Self-guided · Auvergne, France
Dormant volcanoes,
glacial valleys,
and crater lakes.
A week-long circuit through the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park. Summit the highest peak of the Massif Central, wander through medieval stone villages, and rest beside deep blue crater lakes.
- Days
- 7
- Distance
- 85 km
- Ascent
- 3,500 m
- Grade
- Moderate
“An amazing and very memorable experience”Bhagyashree & Akhil · Tour du Mont Blanc
Read the reviewsTrip Essentials
The walk
Around the roof of
the Massif Central.
The Puy de Sancy, standing at 1,886 metres, is the highest point in central France—a dramatic volcanic peak that commands three distinct valleys: the Dordogne, the Chaudefour, and the Fontaine Salée. This seven-day circuit is a deep dive into a landscape shaped by ancient fire and ice, where volcanic domes (puys) meet deep glacial cirques.
Starting and ending in the historic spa town of Le Mont-Dore, the route takes you across high-altitude plateaus where chamois and marmots are frequently spotted. You'll climb to jagged ridges for panoramas that stretch across the Auvergne, then descend into lush valleys to discover medieval towns like Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise and the tranquil shores of Lake Chambon.
This 'comfort' version of the Tour of Sancy ensures a warm welcome at the end of every day. You'll stay in hand-picked 2* and 3* hotels with half-board meals included, and your luggage is whisked ahead of you, leaving you free to focus on the vast horizons and the silent, sleeping giants of the Auvergne.
The route, day by day.
A fixed self-guided package: every stage, every night's accommodation and every luggage transfer is arranged before you set off.
- 01
Arrival in Le Mont-Dore
-Arrive in the historic spa town of Le Mont-Dore in the late afternoon. Nestled in a valley at the foot of the Sancy massif, the town is famous for its thermal springs and Belle Époque architecture. Settle into your hotel before your first dinner of Auvergne specialties.
- 02
The High Plateaus of Mont-Dore
4-6 h · +610/850 m / −610/850 m · 12-15 kmA choice of two loops to start your journey. You can head for the Puy Gros plateau for views over the Dordogne valley, or take the 'Waterfalls Circuit,' passing three distinct cascades before reaching the ridges of the Puy de l’Angle at 1,738 m. Return to Le Mont-Dore for the night.
- 03
Le Mont-Dore → Lac Chambon
6 h · +810 m / −1020 m · 16 kmClimb towards the Durbise plateau, where sheep graze throughout the summer. Follow the ridgeline to the Puy des Crebasses (1,762 m) for spectacular views down into the Chaudefour glacial cirque. The trail then descends through forests to the peaceful shores of Lake Chambon.
- 04
Volcanoes and Castles
3-4 h · +270 m / −270 m · 10 kmA gentler day around Lac Chambon. You can hike to the Tartaret volcano and the dramatic Murol Castle, a 12th-century fortress commanding the valley. Alternatively, explore the Roche Romaine sector, rich in unique geological formations and wide views over the Adventif massif.
- 05
Lac Chambon → Besse
5 h · +500 m / −300 m · 15 kmLeave the lake and climb through the ancient forests of Courbanges. The trail crosses the Dourbise mountain before descending into the beautiful medieval town of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, built from dark volcanic stone and full of history.
- 06
The Craters of Besse
3-5 h · +400 m / −400 m · 12 kmAnother day of choices. The highlight is the loop to Lac Pavin, France's youngest volcanic crater lake and its deepest (92 m). Walk the perimeter of this near-perfect circle before climbing the Puy de Monchal for a final look at the crater from above.
- 07
Besse → Le Mont-Dore
6 h · +950 m / −650 m · 16 kmThe grand finale. Climb from the ski resort of Super-Besse across the 'Plaine des Moutons' to reach the summit of Puy de Sancy (1,886 m). After taking in the 360-degree panorama, descend via the Val de Courre—a prime spot for wildlife—back to Le Mont-Dore.
Where you'll stay
A good bed at the end of every day.
Comfort is the priority on this circuit. You'll stay in a mix of 2* and 3* hotels, all offering private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Half-board is included throughout, meaning a hearty breakfast and a three-course dinner featuring local Auvergne cuisine are waiting for you at each stop.
Getting there
The tour starts and ends in Le Mont-Dore. The town is accessible by train from Clermont-Ferrand (via TER bus or train). Clermont-Ferrand is well-connected to Paris by Intercités trains. If you are driving, there is public parking available in Le Mont-Dore for the week.
What's included?
A fixed self-guided package — accommodation, luggage transfer and route notes all taken care of before you arrive.
Six nights half-board in 2* and 3* hotels, twin share
Daily luggage transfer between hotels
Detailed route notes and IGN top 25 maps (one set per group)
Organisational costs
Full planning and support from our team
Not included
- Tourist taxes, which some accommodation may ask you to pay locally
- Picnic lunches (can be ordered at your hotel each evening)
- Travel to and from Le Mont-Dore
- Personal expenses, drinks, and souvenirs
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Guiding (this is a self-guided tour)
Reviews from walkers
What it's like to travel with us.
