Le puy de Montrodeix

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step :

Étape 1 : In Orcines, the start sign is in the church parking lot.
From the starting point, walk down Rue de la Mairie, then turn right on the road for 40 m. Turn left downhill to a crossroads, then take the second small road on the left to the D942. Cross it towards Le Cheix. At the wash-house, turn right down the road, then straight ahead on a track. At the second crossroads, turn left (Roman road) and follow it to the asphalt road.

Étape 2 : Turn right. Cross the D768 and pass the fountain-lavatory and the Christianized Villars menhir. Continue through the hamlet and, 150 m further on, turn right onto the plateau (view of Puy de Dôme). At the T junction, turn right (overlooking the Tiretaine valley) and join the D768.

Étape 3 : Go through Fontanas (off the route: 100 m along rue de la Cascade, with its millstream, fountains and vaulted stables). At the D68/D768 junction, turn left (dangerous traffic). 100 m further down, take the D90 up to Château de Solagnat, then turn right into Rue de Missole and continue along Chemin de Montrodeix (view of the Puy de Dôme and Puys) to the road.

Étape 4 : Cross the road and, via rue de Sagne-Vida, reach the Montrodeix village square (fountain). After the bus shelter, turn left onto chemin du Château-fort. At the crossroads, climb left to the puy de Montrodeix (basaltic organs – 15 min.). Back at the crossroads, take the track opposite down to the road. Turn right and, at the first crossroads, take the “chemin des Rouges gorges” to the left as far as the large road junction. To cross this dangerous junction, shortly after the “La Font de l’Arbre” sign, cross the D68 to join the path leading to a crosswalk over the D942. Follow the Puy de Dôme road to the first path on the right.