Trail Running in Auvergne: 5 Must-Try Trails Around Clermont-Ferrand

This article is for runners who live in Auvergne or are visiting the region and are looking for the best trail running options around Clermont-Ferrand. From the iconic summit of the Puy de Dôme to the Sioule Gorges, the region offers a diversity of terrain that is rare in France.

Le Colibri Frenchy was founded in Auvergne. Its founders have run these trails hundreds of times. This guide was written by people who know these routes, not by an algorithm.

1. The Puy de Dôme: Auvergne’s iconic trail run

A must-see. The Puy de Dôme rises to 1,465 meters and towers over the Chaîne des Puys, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2018. The hike up from Laschamps via the mule trail (about 4 km with 500 meters of elevation gain) offers exceptional 360° views on a clear day.

Profile: Steep climb on a rocky trail, open summit, descent to be adjusted depending on conditions. Distance: 8 to 12 km depending on the route chosen. Elevation gain: 500 to 700 m. Difficulty: intermediate. Note: The hiking trail is closed at certain times (check the Syndicat Mixte du Puy de Dôme website before setting out). Parking at Laschamps is free.

2. The Sancy: A Playground for Long-Distance Trail Runs

The Sancy Massif, the highest point in the Massif Central (1,886 m), is the ideal terrain for long, technical hikes. The trails here are numerous, well-marked, and rarely crowded outside of major summer weekends.

The loop from Lac de Guéry (elevation 1,260 m) to the summit of Sancy and back via Puy Redon is one of the most beautiful trail runs in the region: about 20 km with 900 m of elevation gain, offering views of the lakes and volcanoes.

Terrain: varied (heathland, forests, rocky areas), exposed to strong winds. Distance: 15 to 25 km depending on the route. Elevation gain: 700 to 1,200 m. Difficulty: intermediate to advanced. Note: Weather conditions can change very quickly at higher elevations. Be sure to bring an extra layer, even in summer.

3. The Sioule Gorges: a technical trail through the forest

Less well-known than the volcanoes, the Sioule Gorges (between Puy-de-Dôme and Allier) offer a technical and rugged trail that locals cherish. The trail follows the river along narrow, ravine-like sections, ideal for practicing footing and staying alert on uneven terrain.

The loop trail from Châteauneuf-les-Bains (about 15 km) alternates between riverbanks, climbs through dense forest, and scenic overlooks of the gorges.

Profile: Technical in places, a few exposed sections, significant cumulative elevation gain. Distance: 12 to 18 km. Elevation gain: 500 to 700 m. Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced, depending on the route. Note: The trail can be slippery after rain. Shoes with good traction are essential.

4. The Chaîne des Puys: A Loop Through the Volcanoes

The Chaîne des Puys is a range of about 60 volcanoes stretching 40 kilometers from north to south. The Volcano Trail (GR30) crosses several of these cones through varied terrain, including heathlands, fir forests, and open mountaintops.

An ideal route between Puy de Côme and Puy Chopine (about 15 km) lets you run along the slopes of volcanoes that are virtually untouched by tourist development.

Profile: Short but frequent ascents and descents; loose terrain (volcanic ash) in some places. Distance: 10 to 20 km, depending on the section chosen. Elevation gain: 500 to 900 m cumulative. Difficulty: intermediate. Note: The volcanic ash terrain is very absorbent and tiring. Adjust your pace accordingly.

5. Les Bois Noirs and the Forez Mountains: to get away from the crowds

For those seeking more secluded trails, the Bois Noirs (between Puy-de-Dôme and the Loire) offer deep forests, windswept ridges, and welcome solitude. The highest point, Pierre-sur-Haute (1,634 m), is accessible via little-traveled trails.

Profile: mixed forests, exposed ridges, trails that are sometimes poorly marked. Distance: 15 to 30 km depending on the route. Elevation gain: 600 to 1,000 m. Difficulty: intermediate to advanced. Note: Bring an IGN map or a GPS device. Trail markings are less frequent than in popular mountain areas.

Must-See Trail Runs in Auvergne

The region hosts several major trail races:

• The GOAT (Grand Origine Auvergne Trail): the region's premier trail race, spanning several dozen kilometers through the Chaîne des Puys.

Le Colibri Frenchy is a regular at these events. Our ambassadors run these trails wearing our technical T-shirts—the best possible testing ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time for trail running in Auvergne? Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are the ideal seasons: moderate temperatures, varied vegetation, and dry trails. Summer is good for high-altitude hikes (Sancy, Puy de Dôme), but the trails get very crowded on weekends. Winter hiking is possible on low-altitude volcanoes but requires footwear suitable for snowy or icy terrain.

Do you need to be an experienced runner to go trail running in Auvergne? No. Auvergne offers trails for all skill levels, from 8-km loops suitable for beginners to 30+ km routes for experienced runners. The Romagnatoise, for example, offers several formats, including short races and trail hikes for less experienced runners.

What shoes should you wear for trail running in Auvergne? The volcanoes and gorges offer a wide variety of terrain: volcanic ash, rocky trails, and damp forest paths. A versatile shoe with a well-treaded sole (5 to 6 mm deep) will handle 90% of situations. For technical runs in the gorges, shoes with reinforced protection at the forefoot are recommended.

Le Colibri Frenchy is a brand from the Auvergne region. Our T-shirts are designed for running on these trails. Discover our trail and running collection, made in Clermont-Ferrand.