Top 10 places to visit in Le Mont-Dore
Nestling in the heart of the Parc Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne, the resort of Le Mont-Dore offers an exceptional setting for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Situated at an altitude of over 1000 metres in the Puy-de-Dôme department, this mountain destination combines a thermal heritage, volcanic landscapes and a wide range of activities. In summer and winter alike, Le Mont-Dore reveals its treasures of majestic waterfalls, panoramic peaks and Auvergne traditions. Whether you’re a keen hiker, a keen skier or simply looking to relax, this family-friendly resort will win you over with its authenticity and the wealth of its natural sites.sleeping volcano.
See also the Auvergne guide :
- 18 must-do things to do in Auvergne
- Sleeping in the Auvergne volcanoes: 8 places to stay
- The 7 most beautiful walks in Puy-de-Dôme
- 12 unusual romantic weekends in the Auvergne
- Discover Auvergne’s volcanoes through 6 not-to-be-missed museums
- The 7 most beautiful villages around Clermont-Ferrand
- The most beautiful villages to discover in Puy-de-Dôme
1. Climb Puy de Sancy, the roof of the Massif Central
Reaching an altitude of 1886 metres, Puy de Sancy is the highest peak in the Massif Central and the region’s star attraction. Every year, this legendary ascent attracts thousands of visitors who come to admire the breathtaking panoramas of the Puys chain and the Auvergne volcanoes. There are two options for conquering this legendary peak: take the Sancy cable car, which will quickly raise you to 1,783 metres, or take up the challenge of a hike from Le Mont-Dore.
Once you’ve reached the cable car’s arrival station, you’ll need to climb another 500 or so steps up a wooden staircase to reach the summit. The effort is amply rewarded by an exceptional panoramic view encompassing the Auvergne volcanoes, the emerging Dordogne valley and, on a clear day, a view stretching as far as the Alps. At the summit, you’ll also discover the source of the Dordogne, which rises on the slopes of the massif.
2. Discover the majestic waterfalls of Le Mont-Dore
Le Mont-Dore is renowned for being home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Auvergne. The 30-metre-high Grande Cascade is the highlight of your visit, making it the highest waterfall in the Puy-de-Dôme. Accessible after a 1? hour hike from the town centre, it offers a breathtaking natural spectacle, particularly impressive in spring when the snow melts. The path that leads to it winds through a shady forest and alongside a crystal-clear stream, creating a cool atmosphere that is much appreciated in summer.
Beyond the Grande Cascade, don’t miss the Queureuilh and Rossignolet waterfalls, accessible on a family hike lasting around 1? hours. The Cascade du Rossignolet (address: Sentier des cascades, 63240 Le Mont-Dore, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 498 reviews) has a charming bucolic setting and is easy to get to. For the more sporty, a circuit links the four main waterfalls in the region, offering total immersion in the wild beauty of the volcanic landscapes.
3. Recharge your batteries at the Le Mont-Dore thermal baths
Les Thermes du Mont-Dore (Place du Panthéon, 63240 Le Mont-Dore, rated 4.0/5 on Google for 84 reviews) embodies the historic soul of the resort. Built in the 19th century in a remarkable neo-Byzantine style, these thermal baths harness the naturally warm waters from the depths of the volcano. Their therapeutic virtues have been recognised since Roman times, mainly for the treatment of respiratory ailments and rheumatism. The building’s majestic architecture alone is well worth a visit, with its colourful mosaics, elegant columns and perfectly preserved Belle Époque decor.
As well as their therapeutic dimension, the thermal baths also offer well-being and relaxation treatments that are accessible to all. You can enjoy natural hot baths, massages and beauty treatments in an authentic and soothing setting. A guided tour of the historic facilities provides an insight into the region’s thermal history and the process of harnessing the volcanic waters. A stopover at the spa is a great way to relax after a day’s hiking on the Sancy trails.
4. Board the Sancy cable car
The Sancy cable car (Station du Mont-Dore, 63240 Le Mont-Dore, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 650 reviews) offers a unique experience for quick access to the heights of the massif. This modern facility lifts you from an altitude of 1,200 to 1,783 metres in just a few minutes, offering breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding peaks as you climb. The spacious 45-seater cabins provide optimum comfort and depart every 15 minutes, depending on the number of passengers, making it easier for families and people with reduced mobility to reach the summit.
