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The Chaudefour Valley and the Sancy: a day in the mountains from Gannat

Published 25 August 2021

The Chaudefour Valley, on the eastern side of the Sancy massif, is about 1 hr 20 to 1 hr 30 from Gannat, roughly 90 km. It makes a day trip that is completely different from the Val de Sioule: a protected glacial valley, waymarked paths and mountain inns for lunch. An important note: the restaurant Le Buron de Chaudefour, previously featured in this article, is no longer open to customers.

The drive from Gannat

Take the A71 towards Clermont-Ferrand, then the A75 heading south. Leave the motorway towards Murol, go through Murol and then Chambon-sur-Lac and follow the signs for the nature reserve. The road becomes winding in the final stretch: in winter, check road conditions and equip your car.

Set off early, especially in summer and at weekends: the reserve car park fills up quickly. It is pay and display from May to September (about €4 for under 4 hours, €6 beyond).

The Chaudefour nature reserve

A listed site since 1960 and a national nature reserve since 1991, the valley is known for its mountain flora, its wildlife and its volcanic formations, such as the Dent de la Rancune and the Crête du Coq, two rock pinnacles popular with climbers. The rules are strict: stay on the waymarked paths and leave your dog at home, as dogs are banned in the heart of the reserve. The sign at the entrance sets out the other rules in force.

The Maison de la réserve (reserve visitor centre), at the entrance to the valley, hosts free exhibitions and runs guided outings in summer, by reservation. The published opening dates for 2027 run from 3 May to 12 September, closed on Saturdays. Out of season, the valley remains accessible on foot.

Which walk to choose

From the Maison de la réserve, the most popular walk leads to the Sainte-Anne spring, an iron-rich spring with reddish deposits, in about 1 hr 30 there and back. It suits families with good shoes. Going further, you can reach the valley's waterfalls.

Experienced walkers can climb towards the Sancy ridges, but this is a real mountain hike: check the weather, take water and a warm jacket, even in summer. The Sancy tourist office publishes routes and current conditions.

Where to have lunch around Chaudefour

Le Buron de Chaudefour is no longer operating, but two nearby restaurants remain open according to the Sancy tourist office:

• L'Auberge de Moneaux, at Chambon-sur-Lac, a few bends from the reserve: truffade, potée, stuffed cabbage, Salers beef. Lunch service only, with a set menu of the day on weekdays. Closed in November 2026, reopening announced for December. Booking advised on 04 73 69 42 88.
• Le Buron du Col, at the Col de la Croix-Morand, 1,401 m above sea level: homemade truffade, cheese omelettes, mountain platters, with views over the massif. Open every day at the end of 2026; booking recommended on 04 73 22 14 25.

On the way back, a stop at Lac Chambon or in the village of Murol breaks up the journey before you rejoin the motorway.

Setting off from Gannat

Gannat is well placed for this kind of excursion: the A71 is very close, and in the evening you return to accommodation that is quieter and cheaper than in a resort. If you are travelling as a group, L'Annexe, right in the centre, can be rented as a whole for up to 10 people or as separate studios, with parking. Our other flats and houses in Gannat can be booked from one night, cleaning and linen included. For road access, see our guide getting to Gannat and our map of properties.