The Valley of the Saints
Boudes
Dogs allowed
Distance 6Km
Duration 1h45
Hiking route BOUCLE
Marking Blue
In pictures
Visitor alert
The Vallée des Saints site, like many other French sites, is faced with a high level of Scots pine mortality. As a result, many specimens have been weakened. For this reason, we do not recommend this hiking trail in strong winds. Check the weather forecast before setting off.
Route description
This unusual site, worthy of western landscapes, is made up of magnificent red clay chimneys. The surrounding vineyards produce one of Auvergne’s finest wines : Côte d’Auvergne Boudes. The sunny village itself is well worth a visit.
Trail highlights
– 360° panoramic view.
– Vineyards and village of Boudes.
– Village of Bard.
– Small heritage features : fountain and iron cross.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Step 1 : Turn right towards Pic d’Avoiron, then continue on the main path for approx. 800 m. Turn right and return (10 mins) to the “vallon des Fosses”. Continue on the main path, then fork left onto a footpath. Left and back (2 mins) to the “cirque des Mottes”. After 2 observation platforms, take the left-hand path. Go through a gate and reach the “Source Romaine de Bard”. Go straight up, then down to the left, through a gate and onto a path.
Step 2 : Turn left and go through Bard. At the exit, take the track on the left and continue until you see the sign for Domaine Sauvat. Take the left-hand track up to the crossroads (point 1) (iron cross). Turn right to reach the road. Turn left and enter Boudes. After the bridge and Rue du Theur, turn right, pass the fountain and return to the parking lot.
Not suitable for pushchairs/horses/people with walking difficulties. Some sections have steps, fences and small paths.
Car and camper van parking at the reception hall at the entrance to Boudes village. Sanitary facilities and picnic tables.
Bus parking at the entrance to Bard.
Proposed and managed by the Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme – PDIPR.
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Opening hours
All year round daily.
Subject to favorable weather.
Comfort, facilities and services
- Motorhomes allowed
- Pets welcome
- Picnic area
- Public WC
Additional information
For your own safety, always take a bottle of water, a hat, warm clothing and footwear suitable for walking.
Depending on weather conditions, certain itineraries are not recommended in bad weather (fog) or are not practicable, or even forbidden, during the winter season.
Some sites are fragile, so stay on the marked trails. Avoid picking wild flowers and disturbing wildlife. Pick up your garbage.
Animals are not allowed on some routes.
Dogs allowed Dogs must be kept on a leash due to the presence of herds.
Environment
In the country, Presence of livestock and guard dogs
Access
South of Clermont-Ferrand, exit 15 on the A75, direction St-Germain Lembron. On entering St-Germain Lembron, turn right towards Boudes on the D48. At the entrance to Boudes, turn left into the “Vallée des Saints” parking lot.
Downloadable :
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Photo credits : sentier découverte vallée des Saints à Boudes, Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme, Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme, @M.Gaydier sentier découverte vallée des Saints à Boudes, @M.Gaydier sentier découverte vallée des Saints à Boudes, @M.Gaydier sentier découverte vallée des Saints à Boudes, @M.Gaydier sentier découverte vallée des Saints à Boudes
Updated on 29 May 2026 by Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme