per person comfort accommodation for 2 people.
830€ per person comfort accommodation for 3 to 6 people.
+ 250€ for a single room.
Single departure: extra fee + 150€
Information and reservation is simple by telephone or e-mail
Half-board from dinner the first evening to breakfast of the last day;
A road book: description and IGN maps (1 road book per registration up to 4 people. A supplementary road book for groups of 5 or more. Extra road book supplement 10-25€);
Daily baggage transport between accommodation if you have chosen this option;
Tourist taxes;
Organisation and booking fees.
The price does not include:
Personal expenses, drinks, touristic visits, etc.;
Cancellation insurance (4.2% of total tour cost).
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
The itinerary day by day
Day 1
Welcoming at the end of afternoon on the hotel.
Day 2
HIKING AROUND THE MONT-DORE
Two possibilities :
- Circuit of the Lac de Guéry and the Puy Gros: loop starting from the little town of Mont-Dore. From the bottom of the valley to the Puy Gros plateau and from streams to clearings, the ascent opens onto the Guéry summer pasture areas. During this day, it is possible to make a return trip to the summit of Puy Gros. From the summit, the old work of the glaciers is obvious, in the perspective of the Mont-Dore valley. 4h00 walking / Elevation: +/- 400 m
- Circuit des cascades: a slightly more sporting route, rising to 1738m at the top of the Puy de l'Angle. On the way, 3 waterfalls (the big waterfall, the Rossignolet and Queureuilh waterfalls) and a rollercoaster ride on the ridges (Puys de l'Angle, de Barbier, de la Monne and de la Tache), beautiful views of the Sancy massif. 6h00 walking / Elevation: +/- 760 m
Day 3
MONT-DORE - LAC CHAMBON
This route begins with an ascent to the Durbise plateau. This plateau is full of sheeps from May to October. Passage in the puy des Crebasses (1762 m) along a line of ridges that border the Chaudefour valley. Descent to the old station of Chambon-des-Neiges and then to the Chambon lake. Possibility of swimming, pedal boat rent...
Night in a hotel at the Chambon lake. 6h00 walking / Elevation: + 570 m to + 810 m; - 900 m to - 1020 m
Day 4
AROUND LAKE CHAMBON
Two possibilities:
- Circuit of lake Chambon: from the beach of Lake Chambon, this loop leads to the strombolian volcano of Tartaret and then to the hill of Murol. This is crowned by a citadel commanding the entire Couze Chambon valley, a well-preserved building probably dating from the 12th century (medieval shows in summer!). Passing by the dent du Marais and discovering its panorama on the Sancy. 3h00 walking / Elevation: +/- 270 m
- The Roche Romaine circuit: this loop is proposed in a sector rich in geological features (Roche-Romaine, small cones of the Tartaret lava flow). The Bessoles plateau offers wide views over the Jassat plain and the Adventif massif. 4h00 walking / Denivelé : +/- 230 m
Day 5
LAKE CHAMBON - BESSE
From the lake, the itinerary reachs Courbanges and then the little village of Besse. Passage by the Courbanges forest and the mountain of Dourbise.
Night in hotel in Besse. 5h00 walking / Elevation: + 500 m - 300 m
Day 6
HIKING AROUND BESSE
Two possibilities:
- Lake Pavin circuit: the deepest lake of the massif (92m). Lake Pavin has aroused both legends (a town is said to have sunken there) and scientific curiosity. Continue along the banks before climbing the puy de Monchal. 5h00 walking / Elevation: +/- 400 m
- Ourcière circuit: leaving behind the old streets of Besse and the house of Queen Margot, the path descends towards the Couze Pavin and the hamlet of Ourcière. It goes up the Vaucoux valley to return via the Bois de la Reine to the medieval town, a traditional agricultural centre and a dynamic tourist centre. 3h00 walking / Elevation: +/- 400 m
Day 7
BESSE - THE MONT-DORE
Itinerary that rises from Besse to Super-Besse, a ski resort in the Sancy massif, to cross at the foot of the Puy de Chambourguet. After the Plaine des Moutons, reaching the Puy de Sancy, the highlight of the hike. It is the highest summit of the Massif Central (1886 m). Passage by the crests: puy de Perdrix, col de la cabane... Finally, descent via the Val de Courre where marmots or chamois can be observed. 6h00 walking / Elevation: +950m -650m
End of the tour in the afternoon in Le Mont-Dore.
