The most beautiful viewpoints in the Puy-de-Dôme: balconies over the volcanoes
The Puy-de-Dôme is a veritable natural theatre, where every viewpoint tells a story of volcanoes, valleys and silence. Between ridges, plateaux and peaks, the département abounds in spectacular viewpoints, accessible on foot or by car, perfect for lovers of grandiose landscapes.
Must-see viewpoints in the Puy-de-Dôme
Puy de Dôme: a mythical summit
The most famous peak isPuy de Dôme (1,465 m), accessible on foot or by panoramic train. From its summit, you can see the whole of the Chaîne des Puys and the Limage fault, the Monts Dore and, on a clear day, all the way to the Alps.
Puy de Pariou: the perfect crater
Not far from the Puy de Dôme, the Puy de Pariou captivates visitors with its near-perfect crater. From its summit, the view plunges into the very heart of the volcano, with the rolling hills of the Auvergne as a backdrop.
It's also a popular spot for photographers.
The Puy de Sancy: a 360° viewpoint
Further south,the Puy de Sancy, the highest point in the Massif Central (1,886 m), offers a spectacular 360° view.
Accessible by cable car or by steep footpath, it offers an immense visual reward: the Cantal mountains, the Cézallier plateau, the glacial valleys, everything is revealed.
La Banne d'Ordanche: a memorable sunset
In the Monts Dore, La Banne d'Ordanche (1,515 m) overlooks the Dordogne valley, offering uninterrupted views of Lac de Guéry, Puy Gros and the Sancy. It's a peaceful spot, perfect for a sunset hike.
The Guéry plateau: nature and tranquillity
The Guéry plateau, with its landscape of lakes and peat bogs, offers a unique atmosphere. The views are sublime, especially in autumn, when the forests turn gold and red.
Le Puy de la Tâche: a little-known gem
The Puy de la Tâche, next to the Guéry plateau, is a less-frequented but equally impressive summit. Its grassy summit offers a splendid view ofthe Sancy massif and the wide open spaces of the Cézallier.
The Queuille meander: a natural paradise
The Queuille meander, nicknamed"paradise", is one of the region's natural gems, offering an enchanting panorama of the Sioule river as it forms a perfect loop. The Queuille belvedere is a must-see place for contemplation.
La Roche Sauterre: a balcony overlooking Limagne
To the east, La Roche Sauterre, perched high above the Limagne, offers a breathtaking view of the agricultural plains and volcanic reliefs. A discreet spot, ideal for a nature break away from the hustle and bustle.
The Pic de la Garde: a hidden Livradois treasure
The Pic de la Garde at Saint-Jean-des-Ollières in the Livradois is the viewpoint from which you can see the Comté, a Natura 2000 listed site of ecological, fauna and flora interest. This forest is one of the richest in Auvergne.
The Puy Saint-Jean lookout: nature and heritage
The Puy Saint-Jean lookout, located in Artonne in the Puy-de-Dôme department, offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Puys chain, the Limagne plain and the Forez mountains.
Accessible via a themed footpath, this natural site has been developed by the Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels d'Auvergne and invites visitors to discover the local flora and the remains of the region's wine-growing heritage.
Puy d'Usson: a unique volcanic site
Finally, further south-east, don't miss the Puy d'Usson, located near the charming medieval village of Usson. This isolated volcanic site is home to an imposing statue of the Black Madonna and offers exceptional views of the Livradois-Forez massif, the Limagne and even the Sancy.
Let yourself be surprised by the wild nature of the Puy-de-Dôme
Every summit, every hill, every viewpoint in the Puy-de-Dôme is an invitation to escape. Here, nature reigns supreme, and the panoramas tell the story of an ancient history shaped by volcanoes and time.
