Puy de Sancy – 1,886 metres (6,188 ft): highest peak in the Massif Central

Located in Puy-de-Dôme, the Puy de Sancy is a summit of the Monts Dore. Rising to an altitude of 1,886 meters, it is the highest volcano in mainland France but also the highest point of the Massif Central. Made up of reliefs worked by erosion, it is the largest massif in the country.

This loop of around fifteen kilometers leads to the summit of Puy de Sancy, from the Mont-Dore ski resort accessible by car. The route crosses spectacular ridges which offer a beautiful diversity of panoramas over the neighbors of the King of Auvergne.

The first section of the route takes you on a pretty path that climbs into the forest. When the ground clears, a first view of the Sancy is revealed. A little higher up, the Roc de Cuzeau offers another splendid view of the volcano. What follows is a beautiful line of ridges which includes the Puy des Crebasses before arriving at the foot of Sancy. A final effort offers you the roof of the Massif Central. An orientation table details the 360-degree panorama that extends before your eyes.

To return, you successively cross the Pas de l’Ne, the Puy Redon and the Col de Courre, before reaching a new line of ridges. This spectacular passage leads to the Puy de Cliergue and the Rocher de l'Hor, before beginning the descent back to the starting point. This is carried out on open ground before immersing itself in the forest where the slope suddenly becomes steeper. A final, flatter portion then slides down to the station.