Walking and Hiking in Auvergne

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IT’S TIME TO GO
TRAVELLING AGAIN
Walking and hiking in Auvergne
AUVERGNE
NOUVEAU MONDE
www.auvergne-tourism.com
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There are loads
of great reasons to tie
up your boots, fill up your
knapsacks and go off and
explore this whole new world.
So why not get out there?
There’s something for everyone,
from the more physicallydemanding to easier routes,
with children and even
with a pushchair.
Paris
Clermont-Ferrand
Departure point for short walk
GR®3 From La Baule
to Les Monts du Forez
GR®30 Around Auvergne’s
volcanoes and lakes
GR®40 Around the volcanoes
of Le Velay
GR®430 St-Régis’s Way
GR®400 Around
the Cantal volcano
GR®441 Around the mountain
chain of Les Puys
GR®65 From Le Puy-en-Velay
to Santiago de Compostela
GR®70 Stevenson’s Way
GR®700 The Régordane Way
The valley and gorges
of the Allier River
Gorges of the wild Loire
Via Arverna (St. James’ Way,
Cantal section)
Visit location
One of France's
most beautiful villages
Cartographie ACTUAL
Reproduction interdite
Numéro d'autorisation :
100-63/JMP/12-11
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www.auvergne-tourism.com
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HIKING
From Stevenson’s
Way to the Way of
St James, to the lakes
and volcanoes of Auvergne,
from the heart of Le Sancy to
the wonders of Cantal, from
the heights of Le Forez to the banks
of La Sioule, Auvergne is criss-crossed
by 12 sentiers de Grande
Randonnée (GR®) (longdistance hiking trails).
GR® 30 - Around Auvergne’s
volcanoes and lakes
GR®441 - Around the mountain
chain of Les Puys
This route, which forms a loop, connects the mountain range
of Les Puys in the north (a chain of volcanoes stretching
over 45 km), including Le Puy de Dôme (1,464 m), to Le
Plomb du Cantal (1,855 m) in the south. Along this
route you’ll find Le Puy de Sancy, the highest point of
at 1,885 metres. Following the GR means you’ll pass
by 15 natural lakes along its 189 km length.
Practical information: the top of Le Massif du
Sancy can be reached by cable car from Le MontDore, and there’s also a really enjoyable family walk
to do among its crests and ridges.
Duration: 9 days
Difference in altitude: +1,200 m
H
This 110 km route loops around the volcanic chain of
Les Puys. Over thirty or so kilometres, 80 volcanoes have
shaped the landscape, creating mountains, domes and
crater lakes that can be reached via this route. The mountain chain of Les Puys is also
home to a large
number of different
animals: wild boar,
deer, foxes, badgers,
larks, birds of prey etc.
Duration: 6 days
For further information:
iking in the
Auvergne
www.rando-planetepuydedome.com
GR®3 - From La Baule
to Les Monts du Forez
France’s most ancient route follows the entire length of
the Loire Valley, from La Baule (near Nantes) to Le Mont
Gerbier De Jonc (the river’s source) over a total distance
of 1,243 km. The section in Auvergne, which is 340 km
long, goes through the Allier department, from La Montagne Bourbonnaise to Le Puy-en-Velay in Haute Loire
and to the sources of the Loire, passing Les Crêtes du
Forez and Le Parc Naturel Régional du Livradois Forez.
Duration: 14 days / Difference in altitude: +8,832 m
Difference in
altitude: +900 m
volcanoes
For further
information:
www.rando-planete
puydedome.com
GR®40 - Around
the volcanoes of Le Velay
A round trip of 182 km in the heart of Le Velay, following
along the line of volcanic ridges. A variety of terrific viewing points look out over the châteaux, Romanesque
churches, lakes, forests and fields growing the famous
Le Puy green lentils.
Duration: 9 days / Difference in altitude: +5,127 m
For further information: www.respirando.fr
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400
the GR
Hiking on
Puy Mary
Hiking in the volcanoes
Lac Serv
ière
GR®70 - Stevenson’s Way
What an amazing adventure you could enjoy walking
the 252 km route that Robert Louis Stevenson did with
his donkey, Modestine. From the volcanic plateaux of
Le Velay in southern Auvergne to Les Cévennes, passing through Les Gorges de la Loire, all sorts of delightful
stories were produced by the man who would later
make his name through his most famous book, “Treasure Island”. This is a 66 km route through Haute Loire.
