"Peaceful lake surrounded by colourful hills, inviting for walking and swimming."
1 / 0
A green panorama of the Massif Central, with volcanic ridges and winding paths. Nature's escape!
1 / 0
Hiker contemplating the green ridges and volcanic landscapes of the Massif Central.
1 / 0
Panoramic view from a green summit, ideal for a hike in the Massif Central.
1 / 0
A panoramic view of the volcanic ridges of the Massif Central, surrounded by greenery and blue skies.
1 / 0
The mountain landscape of the Massif Central, with volcanic peaks and lush green valleys under a blue sky.
1 / 0
A vast green landscape of volcanic ridges in the Massif Central under a brilliant blue sky.
1 / 0
A majestic panorama of the volcanic ridges of the Massif Central, an invitation to outdoor adventure.
1 / 0
The enchanting landscape of the Massif Central, with green volcanic ridges under a clear blue sky.
1 / 0
Tent at the top of a pass, watching the sun set over the Massif Central. Nature escape guaranteed!
1 / 0
Two hikers walk along a green path, surrounded by majestic volcanic ridges.
1 / 0
Two hikers on a path amidst the lush green ridges of the Massif Central, clear skies.
1 / 0
Majestic green volcanic ridges overlooking an idyllic Massif Central landscape.
1 / 0
A winding path through green hills under a blue sky dotted with clouds.
1 / 0
A green panorama of the Massif Central, with the Puy de Dôme towering under a luminous sky.
1 / 0
The green landscape of the Massif Central, winding paths between volcanic peaks and blue skies.
1 / 0
Signpost at the top of the Roc de Cuzau, with majestic mountains in the background.
1 / 0
Wooden path lined with ropes, panoramic view of the green mountains of the Massif Central.
1 / 0
"Peaceful lake surrounded by colourful hills, inviting for walking and swimming."
A green panorama of the Massif Central, with volcanic ridges and winding paths. Nature's escape!
Hiker contemplating the green ridges and volcanic landscapes of the Massif Central.
Panoramic view from a green summit, ideal for a hike in the Massif Central.
A panoramic view of the volcanic ridges of the Massif Central, surrounded by greenery and blue skies.
The mountain landscape of the Massif Central, with volcanic peaks and lush green valleys under a blue sky.
A vast green landscape of volcanic ridges in the Massif Central under a brilliant blue sky.
A majestic panorama of the volcanic ridges of the Massif Central, an invitation to outdoor adventure.
The enchanting landscape of the Massif Central, with green volcanic ridges under a clear blue sky.
Tent at the top of a pass, watching the sun set over the Massif Central. Nature escape guaranteed!
Two hikers walk along a green path, surrounded by majestic volcanic ridges.
Two hikers on a path amidst the lush green ridges of the Massif Central, clear skies.
Majestic green volcanic ridges overlooking an idyllic Massif Central landscape.
A winding path through green hills under a blue sky dotted with clouds.
A green panorama of the Massif Central, with the Puy de Dôme towering under a luminous sky.
The green landscape of the Massif Central, winding paths between volcanic peaks and blue skies.
Signpost at the top of the Roc de Cuzau, with majestic mountains in the background.
Wooden path lined with ropes, panoramic view of the green mountains of the Massif Central.
View 8 departures

Hiking

3-day hiking adventure in the Massif Central

May to October
3 days| 2 nights
Level 3
Eco-score 4/5

What you will experience

Climb the Puy des Crebasses (1,762 m) and admire the volcanic dykes exposed in the glacial valley of Chaudefour.
Cross the Sancy Massif over 3 days, from Mont-Dore to Lac Pavin, via volcanic ridges, glacial valleys and high plateaux.
Climb to Puy de Sancy (1,885 m), the highest point in the Massif Central.
Bivouac in a tepee in the heart of the Massif, with an Auvergne-style meal by the fire.

Itinerary

Sign up or log in to access this feature

DAY 1 / 3
Accommodation
Bivouac
D-
690m
D+
770m
Distance
14km
We meet at 10.30 am at Clermont-Ferrand station, or directly at 11.30 am in Mont-Dore. After a welcome and briefing, we start the walk, followed by an Auvergne picnic.