On arrival, the high-altitude restaurant “Le Sommet” welcomes you with its panoramic terrace offering a 360-degree view of the Auvergne volcanoes. It’s the ideal starting point for numerous hikes and access to the summit of Puy de Sancy. In winter, the cable car provides direct access to the ski slopes, while in summer it is the gateway to exceptional hiking trails.
5. Contemplate Lac de Guéry, the highest lake in Auvergne
Perched at an altitude of 1268 metres, Lac de Guéry is the highest lake in the Auvergne. This 26-hectare lake of volcanic origin offers an idyllic setting for a nature break in the heart of the mountains. Located just 8 kilometres from Le Mont-Dore on the road to Clermont-Ferrand, it’s a must-see during your stay. The lake is surrounded by peat bogs and high-altitude meadows, creating a unique ecosystem where flora and fauna thrive in an unspoilt environment.
An easy hike will take you around the entire lake in around an hour, offering a variety of views of this mirror of water with its changing reflections. Fishing enthusiasts will be delighted, as the lake is renowned for its trout. In winter, the site is adorned with an enchanting blanket of snow, while in summer, the shores of the lake are ideal for picnics and contemplation. Photographers will particularly appreciate the light at sunrise and sunset, which sets the waters of the lake and the surrounding peaks ablaze. There is a charge for parking from 1 May to 30 September, which helps to preserve this remarkable natural site.
6. Discover winter sports on the slopes of Le Mont-Dore
In winter, Le Mont-Dore is transformed into a family ski resort that is particularly popular with winter sports enthusiasts. The ski area stretches along the northern slopes of the Puy de Sancy and offers a wide variety of slopes to suit all levels, from beginner to advanced skier. With its modern ski lifts and perfectly groomed runs, the resort offers optimal skiing conditions in an exceptional natural setting. Snow cover is generally guaranteed from December to April, thanks to the resort’s high altitude.
As well as downhill skiing, Le Mont-Dore is also renowned for its 49 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails in the Capucin sector, 3 of which run through a magnificent forest. These Nordic routes offer a peaceful and sporty alternative for discovering the snow-covered landscapes of the Auvergne. Lovers of new sensations can also try their hand at snowboarding in the snowpark, tobogganing on the dedicated runs, or snowshoeing on the many marked trails. The Le Mont-Dore French ski school offers lessons for all ages and levels, guaranteeing progress in a safe and friendly environment.
7. Hiking on signposted trails in the Sancy massif
Le Mont-Dore is a hiker’s paradise, offering a network of signposted trails through the volcanic landscapes and lush green valleys of the Massif Central. From family walks to more demanding trekking tours, there’s a route to suit everyone’s abilities and desires. The trails wind through fir forests, past rushing streams, over panoramic ridges and wind through flower-filled mountain pastures grazed by the Salers cows, emblematic of the Auvergne.
Among the not-to-be-missed walks, the Crêtes du Sancy trail offers exceptional panoramic views of the entire volcanic chain, and requires a good level of fitness because of its steep gradient. For a more accessible outing, the Sentier de Découverte du Guéry (Guéry Discovery Trail) allows you to appreciate the wealth of local flora and fauna while enjoying remarkable views over the lake. Families will love the path leading to the Queureuilh waterfall, which is easy to walk and offers a refreshing stop-off point.
8. Discover the Pic du Capucin by funicular railway
The Capucin funicular is a historic and picturesque attraction in Le Mont-Dore. This century-old installation, which went into service at the beginning of the 20th century, provides access to the summit of the Pic du Capucin at an altitude of 1,465 metres. As you climb aboard this cogwheel train with its retro charm, you’ll pass through magnificent forest landscapes before emerging onto the heights offering a bird’s-eye view of the Mont-Dore valley and the Chaîne des Puys on the horizon.
At the summit, an orientation table helps you to identify the different volcanoes and peaks visible from this natural lookout point. In winter, the Pic du Capucin provides access to a family ski area with gentle slopes ideal for beginners and children. In summer, it is the starting point for a number of hiking trails exploring the heights of the massif. There’s also a summer toboggan run to delight young and old, as well as a relaxation area where you can eat while admiring the panorama. This funicular excursion offers a different perspective on the Sancy landscapes and is a great outing for all the family.
