Sancy: Nature, Hiking Trails and Winter Sports

When looking for a hotel for a trip to Sancy, you can first choose what you would like to focus on during your stay: nature and hiking trails, winter sports or cultural sights. In Chastreix-Sancy, the nature reserve, trails and winter activities take centre stage; Chastreix adds a church, a summit and an interpretation trail to your travel plans. This can help you decide which themes you want to shape your trip.

Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve

The Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve covers the southern slope of the Sancy and includes the Fontaine Salée glacial cirque. The area can be reached via the GR30, GR4 and seven PR hiking trails. Admission is free for visitors who comply with its regulations. Hiking, horse riding on designated trails, and alpine and Nordic skiing are permitted in the reserve; mountain biking is prohibited. It is worth keeping these distinctions in mind when planning your activities.

Winter sports for different interests

The Chastreix-Sancy ski area lies on the western slope of the Sancy at an altitude of 1,400 metres and offers 18 downhill runs. Operating conditions may vary by season, so check the current situation if you are planning a skiing holiday. The cross-country skiing area has four trails and two connecting routes, covering a total of 15.6 kilometres. Snowshoeing options include a circuit and two connecting routes through woodland and higher-altitude terrain. Availability here depends on snow conditions.

Ski touring is also possible in the Plaines brûlées and in the Fontaine Salée glacial valley, either independently or with a qualified guide. Dog-sled rides pass through the area's wide-open landscapes and forests; snowkiting is also possible in Chastreix-Sancy. These activities differ both in how you get around and in the landscapes described. When planning, you can consider whether you would prefer to ski on a piste, follow cross-country or snowshoe trails, or go ski touring.

Hiking trails and cultural traces

The Bois de la Masse hiking trail starts at Place de l’Église in Chastreix. It passes streams, a beech forest, heathland, a peat bog and a lava flow; stone crosses and a bread oven are also along the route. Weather and seasonal conditions may affect access. The Boucle Sancy Ouest route passes through the Chastreix-Sancy Nature Reserve and crosses the Chastreix-Sancy ski area. Check route conditions and trail markings before setting out.

The Sentier d’interprétation de Chastreix leads to a Gallic bridge, a shepherd's hut and the legend of the Pas du diable; you can also discover a waterfall and historic livestock watering troughs along the way. The trail thus combines scenic points of interest with local stories. Three statues of the Virgin Mary accompany the climb along the path to the summit of Roc de Courlande. They are associated with the area's long-standing pilgrimage tradition.

Landscapes, a church and visitor information

Roc de Courlande is 1,496 metres high and consists of trachyandesite; the summit offers exceptional views. The Tourbière de Rimat peat bog presents a different landscape: it covers six hectares, is up to ten metres deep and contains a variety of natural habitats. At Cascade des Essarts, the La Gagne river flows over basalt columns and falls into a pool covered with rocks and stones.

Église Saint-Bonnet is a rectangular church dating from the early 14th century. Its nave has four bays, and the southern portal dates from the 15th century. The church was classified as a historic monument in 1907. It is open daily, free of charge, throughout the year; check the latest visitor information before your visit.

The Maison de la Réserve Naturelle de Chastreix-Sancy is an educational exhibition space about the nature reserve and the Regional Natural Park of the Auvergne Volcanoes. Exhibitions may change. The Maison de la Réserve also serves as a meeting point for events and a starting point for numerous walks.

Discover more destinations: Villeneuve, Marsac-en-Livradois, Pont-Du-Château, Sauxillanges, Corent, Les Ancizes-Comps, Grandval, Super Besse.

For the broader travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.