Vallée de Chaudefour
Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour
A glacial valley within a nature reserve, with strange rock formations such as the "Cock's Comb" and the "Dent de la Rancune" rising above it. Ibex and mouflon are often spotted here.
The Chaudefour valley is a glacial U-shaped valley on the eastern side of the Puy de Sancy. It was designated a national nature reserve in 1991. The valley has waterfalls, red iron-rich springs, and alpine meadows. Its signature rock formations, the Dent de la Rancune ("Tooth of Resentment") and the Crête de Coq ("Cock's Comb"), rise from the valley walls. If you're lucky, you may see ibex, mouflon, and golden eagles. The reserve entrance has a visitor centre, open in summer. Trails from the entrance range from 1 to 3 hours, and entry is free. Dogs are not allowed, and picking plants is prohibited. The valley is about 10 km from Besse.
Opening hours
Open all day; visitor center open in summer
Nearby sights
- Puy de Sancy
- Lac Pavin
- Le Mont-Dore
- Lac Chambon
- Lac de Guéry
- Besse-en-Chandesse
- Roches Tuilière et Sanadoire
- Château de Murol