Every review here comes from someone who actually travelled with us — we only ask once the trip's over, and we don't edit what they say.
From walkers on our other trails.
Different routes, same team doing the planning, the bookings and the hand-holding — so these say a lot about what to expect here too.
“An amazing and very memorable experience”
We had a really wonderful experience and are very happy that we went ahead with the trek. It was challenging at times, but overall it was an amazing and very memorable experience. The scenery, the trails and the whole journey were absolutely beautiful. Bhagyashree did have some issues with her knee during the trek, which made a few sections difficult. We didn't let that stop us — we completed most of the trek and, wherever necessary, adapted our plans and took a bus or train for certain stretches rather than putting too much strain on her knee. Managing the trek despite the knee issue made the achievement feel even more special.
Thank you once again for all your help and guidance in planning the trek. Will definitely recommend Big Trail Adventures to all.
“Solo or in a group, I would do this again tomorrow!”
One of the best experiences I have had. I did this solo and felt supported all the way with the BigTrailAdventures team, especially in inclement weather. The vistas were incredible and overnight accommodation was faultlessly organised. Pushing myself during the day ( I ran rather than walked the trail), and then being fed and watered in a hotel in the evening was a treat.
The planning was exceptional and all details were covered.
There is a special time every day when you are overcome with the beauty of the nature that you are seeing, the sweeping vistas and the gratitude for being able to experience this. It rejuvenates your soul.
“Awesome support from start to finish”
The hike, which challenged me in different ways each day, was great. There was so much to see in every direction. The Highlands are simply stunning, clouds and all. The stays were good for the most part, some better than others (one night my room was above the kitchen so it was quite noisy until late into the night and the haunted Inn was a bit much for me :)). The Rowardennan Hotel and Craig Nevis guesthouse were my favorites. All of them offered great breakfasts and most had dinner options with good selections as well.
The planning was amazing. No glitches, except for one minor one at the start where the luggage van changed their drop off location without my knowledge. Thankfully Craig was there in the morning and quickly figured out where they were and even dropped off my luggage for me. Everything else was planned and executed perfectly; my itinerary for each day included great detail of what to expect. The app was awesome and my friends and family loved tracking me every day with the GPS. I had read that the West Highland Way is very popular in spring (when I initially had planned to go) and late summer. It took a lot of back and forth communication about potential dates but Craig very patiently worked it all out. All communication was prompt and thorough. I very much appreciate all the support I received prior and during my adventure!! Thank you Craig!
There are so many moments I will carry with me for a long time, like my first glimpse of the Highlands, all the water everywhere, the coos, day 2 along Loch Lomond when I wished I was a mountain goat and was grateful that it did not rain, arriving at Kingshouse after 19 miles, midges (haha), and so much more.
This route. These nights.
One clear price.
You are booking the itinerary above: your walking days, your overnight stays and the support that carries you between them.
Organising this trail for friends? Build a group trip with individual payments
- Free cancellation to 60 days
- Confirmation within 24 hrs
- ABTOT financially protected
We'll start planning your trip right away. Not happy with anything? We'll adjust it or refund you — no questions asked.
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Big Trail Adventures (member 5690). Protection is provided for non-flight packages. Full details in our booking conditions.
Things walkers ask us.
How difficult is the walking?
This is a Level 3 out of 4 tour. You should be comfortable walking 5-6 hours a day with up to 950 metres of ascent. The terrain is mostly clear mountain paths and ridges, with no technical climbing or exposure required.
Can I do this solo?
Yes, solo departures are possible with a single supplement to cover the costs of the private rooms and luggage transfers. Get in touch for a custom quote.
What is the best time to go?
The season runs from May to mid-October. May and June offer beautiful wildflowers and remaining snow patches on the high peaks, while September and October provide stable weather and stunning autumnal colours in the forests.
Do I need to carry a heavy pack?
No—luggage transfer is included. You only need a daypack with your water, lunch, waterproofs, and camera. Your main bag (up to 10kg) will be waiting for you at your hotel each evening.
Is the Tour of Sancy tour self-guided?
Yes. This is a self-guided trip: you walk the 85 km route independently, with no guide and no group. Accommodation for all 6 nights is booked for you, route notes and maps are provided, and there is local support in the region if anything goes wrong.
Do I need a guide or can I walk it alone?
No guide is needed. The route is walked on marked paths with the notes and mapping supplied in your pack. You choose your own start date within the season (May to October) and walk each day at your own pace.
Who arranges the accommodation?
We do. Comfort is the priority on this circuit. You'll stay in a mix of 2* and 3* hotels, all offering private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Half-board is included throughout, meaning a hearty breakfast and a three-course dinner featuring local Auvergne cuisine are waiting for you at each stop.