Le creux de l’Oulette
Saillant
Dogs allowed
Distance 12.5Km
Duration 3h45
Hiking route BOUCLE
Marking Yellow
In pictures
Route description
Between the Velay plateaux and the Ance valley, this itinerary leads to the charming waterfall of Le creux de l’Oulette, as well as the basaltic organs of Montpeloux, plunging from their full height into the waters of a lake set in a former quarry.
Trail highlights
– View of the Ance valley.
– Montpeloux volcano (basalt cliffs).
– View of the Forez mountains.
– The creux de l’Oulette waterfall.
– View of Saillant.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Step 1 : From Saillant town hall, take the D256 towards Églisolles. Turn left downhill, then right. When you come to a house, go round it to the right and join the road on the left.
Step 2 : After approx. 150 m, take the first track on the right and follow it to the Ance river. Follow the river upstream. Continue through the forest to Bostfranchet. Go right up the asphalt road to the D139. Turn left for approx. 300 m, then left at the chalet onto a tarmac road (view over the Ance valley).
Step 3 : Cross the D139 and continue straight ahead on the road. Before the last house, turn right along a path to the Montpeloux volcano. Return to the path and turn left onto the road, passing through the village of Montpeloux. Take the sunken path on the right after the last chalet (view of the Monts du Forez). Cross the D257 and continue uphill through undergrowth.
Step 4 : In the clearing, turn right, then right again at the next fork. Turn left twice to reach another clearing. Continue straight ahead (ignore the “cascade” off-route path). Before the stream, turn right along the fence. Descend into the forest, turn left at the intersection. At the next junction, turn left for a short round trip to the waterfall. Continue along the right-hand side of the circuit (you can return to the “Creux de l’Oulette” sign off the circuit).
Next step
Step 5 : Continue along this rocky path to a large clearing. Turn right onto the carriage road. Cross Le Mont and keep right on the D256. After approx. 200 m, at the bend in the road, take the path on the right (view of Saillant). Cross the road and go down to the Fangody cross. Turn right onto the path, cross the road and climb to Bichelonne. At the hamlet, take the road immediately to the left. Reach Saillant below.
Proposed and managed by the Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme – PDIPR.
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Opening hours
From 01/01 to 31/12 daily.
Subject to favorable weather.
Comfort, facilities and services
- Pets welcome
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
Forest location, Mountain view, Presence of livestock and guard dogs
Access
From the village of Saint-Anthème, take the D261 towards Viverols. After 5 km, turn left onto the D139 towards Saillant.
Downloadable :
Photo credits :
Updated on 3 July 2026 by Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme