Puy de Pariou Loop

This moderate hike generally takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 35 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views.

The trail features diverse terrain, starting with pleasant, wide, and well-marked forest paths. As you ascend, you'll encounter stony sections, especially when descending into and climbing out of the crater. There are notable wooden steps, such as the Puy Pariou Staircase, to assist with these steeper parts. The surfaces are primarily natural, gravel, and unpaved, with very little asphalt.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on this trail. However, as it's located within the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, it's always best to keep them on a leash to protect local wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers.

The primary highlight is the Puy Pariou summit and crater, known for its exceptionally well-preserved, almost perfectly circular shape. From the summit and various points along the way, you'll also get stunning panoramic views, including the iconic View of the Puy de Dome, the wider Chaîne des Puys, the Limagne plain, and Clermont-Ferrand.

No, you do not need a permit to hike the Puy Pariou loop, nor are there any entrance fees for the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne. Access to the trails and the park is free.

The trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is popular, but can be warmer. Winter hiking is also possible, with the beech forests providing beautiful light effects, but be prepared for potentially colder conditions and icy patches on the steps.

Yes, the trail is generally considered family-friendly. While it's rated moderate, some sections, particularly the wooden steps into and out of the crater, require sure-footedness. However, these steps are manageable even for children, making it a rewarding adventure for active families.

The trail conveniently starts and ends at the Goules car park. This is the primary and most accessible parking area for this specific loop.

While the Goules car park itself doesn't have immediate amenities, you'll find cafes and restaurants in nearby villages such as Orcines, which is a short drive away. It's advisable to check opening hours, especially outside of peak season.

Yes, sections of this route follow parts of other official trails. You'll find yourself on portions of the Pariou Nord trail (covering about 22% and another 20% of the route) and the Chemin des Gouris trail (covering about 5% of the route).

You can climb to the lip of the crater and follow its rim to enjoy the unique volcanic formation. However, access to the very bottom of the crater is restricted to protect the fragile natural environment from erosion. Please respect all signage regarding restricted areas.