• Summit of Auvergne: Tour of Sancy

• 20 May - 30 September, starting everyday subject to availability

• From £895
• From €995

• From £975
• From €1085
• Loyalty scheme reduction applies for returning customers (see terms and conditions)

• 5 or 6 nights, 4 or 5 days independent walking tour beginning & ending at Mont Dore

• A spectacular walking tour taking in the highest and most beautiful summits of the Puy de Sancy with exceptional views
• Dramatic waterfalls, beautiful lakes and wild mountain scenery
• Historic villages built from volcanic stone with great ecclesiastical monuments
• Rich flora & fauna
• Welcoming guest houses in historic buildings

• 5 or 6 nights: You will be staying in a mixture of B&B guest houses & small hotels, (good quality 2 star equivalent or higher). They are often traditional Auvergne properties offering authentic, comfortable accommodation where the welcome is warm and generous. Evening meals not included in Mont Dore

1. 5 or 6 night's accommodation, all breakfasts, 2 or 3 lunches (depending on option) and evening meals in Murol and Fontaneix
2. Transfer to and from the station at Mont Dore
3. Luggage transported between guest houses
4. Detailed walking notes and walking map

1. Travel to and from Mont Dore in France, lunches on arrival and departure days plus those walks leaving from Mont Dore, 3 evening meals in Mont Dore, visits, travel insurance

1. Return to full list of independent walking holidays

Walking profile

The walks on this independent walking holiday in Auvergne are graded challenging, although it is at the easy end of the grade. This holiday will suit those people who enjoy mountain walking as well as exploring different facets of an area. The daily walks on this walking holiday average 19km in length with an average of 750m of ascent. The terrain is hilly & mountainous. The paths are generally good although they can be rough and stony in places with the odd exposed section which requires a degree of surefootedness as well as a good head for heights.

Day 1: Arrival Mont Dore

Arrival in Mont Dore and transfer from station if arriving by public transport. Welcome at your delightful guest house.

Day 2: Tour from Mont Dore

You have the choice of two wonderful walks to start your holiday. You could always add an extra day at the end of the holiday to be able to do them both.

Option 1: You days starts by climbing to the beautiful Lac Guery, where you can reach the Col Guery and a magnificent view of the twin volcanic towers of Sanadoire and Tuilière, separated by a glacial valley. You then have a gentle climb to La Banne d’Ordanche amid a wild and spectacular landscape. Return via the summit of Puy Gros which has wonderful views of Mont Dore and Puy de Sancy. 21km, +820m. This walk can be shortend to take in just Puy Gros.

Option 2: A magnificent day taking in 3 waterfalls and a ridge of volcanic peaks with sumptuous views. Your trails takes you up to the Col de la Croix Morand, after passing Cascade du Queureuilh and Rossignolet. You then have a challenging but rewarding traverse of 4 volcanic mountain summits separated by short descents, with the highest the Puy de l’Angle at 1738m being a wonderful vantage point for views across the Auvergne mountains. Descend past the Grande Cascade which at 32m is a beautiful site. 19km, +900m

Day 3: Mont Dore - Lake Chambon / Murol

Another great day's walking taking in the eastern flanks of the Puy de Sancy. After a stiff climb up to the Plateau Durdise your trails climbs the edge of the spectacular U shaped valley leading down from Sancy. You have the opportunity to climb Roc Cuzeau before climbing to Puy de Crebasses at 1762m, which has remarkable views down into the Chaudefour Valley with its fins of rock. Take a moment to enjoy the views and look out for falcons or chamois. You’ll then begin a long descent, passing by the village of Chambon sur Lac before reaching the beautiful lake itself. A short walk brings you to your hotel. 20km, +830m, -900m.

Optional extra day: Murol & St Nectaire

This walking holiday has the option of an extra day where you can decide on the amount of walking you wish to do. You can have a partial rest day and do a short walk around Lake Chambon, Murol, and adjacent hills for views over the lake and the mountain  summits. Chance to visit Murol’s 12th century castle and during the summer months watch a medieval show. 7km, +200m. Longer option: walk to St Nectaire and its superb basilica, one of the wonders of Auvergne, passing through beautiful rolling countryside with remote hamlets and pre-historic standing stones. 19km, +490m.

Day 4: Lake Chambon / Murol - Fontaneix

A long day packed full of interest. You’ll climb away from the lake via the GR30 before taking a detour to the small village of St Victoire la Rivière with its pretty 12th church. After traversing the Forest of Courbanges, you’ll reach the small medieval town of Besse en Chandesse. Take the time to explore this attractive settlement with its narrow alleyways and small squares lined with dark volcanic stoned properties.  You’ll then take a picturesque walking trail to Lac Pavin, a beautiful circular lake, the deepest in Auvergne and the youngest of the volcanoes at only 6000 years old. A short walk brings you to your guest house on a working farm on the flanks of Puy de Sancy who serve superb food.  22km, +810m

Day 5: Fontaneix - Mont Dore

A wonderful final day’s walk.  You’ll climb onto a ridge on the southern edge of the Chaudefour Valley with great views, before climbing to the top of Sancy, at 1885m, the highest point in the Massif Central. Your walking trail will then take you along a stunning ridge, this time on the western edge of the glacial valley. Broken into a number of summits this spectacular ridge has the odd exposed section, as well as a number of surprising rock features along the way. The trail then summits the Puy de Cliergue and le Capucin before descending directly to Mont Dore. 16km, +750m, -910m.

Day 6: Departure

Walking holiday ends after breakfast. Transfer to station at Mont Dore if needed.

Extra days at Mont Dore are possible.