Le puy de Montoncel
Saint-Victor-Montvianeix
Dogs allowed
Distance 12Km
Duration 4h30
Hiking route BOUCLE
Marking Green
In pictures
Route description
A forest trail along the ancient paths of 17th- and 18th-century salt smugglers, the most famous of whom, Mandrin, invaded Thiers in 1754. Panoramic views of the Muratte dam, the Montoncel puy and the beautiful Roux farm.
Trail highlights
View of the Muratte dam, the Montoncel puy and the beautiful Roux farm, as well as the Forez and Livradois mountains, the Chaîne des Puys, the Sancy massif and Mont-Blanc.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Step 1 : From the La Lizolle bus stop, take the D63 to the right. At the end of the hamlet, take the first track on the right. Turn left at the crow’s-foot and continue straight ahead at the next intersection. In the clearing, turn right, then, at the waterworks, turn right around the reservoir, then, at the next stream, turn left along the water.
Step 2 : At the crossroads, turn right. Cross Duzelier and turn right on an ascending path (view of the Forez and Livradois mountains). Turn right onto the D 201 E. Keep right to reach the village of Les Etivaux. Pass through the village and head towards Les Roux, on the forest-edge path : it skirts a pond on the left.
Step 3 : At the crossroads, continue on the main road past the beautiful farmhouse of Les Roux. Pass two paths on the right and continue uphill on the left. At the junction of three paths, take the one in the middle. 500 m higher, you’ll overlook the source of the Credogne. Continue straight on to the Col des Planchettes. Turn right at Plan de la Moussière. Continue straight ahead on a forest track. At the first crossroads, continue straight ahead.
Step 4 : Leave the track at the fork and follow the path straight ahead. Turn right onto the track and continue to the next crossroads. Continue on the track opposite to the next T-junction. Go straight down this road, leaving several forest tracks on your right. Turn left onto a less steep track and cross the stream.
Next step
Step 5 : At the crossroads with a large track (tapped spring), turn right and continue downhill to the Canelier farm (viewpoint over the Chaîne des Puys, Sancy massif, Mont-Blanc, Forez and Livradois mountains) and rejoin the road. Turn right onto the D64 as far as the hamlet of La Lizolle to reach the parking lot.
Proposed and managed by the Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme – PDIPR.
/* col-6_sm-12 */ ?>
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
In the country, Forest location, Mountain location, Presence of livestock and guard dogs
Access
From the village of Celles-sur-Durolle, take the D7 towards Thiers, then Palladuc. In Palladuc, turn right onto the D64 towards Arconsat. After 6 km, park at the bus shelter in the village of La Lizolle.
Downloadable :
Photo credits : Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme, Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme, Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme
Updated on 2 July 2026 by Conseil départemental du Puy-de-Dôme