Duration: 3 days for sections in Haute-Loire
Difference in altitude: +1,959 m
For further information: www.respirando.fr
www.chemin-stevenson.org
GR®430 - St. Regis’ Way
St. Regis, Patron Saint of lacemaking by hand could
also have been Patron Saint of walkers. A round trip of
203 km is named after him between Les Monts du
Velay and the Ardèche plateaux.
Duration: 9 days / Difference in altitude: +6,451 m
For further information: www.respirando.fr
GR®65 - From Le Puy-en-Velay
to Santiago de Compostela
Here, at the foot of the cathedral of Le Puy-en-Velay,
which is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its position on St. James’ Way, was where the "Via Podiensis"
first came into being, one of the four main pilgrimage
routes to Santiago de Compostela. A 148 km trip in
Haute-Loire.
Duration: 8 days for sections in Haute-Loire
Difference in altitude: +4,370 m
For further information: www.respirando.fr /
www.ot-lepuyenvelay.fr
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The Allier valley and gorges
s
This route of 190 km will take you alongside the Allier
River, from Brioude to its source.
Duration: 11 or 12 days
Difference in altitude: +3,350 m
For further information: www.respirando.fr
Gorges of the Loire
This 191 km round trip provides an opportunity to explore
Les Gorges de la Loire, Europe’s last remaining wild river
(which has not been diverted by damming; its course is
natural and wild). Start walking along one of the banks
and return by train from the mid-way point.
Duration: 8 days / Difference in altitude: +6,763 m
For further information: www.respirando.fr
GR®400 - Around the Cantal volcano
170 km in length, the GR®400 winds around the Cantal
Massif revealing ridges, mountains and valleys along
the way. Set within Europe’s largest volcano, this midaltitude route ranges from 750 m to 1,855 m, which is
why there is a certain amount of difficulty associated
with gradients and steep slopes.
Duration: 2 to 8 days
Difference in altitude: +5,750 m
For further information: www.rando.cantal.fr
Via Arverna – St. James’ Way –
Cantal section
One of the routes of St. James’ Way passes through the
Cantal department for 170 km from Blesle-Massiac to
Laroquebrou and Les Gorges de la Cère, which provides
an opportunity for exploring a variety of landscapes.
Duration: 6 to 8 days for Cantal sections
Difference in altitude: +3,750 m
For further information: www.via-arverna.com
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Walks and hikes in northern Auvergne
From Le Forêt
de Tronçais, one of Europe’s
finest oak groves,
to the Bourbonnais farmland,
there are all sorts of châteaux
and dwellings in this region.
139 circuits with more than
1,577 km of paths.
Allier
A few ideas…
Le roc du Vacher 1
Charroux
,
one of
This family route starts at Saint-Nicolas-des Auvergne
Biefs, wich is famous for its panoramic view of "Plus beaux
the Puys and his peat bogs, and is home to a village de
France"
wide variety of flaura and fauna.
Family loop
Depart/Arrive: Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs
Distance: 7 km
Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes
Level: easy
Difference in altitude: +206 m
2
Sologne
Family loop
La Forêt de Tronçais is Europe’s largest oak grove,
with a total area of 11,000 ha. This rural family route is
a great way of exploring its three-hundred year old
trees, its lakes and its legends.
On foot, by bike or on horseback.
Depart/Arrive: Saint-Bonnet-de-Tronçais
Distance: 7 km
Duration: 2 hours
Level: very easy
Difference in altitude: +22m
3
Le moulin Parraut
This hill-covered region, with its riversides, small valleys
and hills, has exceptional views (Puy de Dôme, Puy de
Montoncel). Leaving from Charroux, voted one of Auvergne’s 11 “Plus Beaux Villages de France”, you’ll also
have the opportunity to explore the medieval town and
various different types of crafts.
