Photo : Hagen de Merak / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Vallée de Chaudefour
Classified as a national nature reserve in 1991, the Chaudefour valley occupies an ancient glacial cirque carved at the foot of the Puy de Sancy, in the Volcans d'Auvergne regional nature park. Over nearly 820 hectares, it gathers a mosaic of heaths, peat bogs and beech woods that shelters remarkable flora, including several protected species.
The valley's relief, inherited from both volcanism and glacial erosion, is distinguished by rocky pinnacles of singular shapes, such as the Crête de Coq, a volcanic dyke peaking at 1,500 metres that overlooks the valley with its jagged silhouette. Chamois, mouflon and varied birdlife benefit from the site's relative tranquillity.
Marked paths let you discover the reserve from the Maison de la Réserve, at Chambon-sur-Lac, with several hiking loops of increasing difficulty. Spring and summer remain the best seasons to see the flora in bloom.
