Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour
Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour
Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour is a national nature reserve located in the Sancy massif, characterized by its distinctive glacial valley landscape. Carved by ancient glaciers, the valley features a U-shaped form with prominent volcanic dykes like the Dent de la Rancune and Crête du Coq, alongside numerous waterfalls and thermal springs. This diverse terrain, ranging from valley floors to subalpine areas, provides a varied environment for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, road cycling, and more.
The Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors to explore its unique natural features. Hikers can find more than 10 routes, from easy walks along the valley floor to challenging mountain trails that ascend to the crests, with options like those detailed in the Hiking around Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour guide. While mountain biking is restricted within the reserve itself, the surrounding Sancy massif provides excellent opportunities for road cycling and touring cycling, as highlighted in the Cycling around Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour guide. For those seeking less strenuous options, Easy hikes around Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour are also available. More than 390,000 visitors have shared their experiences in Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour, resulting in an average rating of 4.54 out of 5 stars for the available routes.
132
Routes
4.4
(1100)
Average rating
10600
People visited

4.7
(69)
355
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.7
(10)
65
riders
13.9km
01:22
320m
320m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.3
(4)
36
riders
58.2km
05:00
1,090m
1,090m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

3.0
(4)
13
riders
23.0km
01:54
400m
410m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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4.7
(283)
2,140
hikers
7.74km
02:56
520m
520m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.7
(277)
2,007
hikers
10.8km
04:03
640m
630m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.4
(67)
564
hikers
11.8km
04:24
630m
630m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.8
(44)
509
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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5.0
(1)
213
runners
10.5km
01:41
620m
620m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

91
runners
30.9km
04:01
1,160m
1,160m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

29
runners
10.7km
01:24
410m
400m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

26
runners
17.7km
02:10
500m
500m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2.0
(1)
74
riders
35.4km
02:55
640m
640m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
64
riders
34.1km
02:36
910m
910m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(6)
61
riders
12.9km
00:54
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
43
riders
25.0km
01:52
580m
580m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.7
(3)
29
riders
45.5km
02:24
830m
830m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
34
riders
15.0km
00:55
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

24
riders
62.9km
03:14
1,050m
1,040m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

27
riders
25.9km
01:20
460m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
14
riders
29.6km
02:38
700m
700m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(2)
21
riders
48.7km
03:43
970m
970m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
22
riders
45.8km
03:21
980m
980m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
7
riders
30.0km
02:28
790m
790m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
13
hikers
11.2km
04:10
680m
680m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.3
(4)
15
hikers
8.13km
03:02
510m
510m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(1)
9
hikers
5.08km
02:03
400m
400m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
7
hikers
11.2km
04:25
580m
580m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour is a national nature reserve located in the Sancy massif. It is known for its glacial landscapes, including a distinctive U-shaped valley, volcanic dykes, and numerous waterfalls. The reserve was established in 1991 to protect its rich biodiversity and unique geological features.
The reserve offers various outdoor activities, primarily hiking, touring cycling, and road cycling. Mountain biking is prohibited within the reserve itself. Visitors have shared more than 19 routes, with an average rating of 4.54 stars.
The reserve provides a range of hiking options, from easy walks along the valley floor to challenging mountain routes. For a comprehensive overview, consult the Hiking around Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour guide. Specific guides are also available for easy hikes and volcano hikes.
Mountain biking is explicitly prohibited within the Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour to protect its natural environment. However, the surrounding Sancy massif offers opportunities for mountain biking. Information on trails in the broader area can be found in the MTB Trails around Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour guide.
Yes, there are trails suitable for families in the reserve. These routes often feature less challenging terrain and shorter distances. For specific options, refer to the Family-friendly hikes around Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour guide.
Some trails in and around the reserve are suitable for hiking with dogs. It is advisable to check specific regulations for each trail. The Dog-friendly hikes around Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour guide provides relevant information.
The reserve features prominent volcanic dykes like the Dent de la Rancune and Crête du Coq. Several waterfalls, including Cascade de Pérouse, Cascade de la Biche, and Cascade au Moine, are also present. The ferruginous Sainte-Anne spring is another notable natural attraction.
While mountain biking is restricted, the area offers excellent routes for road cycling and touring cycling. Cyclists can explore the surrounding Sancy massif for panoramic views. The Cycling around Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour guide provides details on various routes.
The reserve is home to diverse wildlife, including chamois, mouflons, and marmots. Rare bird species such as the Peregrine Falcon and Rock Thrush can also be spotted. Its varied ecosystems support a rich array of flora and fauna.
There are more than 19 routes available for various activities in Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour. These routes have been rated by over 390,000 visitors, achieving an average rating of 4.54 stars.
Additional information about the reserve can be found on the official website, which is typically part of the Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne website. The official website is www.parcdesvolcans.fr. For direct inquiries, the phone number is +33473886880.
Yes, the reserve offers trails suitable for jogging. These routes provide an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area at a faster pace. For specific running options, consult the Running Trails around Réserve naturelle de la vallée de Chaudefour guide.

