Puy de Sancy
At 1,886 metres, the highest peak on the Massif Central. Take the cable car, then climb about 850 wooden steps to the summit. It is a ski area in winter.
The Puy de Sancy is the remnant of an ancient volcano in the Monts Dore. From the summit you can see the whole Monts Dore range, the volcanic chain, and, on clear days, Mont Blanc in the Alps. From the Mont-Dore ski station, the cable car takes about 4 minutes to reach 1,780 metres. From there, a boardwalk and steps lead to the summit in about 20–30 minutes on foot. You can also walk from the cable car station along the ridge to the Chaudefour valley. A return cable car ticket costs about €15. It operates in summer and winter, but may close for maintenance in the quieter spring and autumn seasons. Weather on the summit changes quickly, so bring a windproof jacket even in summer.
Opening hours
Cable car about 09:00–17:00 (seasonal operation)
Nearby sights
- Vallée de Chaudefour
- Le Mont-Dore
- Lac Pavin
- Lac de Guéry
- Roches Tuilière et Sanadoire
- Lac Chambon
- Besse-en-Chandesse
- Château de Murol