Our take
One of the best-preserved volcanic plateaus in the Velay, alongside the Stevenson Trail. The Bouchet crater lake, dried-up maars, meadows, few people.
A volcanic plateau in the Velay, between high-altitude meadows and a crater lake. The GR70 Stevenson Trail crosses it.
A basaltic volcanic plateau south-west of Le Puy-en-Velay, between the Loire and Allier valleys, spread across the communes of Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas, Saint-Jean-Lachalm and Cayres. Average altitude 1,100-1,200 m, a landscape of high-altitude meadows, the Bouchet crater lake and the dried-up maars typical of the plateau. You will meet few people here: the plateau has kept its calm. Waymarked walking trails, stages of the Stevenson Trail (GR70). Open access site, reached from several villages.
Why we love it
- The Bouchet crater lake, almost perfectly round
- The dried-up maars, craters carved out by ancient volcanic explosions
- The high-altitude meadows between 1,100 and 1,200 m
- The route of the GR70 Stevenson Trail, cutting across the plateau
Top tip
The GR70 (Stevenson) crosses the plateau, a treat for hikers. Combine it with the Lac du Bouchet, right next door: a perfect crater.
Before you go
- Access is open, from several villages on the plateau: Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas, Cayres or Saint-Jean-Lachalm.
- The GR70, the Stevenson Trail, crosses the plateau: it is the easiest route to follow if you want to walk here.
- Carry on to the Lac du Bouchet, right next door: it is an almost perfectly round crater.
Weather for the next 3 days
Today
8°/1°
0 mm · 31 km/h
Tomorrow
12°/1°
dry · 14 km/h
Tue 27
16°/8°
dry · 14 km/h
Source: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0). General lowland forecasts, to be cross-checked with specialist mountain forecasts at altitude.
Practical info
- Address
- Le Devès, 43510 Saint-Jean-Lachalm, France
43510 Saint-Jean-Lachalm
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Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
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