The best walks and hikes around Riom

Hiking around Riom offers a unique experience due to its location within the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The landscape is shaped by dormant volcanoes, craters, and solidified lava flows of the Chaîne des Puys, providing dramatic scenery and panoramic views. You'll find a mix of volcanic peaks, serene lakes, dense forests, and tranquil river valleys.

There are over 800 hiking trails around Riom, catering to a wide range of abilities. This includes more than 330 easy routes, over 440 moderate trails, and nearly 50 more challenging treks, ensuring options for every hiker.

Yes, Riom offers several easy routes suitable for families. A great option is Loop - The Tazenat pond - Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park, an easy 4.1-mile (6.7 km) path that circles the volcanic Lac Tazenat, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding parkland. Another easy choice is the The castle of Tournoël – loop from the castle car park, which is about 3.7 miles (6 km) and includes a historic landmark.

Many of the trails around Riom are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, The meander round to the viaduct - loop starting from Queuille is a popular 5.5-mile (8.9 km) loop offering views of the Sioule river. Another excellent loop is Puy des Goules, Puy des Gouttes – loop – Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, an 8.1-mile (13.1 km) trail through volcanic peaks.

Yes, the region offers trails with stunning water features. You can explore the dramatic riverine landscapes with the Lisseuil – loop gorges of the Sioule and château Rocher route. For a specific waterfall, consider visiting the Cascade de la Tine, which can be incorporated into local hikes.

The Riom area is rich in landmarks and viewpoints. You can hike to the Château de Tournoël, a historic castle, or seek out panoramic views from volcanic summits like Puy des Gouttes or Puy de Jumes. The Puy de la Coquille also offers excellent vistas of the volcanic landscape.

The trails around Riom are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,900 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse volcanic landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the variety of routes suitable for different skill levels, from serene lake loops to challenging volcanic ascents.

Yes, several routes provide stunning views of the iconic Puy de Dôme. The View of the Puy de Dôme – Puy des Gouttes loop from Vulcania is an easy 3.5-mile (5.6 km) hike that offers excellent perspectives of this prominent volcanic peak and the surrounding Chaîne des Puys.

The best seasons for hiking around Riom are generally spring, summer, and autumn. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while summer offers warm weather ideal for longer treks. Autumn provides stunning fall foliage across the volcanic landscapes and forests. Winter hiking is possible, but some higher elevation trails may be challenging due to snow and ice.

For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Riom area offers longer and more demanding routes. An example is In the footsteps of the Carthusians - loop from Chapdes-Beaufort, a difficult 12.5-mile (20.2 km) trail with significant elevation gain, perfect for experienced hikers looking for a full day out in nature.

Absolutely. The region is defined by its volcanic heritage. Routes like Vulcania – Puy des Gouttes loop from Chaîne des Puys allow you to explore the volcanic terrain, often passing by sites like Puy des Gouttes. The proximity to the Chaîne des Puys means many trails offer direct access to these unique geological formations.