Le puy de Vichatel

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step :

Étape 1 : From the start sign near the toilets, climb the log staircase, cross the road (take care), turn left along the road and then into the undergrowth. Continue until you reach a fork.

Étape 2 : Turn right, then ignore the left-hand path. Climb the side of the puy de Vichatel (views of the puys de Montchal, Pourcharet and Montjuger, then those of La Vache and Lassolas). At the fence, on the edge of the crater, continue to the right, direction “accès au sommet”, along a prepared path. Go through a gate. At the highest point (view of the Sancy, Combegrasse and Charmont puys, Lac d’Aydat, Forez mountains). Begin the descent, passing through the gate on the left, signposted “accès au cratère” (access to the crater). Pass another gate and turn right to reach the last gate. Go through it to the nearby intersection.

Étape 3 : Turn right and continue downhill to a T-junction near the road. Turn right and return to the start via the crosswalk.