9. Fun and games at Sancy Park
Sancy Park is a modern leisure park with plenty of activities for all the family, in summer and winter alike. This mountain theme park offers a wide range of original and fun activities that appeal to both children and adults in search of thrills. Among the star attractions, the 360-degree zip line offers an experience that’s unique in France, allowing you to hurtle down the slopes as you spin through the air for guaranteed thrills.
The park also offers more leisurely activities such as disc golf, an original course that combines golf and Frisbee in an exceptional natural setting. Children love the giant ball where they can hurtle down the slopes in complete safety, while older children enjoy the infernal tower and the electric go-karts. In winter, the park is decked out in its white coat and offers special activities such as tobogganing, tubing and fatbike rides on snow. All in all, Sancy Park offers a full day’s entertainment in an unspoilt mountain setting, providing plenty of variety and creating memorable moments with family and friends.
10. Experience Lego summer sledging
The only one of its kind in France, the Lego summer toboggan run at Le Mont-Dore is a must-see attraction that delights visitors of all ages. This 520-metre track, entirely decorated in the colours of the Lego universe, offers a fun and safe descent through mountain landscapes. The emblematic Lego characters line the route and accompany you all the way down, creating an immersive and fun experience that children in particular will love.
The rail luge allows you to control your speed thanks to a simple and intuitive braking system, guaranteeing a safe descent suitable for all ages. Sharp bends, small bumps and tunnels punctuate the course to maintain the excitement throughout the experience. Visitor reviews are unanimous: this unique activity provides a moment of pure pleasure and relaxation after a day’s hiking or sightseeing. The summer toboggan runs from May to September, depending on the weather, and it is advisable to go early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid queues during busy periods.
In conclusion, Le Mont-Dore is a complete destination, with a wide range of natural attractions and activities. With its majestic peaks, spectacular waterfalls, thermal heritage and modern infrastructure, this Auvergne resort offers an exceptional playground for mountain and nature lovers. Whether you come for the tranquillity of its hiking trails, the adrenalin of its ski slopes or the relaxation of its thermal baths, you’ll leave with lasting memories and the desire to come back and explore other facets of this unique volcanic territory. Don’t forget to download theaudio-guided itinerary to make the most of your stay and make sure you don’t miss any of the hidden treasures of this pearl of the Auvergne.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Le Mont-Dore?
Le Mont-Dore can be visited all year round. Winter (December to March) is ideal for snow sports, with optimal snow cover. Summer (June to September) offers perfect conditions for hiking, with pleasant temperatures and lush countryside. Spring (April-May) is when you can admire the waterfalls swollen by the melting snow, while autumn (September-October) is a time of flamboyant colours and quieter traffic.
How do I get to Le Mont-Dore from Clermont-Ferrand?
From Clermont-Ferrand, Le Mont-Dore can be reached by car in around 1 hour 15 minutes via the D983, a picturesque road through the volcanic landscapes of the Auvergne. There are also regular bus services from Clermont-Ferrand bus station. By train, you can reach Le Mont-Dore SNCF station from Clermont-Ferrand, offering a panoramic route through the mountains.
Is Le Mont-Dore suitable for family holidays?
Absolutely! Le Mont-Dore is a family destination par excellence. The resort offers a wide range of child-friendly activities: Lego summer tobogganing, gentle ski runs for beginners, family hikes to the waterfalls, Sancy Park with its varied attractions, and equipped play areas. The infrastructure (restaurants, accommodation, services) is designed to welcome families in the best possible conditions.
How long will it take to visit Le Mont-Dore?
To fully appreciate all that Le Mont-Dore has to offer, we recommend a stay of 3 to 5 days. During this time, you can climb the Puy de Sancy, discover the main waterfalls, enjoy the thermal baths, explore Lac de Guéry and take part in a variety of sports and leisure activities.
Can you visit Le Mont-Dore without a car?
Yes, you can visit Le Mont-Dore without a car. The town centre and the main hiking trails are within walking distance of the accommodation. To reach more remote sites such as the Sancy cable car or Lac de Guéry, local shuttles run in season. Bikes, electric mountain bikes and electric scooters are also available for hire, making it easy to get around the resort and the surrounding area.
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