From Mont-Dore, a spa in the heart of a glacial valley, the trail climbs up to the Grande Cascade and then reaches the Durbise plateau, offering fine views of the Sancy massif. The day continues with a climb to the Roc de Cuzeau and then a passage over the ridges to the Puy des Crebasses (1,762m).

We then descend into the wilder Chaudefour valley before reaching Chambon-des-Neiges and then the banks of Lac Chambon, where you can take a break or go for a swim.

Settle into your bivouac, then enjoy a convivial evening over a local aperitif, an Auvergne-style meal and a campfire.
DAY 2 / 3
Accommodation
Bivouac
D-
160m
D+
700m
Distance
20km
After breakfast, we leave Lac Chambon, following a river through undergrowth, before heading back up towards Murol. The trail then passes through a pine forest before reaching a ridge with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

We pass through Courbanges before reaching Besse-en-Chandesse, a typical medieval village ideal for a break.

We then continue upwards along a pleasant, shady path, passing by Lac Estivadoux before arriving at Lac Pavin, a volcanic lake formed in an ancient crater.

Set up camp, then enjoy an evening of truffles and a campfire.
DAY 3 / 3
D-
800m
D+
870m
Distance
13km
We leave Lac Pavin and quickly join a path that climbs up through the forest, with several viewpoints overlooking the lake and its surroundings.

The climb continues through pastures and high-altitude meadows, with views of Super-Besse, before reaching the ridges. We then reach the Puy de Sancy (1,885m), the highest point in the Massif Central, offering sweeping views of the Auvergne.

The descent is along a quieter ridge path, which gradually takes us back to the Mont-Dore spa and its rewarding hot springs, before returning to the station.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Guide Damien - Mountain leader (AMM)

Damien

Mountain leader (AMM)

FrenchFrench

I was born and grew up on the Limagne plain, with the Chaîne des Puys as my playground from an early age. What was once a passion has become my job: guiding and sharing the treasures of the Auvergne. I imagine experiences where sport, nature and conviviality meet... always with good food on the menu!

Find out more about Damien

What's included in the price

Included

Guiding: Throughout your stay, you'll be accompanied by an experienced mountain guide who knows the terrain inside out.
Accommodation: You'll sleep in a 10-person tipi provided by us, giving you the chance to discover the pleasures of a comfortable overnight bivouac!
Meals: All meals are included, from the picnic on the first day to the picnic on the last day, giving you the chance to sample some of the region's specialities!

Not included

Transport to and from the meeting point.
Your own mattress and sleeping bag for comfortable nights in the tipi.
Everything not mentioned in the "included" section.

What level should you expect

Level 3
You should be at least 18 years old to participate
  • You walk 4 to 7 hours a day over 13-22 km with 780-870 m of D+ depending on the stage.
  • You spend the two nights in a bivouac, in a tipi tent; a shower is available on day 2.
  • You carry your rucksack with your personal equipment and some of the group gear (max 10kg).
  • You'll be on mountain trails and aerial ridges, with a short vertiginous section on the Puy de Sancy.

Getting there

Start: Clermont-Ferrand station (10h30)
End: Clermont-Ferrand station (16h30)

Transport

decorative

Want to avoid traffic jams and travel in peace? The train is your ally.


From your departure station, you can travel directly from Paris to Clermont-Ferrand station.

Your guide will pick you up there by minibus to take you to the exact meeting point.

decorative

Prefer the freedom of a road trip?

You can drive straight to the village of Mont-Dore by 11.30am.


Don't forget to carpool: a WhatsApp group is open 7 to 10 days before departure to organise your journey with other participants.

How to register

1

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

2

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 460 25 61 85 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
  • If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
  • If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.
Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior for adventures lasting less than 4 days.
3

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

Frequently asked questions

Do we all sleep together in the same tent?

For this expedition, we suggest you sleep in a 10-person tipi tent. Depending on the composition of the group, we can take a second tipi tent to make a women's tent and a men's tent.

