Hiking Puy de la Vache - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Puy de la Vache: trails, map and practical info

Puy-de-Dôme • Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

4.7 Appreciated by 9 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 10/05/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
4 km
Elevation
250 ft
Duration
1h30
Max altitude
1,167 ft
Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Puy de la Vache? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Puy de la Vache, 63122 Saint-Gènes-Champanelle, France
GPS coordinates
45.70522, 2.963245999999999
Phone
Not available

When?

Opening hours
No information
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
  • Hiking shoes Essential
  • Layered clothing Essential
  • Rain jacket Essential
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
45.70522, 2.963245999999999
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
3 Reviews
R3
Review 3
Mar 2, 2024
Awesome view!!!!! Be aware that is a looooong and hiiiiigh way until reach the top of the Puy!!! The 250m elevation gain feels substantial, particularly on the final approach to the crater rim. But the results are totally worthwhile!!! The panoramic vistas of the Chaîne des Puys volcanic landscape are simply unforgettable and make every challenging step worth it.
R2
Review 2
Feb 8, 2024
Very pleasant walk, a bit physical but what a beautiful view at the top! The 250m elevation gain definitely gets your heart pumping, especially on the steeper sections. The volcanic landscape unfolds magnificently as you climb higher. Perfect for hikers looking for a moderate challenge with spectacular rewards at the summit.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
Beautiful walk to Puy de Lassolas and Puy de la Vache. The lunar and extraordinary landscape is truly breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the volcanic chain. With 250m of elevation gain, the hike is moderately challenging but absolutely worth every step. The otherworldly terrain makes you feel like you're walking on another planet.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
250.00
1167.00
1h30
No
No
The Puy de la Vache trail is 3.5 km long and takes approximately 1h30 to complete. This makes it a relatively short hike suitable for a half-day outdoor activity.
Yes, the Puy de la Vache trail is rated as easy difficulty, making it suitable for beginners and casual hikers. With a distance of 3.5 km and 250m of elevation gain, it provides a manageable introduction to hiking in the volcanic landscape of Puy-de-Dôme.
The Puy de la Vache hike takes approximately 1h30 to complete. This duration covers the 3.5 km trail distance and 250m elevation gain at a comfortable pace.
Didn't find your answer?
Free 1 pages

The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

Download the free checklist
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Our ranking based on hiker reviews

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Update : June 2026