Depart/Arrive: Charroux
Distance: 13.5 km
Duration: 3½ hours
Level: medium
Difference in altitude: +220 m
4
The vines
of Saulcet
On the slopes of Saulcet, between the plain
and the valley, this route
is perfect for those who
enjoy countryside, heritage and good wine. After
walking through the vineyard of Saint-Pourçain,
which has had AOC status
since 2009, you’ll be able to stop off at a cellar to taste
the wine that used to be served at the kings’ table.
Depart/Arrive: Saulcet
Distance: 13.5 km
Duration: 3½ hours
Level: medium
Difference in altitude: +100 m
You can find out more about these routes in the guidebook entitled "L'Allier à pied". 45 marked circuits
are shown and on sale in the department’s tourist
offices and bookshops.
For further information:www.allier-tourisme.com
Tronçais
Forêt de
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Walks and hikes in the centre of Auvergne
Puy-de-Dôme
A few ideas…
Vallée de Chaudefour 5
Whether you’re with
your family, on the move
or just out for the day, among
the dormant volcanoes, around
La Chaîne des Puys and lakes,
or along the riverbanks,
Le Puy-de-Dôme has more
than 5,000 km of marked
paths.
Set in the heart of Le Parc Naturel des Volcans d'Auvergne, La Vallée de Chaudefour nature reserve attests
Randonnée les Hautes-Chaumes 7
to the volcanic activity and repeated geological changes
From the heights of Le Parc naturel régional du
undergone. The panoramic views from the
slopes of Le Puy de Sancy make it one of
Livradois-Forez, this route
Auvergne’s must-do hikes. La Vallée de
takes you to the
Chaudefour is located in the north of Le
jasseries, which are
Massif des Monts Dore, fifty or so kilometres
traditional dwellings
south-west of Clermont-Ferrand.
in the Forez mountain
Please note that dogs are not permitted
region, closely associated
on this route (as a nature reserve, there
with the production of
are wild animals here).
Fourme d'Ambert,
Depart / Arrive: Chambon-sur-Lac
Hiking aro
an
Auvergne cheese with
und
the "Vallé
Distance: 14,5 km
e de Cha
protected
appellation status.
ud
e
fo
ur"
Duration: 5h
Depart
/
Arrive: SaintDifference in altitude: +1,850 m
Anthème /Valcivières
Distance: 10 km
Le puy de la Vache 6
Duration: 3¼ hours
Family loop
Difference in altitude: +1,425 m
This route enables you to discover one of the finest
volcanoes of the chain of Les Puys, where volcanoes
abound. From the top, you’ll have 360° views over Le
Puy de Dôme (1,465m), the mountain chain of Les
Puys, Le Sancy and Le Forez.
Depart / Arrive: St-Genès-Champanelle
Distance: 2.7 km
Duration:
1½ hours
Difference in
altitude:
Le gour de Tazenat 8
Family loop
A family walk during which you can walk around the crater
of a volcano that has been dormant for 40,000 years.
Depart / Arrive: D19 between Manzat
and Charbonnières-les-Vieilles
Distance: 3.8 km
Duration: 1¾ hour
Difference in altitude: +630 m
+189 m
You can find out about all pedestrian routes in
Le Puy-de-Dôme and download them free of
charge at www.rando-planetepuydedome.com
vache
Puy de la
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Walks and hikes
in south-western Auvergne
Cantal
A few ideas…
If it hadn’t exploded
millions of years ago,
this would have been Europe’s
largest volcano! The Cantal Massif
has some wonderful locations,
with rich countryside and with a cultural
heritage that is as well protected
as its natural resources. 3,000 km
of routes for small hikes are
available so you can come
and enjoy this region.
Le sentier des vieilles pierres 11
Lac de la Crégut
Circuit around 9
the lac de la Crégut
family loop
This circuit includes a magnificent panoramic viewpoint
over Le Puy Mary, the lakes, Les Monts du Cantal and
Les Monts du Sancy.
Depart / Arrive: La Crégut village
Distance: 6 km
Durée : 1¾ hours
Duration: +60 m
For further information: www.sumene-artense.com
La vallée du Goul 10
Lapeyrugue is a charming little village with a restored
church and very old school, looking out over La Vallée
du Goul.