Who is this tour for?

This hike is aimed at people who are already used to walking in the mountains or going on long outings on foot. The stages are fairly long, with some changes in altitude, but are accessible to anyone in good physical condition who is motivated. The atmosphere is friendly and the pace is adapted to the group, so you can make the most of the landscapes of the Sancy massif.

What landscapes will we discover?

The route crosses the emblematic landscapes of the Sancy massif: glacial valleys, volcanic ridges, pine forests, volcanic lakes and picturesque villages. There are constant panoramic views of the Auvergne mountains, particularly from the Puy des Crebasses and the summit of the Puy de Sancy.

Where do we sleep during our stay?

Overnight stays are in a bivouac in a 10-person tipi in natural surroundings around Lac Chambon and Lac Pavin. The pitches are chosen for their setting and tranquillity. The second night's bivouac has access to a nearby shower, so you can enjoy comfort after two days of effort. Evenings are spent in a convivial atmosphere around the fire, with a hot meal and local specialities, an ideal time to share the impressions of the day.

How are your meals going?

All meals are included, from the picnic on the first day to the picnic on the last day. Throughout the expedition, you'll have the opportunity to taste the specialities of the region, specifically chosen by your guide. You'll eat hot, high-quality meals by the fire every evening.

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, that's right! At checkout, you can choose the Alma option to pay for your booking in 2x, 3x or 4x. All you have to do is select Alma at checkout and follow the instructions. It's simple, fast and secure.

Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.

To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!

What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, rain or shine. Rain, snow or wind: our guides adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to guarantee you the best possible experience.
Unless safety is at stake (storm, avalanche, flood...).


In this exceptional case, we can cancel an expedition, at least one week before departure.
If this happens:
→ You can postpone your adventure at no cost,
→ Or receive a full refund.


What kind of people usually join Wildhartt expeditions ?

You don’t need to be a top athlete or adventure expert to feel at home. Most Wildhartt participants are between 25 and 60 years old, with a balanced mix of women and men.


Many join solo or in small groups of two or three. They often live in cities and are looking for a meaningful brea some time to reconnect with nature, slow down, and enjoy something real.


They usually have a regular movement practice (hiking, running, yoga...), but not with a competitive mindset. They’re in good shape, but don’t necessarily have technical skills. What brings them together is a shared desire to disconnect, observe, learn, and experience nature in a more grounded, accessible way.


If that speaks to you, you'll feel right at home. The group spirit is kind and open, and the pace adapts to everyone.

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, transparency is essential. The price of your expedition reflects a clear breakdown of costs:

  • 30% for our guides, the mainstays of every adventure.
  • 35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.
  • 10% for equipment and transport, to guarantee safety and fluidity.
  • 25% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of the expedition.
  • 1% for the rewilding of Europe, a concrete commitment to give back to nature what it gives us.

Our priority: to offer you a quality experience, with complete clarity.

Do you have any questions? Contact us.



Discover other adventures

You might also be interested in these adventures

decorative
France

Wild trek across the Hauts plateaux du Vercors

2 dates availables
4 days
decorative
France

Stevenson’s trail: hike with a Donkey through the Cévennes

9 dates availables
6 days
-15%
decorative
France

Trek & wild camp in the remote Valgaudemar valley

6 dates availables
3 days
decorative
Italy

Hut-to-hut trekking around Monte Viso

8 dates availables
4 days
decorative
France

Hut-to-hut trek in the Hautes Bauges

2 dates availables
4 days
decorative
France

Hiking and wildlife watching in the Pyrenees

4 dates availables
4 days

Selected from 8 departures

From € 405 /pers.

Want to choose your own date with your own group?

Select Alma to pay in 2, 3, or 4 installments.

Hassle-free from start to finish.

Full refund if departure is not confirmed
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure
Instalment facility available

Even on adventures you need cookies 🍪

By continuing to browse this site, you accept the use of cookies.

We make moderate use of cookies in order to be able to measure the audience and the performance of the site, as well as to offer you content tailored to your interests, while respecting your privacy.