The volcanic mountain of Puy de Sancy
Puy de Sancy is an Auvergne volcano whose slow formation ended around 250,000 years ago after ‘1,001’ eruptions. At 1,886m high, it reigns supreme over the Massif Central and the summit can be reached via a cable car, followed by a 20-minute hike with steps. And what a summit it is !
The volcanic mountain of Puy de Sancy, king of the Massif Central
The 360° panorama is absolutely superb of crags and ravines, peaks and hummocks, huge expanses of green dotted with splashes of water ! An amazing experience to enjoy to the full with a picnic, maybe at sunset, for unforgettable memories of Auvergne.
For more fresh air and magnificent scenery, the area is teeming with footpaths which are easily accessible from the many gites and B&Bs. Don’t miss these walks : Tour of the Vallée de Chaudefour, a nature reserve well-known for its alpine plants, mouflons, chamois and ermine; Banne d'Ordanche for one of the finest views in the Sancy region; Pic du Capucin, a marvellous mountain with absolutely stunning scenery.
The Massif du Sancy also has wonderful aquaatic scenery of rivers, waterfalls, couzes (mountain streams) and lakes. Lac Pavin is the most perfect in shape, the deepest and most mysterious of these beauties. Discover it by walking through the beech woods which surround it, a lovely family walk which takes an hour ! It is a paradise for fishermen and rock-climbing enthusiasts with 24 routes on a 25m cliff.
What to see and do around Puy de Sancy ?
If you love water sports or relaxing on the beach, the calm, refreshing waters of Lac Chambon and Lac des Hermines are made for you ! Activities include swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, canoeing and children’s play area.
Enjoy the benefits of the hot spring waters of Auvergne and treat yourself to a moment of pure relaxation at one of the Sancy spa resorts and leisure complexes at Mont-Dore, La Bourboule and Saint-Nectaire !
Take to the air to discover the magical landscape from a different angle and get your fill of thrilling sensations ! Hot-air balloon trips, paragliding, zip wires (at Super Besse), everything is possible ! Rock-climbing enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with Crête du Coq or Dent de la Rancune in the magnificent Vallée de Chaudefour, Capucin in the Vallée du Mont-Dore, Falaise du Rivalet at Saint-Nectaire.
Sancy can also be explored by bike or mountain bike, alone, with family or friends. Discover the legendary Col de la Croix-Saint-Robert, Col de la Geneste and Col de la Croix Morand ! A 76km discovery circuit is a great way to see all the different facets of the area including its wonderful architectural heritage : the medieval and Renaissance character village of Besse, the Romanesque church of Saint-Nectaire, Notre-Dame d'Orcival, Murol and its medieval castle, the fine Belle-Epoque buildings of La Bourboule, Mont-Dore and Saint-Nectaire.
In winter, Sancy is an absolute paradise for winter sports and outdoor activities. Its three ski areas have more than 100km of 100% volcanic pistes and an avalanche of activities for all ages : downhill and cross-country skiing, speed skiing, slalom, tobogganing and activities for children – everything and everyone is catered for !
Discover Puy de Dôme with Gites de France Puy de Dôme : Puy de Dôme, Livradois-Forez, Clermont-Ferrand City Guide, Chaîne des Puys.
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