Our take
High-altitude peat bogs protected since 1975, a tundra landscape in the middle of Auvergne. Rare fauna and flora, an end-of-the-world feel at 1,220 m.
High-altitude peat bogs protected since 1975 in the heart of the Cézallier, at 1,220 m: an open-access path along the edge of the Lac d'En Bas.
A national nature reserve in the heart of the Cézallier, in the commune of La Godivelle (the highest commune in the Puy-de-Dôme, at 1,220 m). 144 hectares of high-altitude peat bogs, protected since 1975 and extended at the end of 2020, a complex of three peat bogs and the Lac d'En Bas (the Lac d'En Haut, near the village, remains outside the reserve). Protected flora (sundews, sphagnum mosses) and migratory birds. An open-access discovery path along the edge of the Lac d'En Bas, with 8 educational panels. Open-access site, free, car park in the village of La Godivelle. The Maison de la Nature et du Cézallier in the village, open in July and August.
Why we love it
- The Lac d'En Bas that you walk beside on the reserve path
- Peat bogs protected since 1975, one of the oldest reserves in Auvergne
- The end-of-the-world feel at 1,220 m, among sphagnum mosses and sundews
Top tip
Stay on the path (the peat bogs are fragile). Come at daybreak, when the mist lingers over the lakes. Combine with Bourdouze and Compains for a full loop of the Cézallier.
Before you go
- A spotting scope is set up at the bird-watching area: take the time to settle in there
- The Maison de la Nature et du Cézallier opens in July and August, every day except Monday, from 14:00 to 18:30
- Vehicles are not allowed on the track: leave the car in the village and finish on foot
Weather for the next 3 days
Today
9°/2°
8 mm · 40 km/h
Tomorrow
11°/2°
dry · 13 km/h
Tue 27
16°/9°
0 mm · 25 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 bourg, 63850 La Godivelle, France
63850 La Godivelle
What visitors say
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Around Sagnes de La Godivelle nature reserve
Enough to build your day around this address.
A place to see, a night to spend?
Hotels, gîtes and B&Bs within 20 km of La Godivelle. Availability and online booking.
Worth seeing nearby
Cascade de Jassy
4.6Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne · 3.9 km away
Cascade du Saillant
4.7Marcenat · 6.4 km away
Cascade du Bois de Chaux
4.7Égliseneuve-d'Entraigues · 7.3 km away
Cézallier
4.9Anzat-le-Luguet · 7.9 km away
Hikes nearby
Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
On footJassy
Start: Panneau de départ et petit parking, sur la D32, en bas du village, face à la mairie
- 14.3 km
- +321 m
- 4 h
On footFrom Egliseneuve to Brion (stage 1 of the Tour des Vaches Rouges)
Start: Parking de la maison des fromages AOP
- 15.8 km
- +608 m
- 5 h 15 min
Hikes around Sagnes de La Godivelle nature reserve
On footJassy
Start: Panneau de départ et petit parking, sur la D32, en bas du village, face à la mairie
- 14.3 km
- +321 m
- 4 h
On footFrom Egliseneuve to Brion (stage 1 of the Tour des Vaches Rouges)
Start: Parking de la maison des fromages AOP
- 15.8 km
- +608 m
- 5 h 15 min
On footFrom Brion to Anzat (stage 2 of the Tour des Vaches Rouges)
Start: Brion “Le Foirail” à Compains
- 16.5 km
- +382 m
- 5 h 15 min
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