The roof of the Massif Central at 1,885 m, a 360° panorama from the Cantal to the puys, and the source of the Dordogne on its north side.
The Puy de Sancy, the highest point of the Massif Central at 1,885 m, is Auvergne's signature summit. You get up by cable car from Le Mont-Dore (€20 adult return in summer 2026), then walk about twenty minutes up the wooden staircase (864 steps). Or on foot, on the waymarked loop that starts at the foot of the cable car and comes back down through the Val de Courre: 7 km, 3 h, 560 m of ascent, open from 1 May to 31 October, weather permitting. Note: the cable car is closed for maintenance work from 31 August to 18 December 2026. In the meantime, you walk up, as long as the path is open. In winter, the summit staircase is closed: the cabin drops you off at 1,790 m. 360° panorama over the Chaîne des Puys to the north, the Cantal to the south, and the Mont-Dore valley below. The Dore rises right at the top and flows down to meet the Dogne at 1,366 m, on the north side: where they meet, the Dordogne is born.
What you will find
- The roof of the Massif Central under your feet
- The wooden walkway over the last few metres, facing the drop
- The source of the Dordogne, further down on the north side
- The Cantal on one side, the puys on the other
Local tip
The cable car is out of service for maintenance until 18 December 2026: until then, you reach the summit on foot, on the waymarked path, open until 31 October, weather permitting. The rest of the year, the cabin also closes in bad weather, and in winter the summit staircase is closed: check the weather before you go up. A jumper is a must at the top, even in August.
Good to know
- Cable car closed for maintenance from 31 August to 18 December 2026: walk up on the waymarked loop from the foot of the cable car (7 km, 3 h, 560 m of ascent), open until 31 October, weather permitting.
- Go up early in July and August: at 7:00 you have the summit almost to yourself
- Leave the dog at home: dogs are not allowed on the waymarked summit loop
- Slip a jumper into your bag even in August, it's cooler up there