Before setting off through the nearby chestnut grove,
don’t forget to admire the view over Les Monts du Cantal
and the Aubrac plateaux.
Depart / Arrive: Lapeyrugue
Distance: 6.5 km
Durée : 2 hours 40 minutes
Duration: +299 m
For further information:
www.chataigneraie-cantal.com
In the middle of La Forêt de la Pinatelle, during your
stroll this round trip will enable you to discover a highly
varied architectural heritage: two churches, la croix de
Mons and sarcophagi, as well as shelters beneath rocks
used in prehistoric times, tumuli and a bread oven.
Please note that dogs are not permitted on this route
(which crosses through pasture land).
Depart / Arrive: Chalinargues
Distance: 13 km
Durée : 4 hours
Duration: +220 m
For further
information: www.
officedetourisme
paysdemurat.com
La chapelle 12
SainteMadeleine
Hiking on the
Puy Mary
This route takes you
to La Chapelle
Sainte Madeleine.
You’ll be passing
through tree-covered slopes impregnated
with the scent of the pine trees. The chapel is a marvel
of Roman art.
Depart / Arrive: Massiac
Distance: 10.5 km
Durée : 3¼ hours
Duration: +360 m
For further
information: www.paysdemassiac.com
You can find out about all hiking routes in Cantal at
www.rando.cantal.fr and www.cantaltourisme.fr
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Walking and hiking
in south-eastern Auvergne
Haute-Loire
A few ideas…
Le serpent d'or 13
Family loop
4 km nature discovery trail. A walk that takes you through
the legends and history of how La Forêt du Breuil was
used by the Benedictine monks.
Depart / Arrive: La Chaise-Dieu
Distance: 4 km
Duration: 1h45
Difference in altitude: +76 m
This circuit is available in the guidebook entitled
"Le Pays de la Chaise-Dieu à pied", which is available
to buy in the tourist office and at www.auvergnevacances.com
La dentellière 14
A hike with fantastic views leaving from the medieval
fortress of Polignac.
Depart / Arrive: Polignac
Distance: 12 km
Level: medium
Duration: 3 hours
Difference in altitude: +322 m
Circuit available at www.ot-lepuyenvelay.fr
Mountains and valleys 15
A day’s hike in Les Gorges de l’Allier starting from the
village of Chilhac, during which you will come across terraced vineyards and the natural riches of the valley.
Depart / Arrive:
Chilhac
Distance: 17 km
Level: medium
Duration: 3 hours
Difference in
altitude: +340 m
This circuit is available
in the guidebook
entitled “Chamina
Lavoûte-Chilhac côté
chemins”, which is
available to buy at
the tourist office and
at www.auvergnevacances.com.
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Haute-Loire
is a hiking area that really
sets the standard.
There are more than 400 paths
for small hikes, which run between
the gorges of the River Allier
and the Loire, and cross through
some remarkable towns
and villages.
Le grand Felletin 16
Very close to Le Parc Régional du Pilat, this route
through the forest gives you access to one of the department’s tallest peaks, called Le Grand Felletin. From
its 1,388 metre summit, you can enjoy a fantastic view
over the region, and sometimes you can see as far as
the Alps.
Depart / Arrive: Saint-Julien-Molhesabate
Distance: 21 km
Level: difficult
Duration: 4 hours
Difference in altitude: +800 m
This circuit is available in the guidebook entitled
"Le Haut Pays du Velay à pied" which is available
to buy in the tourist office and at www.auvergnevacances.com.
You can find all
the information
you may need about
routes and hikes
in Haute-Loire at
www.respirando.fr
and www.lacroisee
deschemins.com
Le Puy-enVelay
Comité Régional
de Développement
AUVERGNE Touristique
NOUVEAU MONDE
d'Auvergne
7 allée Pierre de Fermat - CS 50502
63178 Aubière Cedex - France
+33 (0) 473 294 999
www.auvergne-tourism.com
Photographs: © CRDTA - Damase Joël, Combe Ludovic, Frobert David, Olivier Luc, Soissons Pierre
With the support of: CG 03, CDT 03, CG 15, CDT 15, MDDT 43, CG 63, ADDT 63
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