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The Chaudefour valley, a day in the Sancy from Clermont-Ferrand

Published 25 August 2021

The Chaudefour valley lies on the eastern side of the Sancy massif, in the commune of Chambon-sur-Lac. From Clermont-Ferrand it takes just under an hour by car, making it one of the easiest nature outings to organise for a day. First, an important update: the restaurant Le Buron de Chaudefour, which we used to recommend here, is no longer open to customers. Other tables nearby serve lunch; we list them below.

Getting to Chaudefour from Clermont

The quickest way is to take the A75 south, then head up towards Murol and Chambon-sur-Lac, from where the reserve is signposted. Another option, slower but very scenic, follows the lakes road and the Col de la Croix-Morand. The last few kilometres are winding: in winter, check road conditions and equip your vehicle.

The reserve car park is paying in the warmer months and fills up quickly on summer weekends. Leaving Clermont at around 8.30 am gives you time to walk before the crowds.

A nature reserve to respect

Chaudefour is a former glacial valley, protected as a national nature reserve since 1991. People come for its volcanic spires, the Dent de la Rancune and the Crête du Coq, for its flower meadows in spring and for its mountain wildlife. A few simple rules apply:

• stay on the waymarked paths;
• dogs are not allowed in the reserve;
• no picking plants, no fires, no wild camping outside authorised areas.

At the entrance, the Maison de la réserve presents the site and offers guided outings in season. Its opening dates for 2027 are announced as 3 May to 12 September.

Walks to do

• The Sainte-Anne spring: the best-known walk, suitable for families. The iron-rich water stains the stones orange. Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes there and back.
• The head of the valley and the waterfalls: carry on further to discover the waterfalls and the view of the Sancy ridges.
• The ridges: for equipped, experienced hikers only. The weather changes quickly at altitude: check the forecast and the Sancy tourist office before setting off.

Where to have lunch

According to the Sancy tourist office, two places nearby are open at the end of 2026:

• L'Auberge de Moneaux, in Chambon-sur-Lac, a few minutes from the reserve: Auvergne cooking (truffade, potée, stuffed cabbage). It is closed in November 2026 and reopens in December; book before you go. See its page on sancy.com.
• Le Buron du Col, at the Col de la Croix-Morand, on the way back via the lakes: truffade and mountain platters with a view of the massif, booking required.

Opening hours at mountain restaurants vary with the seasons: call the day before.

Rounding off the day

Lac Chambon is a few minutes from the reserve: supervised swimming in summer and a walk around the lake. Our article on the lakes around Clermont gives the lifeguard periods. In winter, the day can end at Super-Besse or Le Mont-Dore: see our comparison of ski resorts near Clermont.

Back to Clermont in the evening

To set off early for the Sancy, staying in the south of the conurbation saves time. Our houses in Saint-Sandoux are on the road to the massif, and our Clermont Sud apartments are close to the A75. All can be booked from one night, cleaning and linen included.