The trip
LEVEL ***
Elevation: +/- 200m to 1000m approximately per day, 2 options of hiking for few days with differents lenght and time. Walking time: 3 to 7 hours per day. Type of trek: this tour is not technically difficult and is open to children from 12 years.
This trip is organised in collaboration with our local partners, who are as committed as we are to offering you an authentic holiday.
ROAD BOOK
Before departure, we send you a travel folder containing:
- 1 IGN Top 25 with the route highlighted.
- 1 road-book containing all the information necessary for the trek.
- 1 waterproof map holder.
- Accommodation list.
BAGGAGE TRANSPORT
Two options: without baggage transport: you carry your baggage. with baggage transport: your baggage is transported daily by our logistics vehicle.
ACCOMMODATION
CONFORT: In ** and/or *** hotels, subject to availability, on a half-board basis. The rooms are equipped with shower WC or bath WC.
MEALS
Dinner and breakfast are taken at the hotel.
PERSONALISED TOURS
We can personalise a tour according to your requirements (number of days, participants, level of route, accommodation, etc.)
MAPS
IGN Top 25 - 2432 ET - Massif du Sancy
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Meeting at your hotel in Mont-Dore, late afternoon.
BY TRAIN
Clermont-Ferrand SNCF station. Paris - Clermont-Ferrand line, then TER bus to Mont-Dore station.
The schedules given are indicative and must be checked with SNCF www.voyages-sncf.com
BY CAR
Carte Michelin n°73 or n°239. Mont-Dore is located 50 km southwest of Clermont-Ferrand. Possibility to park your vehicle near the accommodation for the duration of the hike.
End of the hike at Mont-Dore.
ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER
Extra night(s) at Le Mont-Dore on a half-board basis, before or after the tour.
INSURANCE
In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Under no circumstances, we can replace your personal civil liability.
The repatriation insurance EUROP ASSISTANCE that we offer is dedicated to French speaking people living in Europe. If it is not your case, we advise you to subscribe to another travel insurance which will cover you in case of injury and repatriation during your trek.
If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.
Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.
TO CONTACT US
If you are late contact the agency +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
CONTACT US
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
1 change of clothes for the evening
A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
Other Equipment
Toilet bag
Quick drying towel
Sunglasses and sun cream
Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
Knife, fork and spoon
Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
Plastic cup for coffee
Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
Survival blanket
Head torch or hand torch
Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
BAGGAGE TRANSPORT
Your baggage will be transported daily (except Day 3) *** add in if days with no baggage*** between accommodation by our logistics vehicle. You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag with all your possessions inside, no heavier than 12kg. Your bag has to be carried everyday by the driver, where access is not always easy, please think of their backs! Baggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers!
Leave on your own for 2 or 3 days and more
In the 'weight is the enemy' section, here are some tips on how to save a few hundred grams. For example, for your toiletries: a simple plastic bag with a zip or a small plastic box to avoid accidental crushing.
Hotel-size soap is generally enough for a week.
A tube of toothpaste 3/4 full will do the trick
Shaving foam: a small sample can
A small microfibre towel
A small bottle of shampoo
A travel toothbrush
Pharmacy: in addition to your personal medicines, bring:
Elastoplast or hook-and-loop tape
"Second skin" tape to protect against blisters, such as Compeed
A small pair of scissors, thread and needle
A small tube of sun cream and lip balm
Now all you have to do is apply this recipe to your entire bag!
7 Days
Self-guided
With baggage transportation
Comfort (room)
Level *** 
From 740 €
