UNESCO volcano hike

Information on the state of the Puy-de-Dôme hiking trails

Some hiking trails in the Puy-de-Dôme may be temporarily closed or not recommended. Click here for up-to-date information on trail conditions, so that you can plan your walks in complete safety.

Temporary trail closures

The Lassolas and Vache puys - Saint-Genès Champanelle

  • The site will be undergoing works from 2 March 2026 for a period of 2 years.
  • Successive closures will take place until 2028 depending on the phases and areas of the works.
  • To keep up to date with the trails that are open and the progress of the works: Puys and works news
  • You can continue to discover the Chaîne des Puys by exploring other volcanoes: Discover other volcanoes

The Dômes loop - Orcines

  • The sentier des Muletiers will be closed from 16 to 27 March 2026 for works.
  • This section will have an impact on the Loop des Dômes trail. In the meantime, explore the other major routes in the Puy-de-Dôme: Discover

The Fossat valley - The Pause rocks

  • The Vallée du Fossat hiking trail is closed until June 2026 due to forestry work.

Access restricted or closed depending on the season

  • Puy de Sancy - Le Mont-Dore: pedestrian access (up and down) to the Puy de Sancy is prohibited while the Le Mont-Dore ski area is open.
  • La Grande Cascade - Le Mont-Dore: access prohibited from 15 November to 1 April by municipal by-law for safety reasons.

Hiking not recommended in winter

Walks affected by Nordic and Alpine ski areas

In winter, some routes may be affected by the activity of Nordic or Alpine ski areas.
The following routes are affected by the Sancy Nordic ski area and are not recommended in winter.

  • Plateau du Guéry and Sentier du Guéry - Le Mont-Dore
  • Le Puy de Chambourguet - La Tour d'Auvergne
  • La Chapelle de Vassivière - Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise
  • La Couze and Lake Pavin - Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise

The following itineraries are not accessible in winter due to the activity of the alpine ski area.

  • The Crêtes du Sancy - Le Mont-Dore
  • The "Boucle Sancy" touring loop - Le Mont-Dore

Hiking not recommended in snow or icy conditions

During periods of snow or icy conditions, some trails can become difficult or dangerous.

  • La Banne d'Ordanche - Murat-le-Quaire
  • La Borne des 4 seigneurs - Laqueuille
  • Le Puy Gros - Le Mont-Dore
  • Les Roches Tuilière et Sanadoire - Rochefort-Montagne
  • Le Puy de Baladou - Saulzet-le-Froid

  • Le Puy de Dôme - Ceyssat: access to the summit can be tricky (icy or snowy conditions), check the weather conditions.

  • Lac Pavin - Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise: if the path is icy, respect the closure order.

  • La Fontaine salée - Picherande

  • Cirque Glaciaire de la Fontaine Salée - Chastreix

  • La Grande Traversée des Volcans d'Auvergne ®: difficult access in winter on all high altitude sections

  • GR4® and GR30®: difficult access in winter on all high altitude sections

  • GR3® Monts du Forez and Tour de Pays: difficult access in winter on all high altitude sections

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