The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Lac Des Bordes

The komoot community has curated over 30 family-friendly hiking trails around Lac Des Bordes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 7 easy, 20 moderate, and 6 difficult options, ensuring there's something for every family.

The region around Lac Des Bordes, particularly the one in Puy-de-Dôme, offers a unique landscape of volcanic plateaus, peat bogs, and the fascinating 'tremblants' (floating peat rafts). These natural features provide an educational and engaging backdrop for family walks, allowing children to discover diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

Yes, there are several circular routes perfect for families. For a moderate but rewarding loop, consider the La Godivelle – Upper Lake of La Godivelle loop from La Motte, which offers beautiful scenery. Another option is the Lake Bourdouze – Lac de Bourdouze loop from Les Chirouzes, also a moderate circular trail.

Lac Des Bordes is a designated 'Sensitive Natural Area' and is rich in biodiversity. Families can look forward to spotting numerous insect species, including 36 types of dragonflies, as well as common toads and brown frogs. Birdwatchers will also be delighted, with over a hundred species of migratory birds observed, especially in autumn.

The region offers seasonal beauty. In April, the lake is surrounded by daffodils, creating a picturesque setting. Autumn is particularly important for birdwatching due to migratory species. Generally, spring, summer, and early autumn provide pleasant conditions for family hikes, allowing you to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna.

While the Puy-de-Dôme Lac des Bordes offers expansive volcanic plateau views, if you're looking for dramatic panoramic mountain vistas, the Pyrenees region (Lac de Bordères) is known for superb views of the central Pyrenees, including Mont Né and Pic du Lion. From Mont Né, you can even see the Massif de la Maladetta on clear days.

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Lac Des Bordes, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 200 ratings. Hikers often praise the tranquil natural environment, the unique volcanic landscapes, and the opportunities for wildlife observation, making it a cherished destination for family outings.

For families seeking a greater challenge, the Lake Bourdouze – Lac de Bourdouze loop from Valbeleix is a difficult 17.5 km route with significant elevation gain, offering a more strenuous adventure. Another option is the La Godivelle – Upper Lake of La Godivelle loop from Jassy, a moderate 17.2 km trail.

An easily accessible path from Brion leads to the edges of Lac des Bordes (Puy-de-Dôme). However, it's important to maintain a respectful distance from the water to avoid disturbing the birds and the sensitive ecosystem, especially the unique floating peat rafts. While picnicking nearby is possible, direct access for swimming might be restricted due to its ecological importance.

Many of the trails around Lac Des Bordes are natural paths through volcanic plateaus and peat bogs. While some sections might be suitable for sturdy all-terrain strollers, it's generally recommended to check individual route descriptions for specific terrain details. For toddlers, shorter, flatter sections are ideal, allowing them to walk or be carried comfortably.

Keep an eye out for the unique 'tremblants' or floating peat rafts on Lac des Bordes, which are vital for the ecosystem. The expansive grasslands and rounded hills of the volcanic plateau of Cézallier are also characteristic of the landscape. In spring, you might see daffodils blooming around the lake.