Puy de Dôme - loop from the col de Ceyssat - Parc naturel régional des volcans d'Auvergne

Today we hiked to the summit of Puy de Dôme. From up there, you have a fantastic view of other extinct volcanoes. It's truly worth seeing. Volvic water also comes from here.

Magnificent circuit with multiple and diverse landscapes

Very nice rather easy hike which first bypasses the Puy de Dôme from the west before returning to the starting point via the summit. Be careful, however, of the climatic conditions which can change very suddenly. The chain of puys is the first barrier encountered by cold winds from the Atlantic, which means that the weather is similar to that normally encountered at altitudes of 3000m. It is therefore necessary to equip yourself with a warm change of clothes and a rain jacket. In the event of a problem or to shorten the hike, it is possible to descend from the summit by cogwheel train.

This morning we're going to the Puy de Dôme (Puy = volcanic cone). At 1465 m, it is the jewel of the Chaîne des Puys, which has the label "Grand Site de France". The Puy de Dôme is the highest mountain in the Chaîne des Puys - the volcanic chain of the Puys - and is one of the most famous and most visited volcanoes in the Auvergne. The ascent is made on foot or by cog railway, depending on your mood. I opt for the on-foot option. From the car park at the valley station of the cog railway, the path leads over the Chemin des Muletiers over the south side to the summit. This access is extremely popular but a little steep. Over a distance of 2.3 km, 350 meters in altitude are overcome. The serpentine path with its 15 bends offers wonderful panoramas throughout the entire ascent to the summit. According to historians, the Puy de Dôme Mule Drivers' Trail dates back to ancient times. It was the route that pilgrims once took to reach the Temple of Mercury (Roman god of travellers and trade), located at the top of the mountain. The imposing remains of the temple testify to the importance of this place of worship for the Gallo-Romans. The Sentier des Muletiers was also a route that travellers, merchants and muleteers used to cross the mountain roads accompanied by their animals (mules, donkeys, etc.). At the top of the Puy de Dôme stands the Observatoire de Physique du Globe de Clermont (Weather Observation Station), one of 30 stations worldwide that monitor climate change. The same building houses the Temple of Mercury Information Centre. Here you can visit the remains of the Roman Temple of Mercury, one of the largest mountain sanctuaries in the Roman West, as well as a small museum. Everything looks closed and renovation work is currently being done at the Temple of Mercy, so you can't go straight to the remains. The view from the summit is wonderful. Here we have a fascinating view. We can see many of the inactive volcanoes. We walk around the summit plateau, which is surrounded by a spacious hiking trail with information boards. Several paragliders can be seen here. The view of Clermont-Ferrand is very beautiful, albeit hazy. After we have sufficiently enjoyed all of this, we set off down the northern side via the Chemin des Chèvres. The view of the Puy Pariou, the Puy des Goules and the Puy de Côme is wonderful, the paths are beautiful. Further down they lead through beautiful beech forests. The bright yellow broom is in full bloom. After walking along some beautiful hiking trails (ascent: mule track; descent: goat path), we reach the car park far too quickly, where the small, beautiful tour ends. We take the bus to a very nicely laid out rest area, where we can enjoy a buffet before we set off on our next adventure. What a great morning in wonderful weather! Heart - what more could you want?!

In my opinion, in hot weather, departing in the morning, start with the goat path and return by the muleteer path

The n°1 on all lists of must-sees in Auvergne. To be honest: the walk was a bit disappointing. The ascent is via a wide gravel road, largely between the trees, and the way back is along a wooden staircase. It is busy at the top, because you can also get there with a train. But that sight... fe-no-me-nal. Once down, we walked along a beautiful path that I will pass again in about 5 days, if everything goes according to plan. Then by bike. I'm already looking forward to that.