Our take
Two volcanoes of different types side by side: a trachytic needle-cone and a Strombolian crater. An open-air geology lesson, with a wide panorama.
At Saint-Ours, a trachyte needle rising inside the open crater of the neighbouring puy: a 2-hour loop with 176 m of elevation gain, views over the whole Chaîne des Puys from the crater rim.
Two twin volcanoes of the Chaîne des Puys, in the commune of Saint-Ours. Puy Chopine (1,181 m, trachytic needle) rising inside the breached crater of the Puy des Gouttes (1,134 m, Strombolian volcano). UNESCO site since 2018. A 6 km loop waymarked in blue (2 hours, 176 m of elevation gain) from the large car park beside the D559, towards Chanat. Views of the puy de Dôme, the Chaîne des Puys, the Sancy and the Combrailles. You do not climb the Chopine needle: the path follows the rim of the Puy des Gouttes. Remarkable geology you can see first-hand (two types of volcanism side by side). Path open all year, except under snow.
Why we love it
- Two volcanoes of opposite shapes, side by side
- The trachyte needle of the Puy Chopine, seen up close from the rim of the Puy des Gouttes
- The panorama that opens out over the whole Chaîne des Puys at once
- A gradual climb, accessible even with children
Top tip
Large car park beside the D559, towards Chanat, 200 m after the roundabout. A 2-hour loop waymarked in blue, partly under beech trees, pleasant in summer. Vulcania and the Lemptégy volcano are right next door.
Before you go
- Large car park beside the D559, towards Chanat, 200 m after the roundabout; the path starts on the left, facing the car park.
- Walking poles if your knees are sensitive: the descent needs care.
- Dogs allowed, on a lead: the path crosses grazing land.
- Facing the car park, go left along the path that runs beside a fence: that is the start of the loop waymarked in blue
- You cross pastures: close the gates behind you and use the stiles to get over the fences
- Your dog can come, on a lead and away from the livestock
Weather for the next 3 days
Today
10°/3°
1 mm · 40 km/h
Tomorrow
12°/2°
dry · 21 km/h
Tue 27
17°/10°
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
- Puys Chopine et des Gouttes, 63230 Saint-Ours, France
63230 Saint-Ours
What visitors say
Google rating
Average of 38 reviews on Google Maps.
Community rating
No reader reviews yet: yours gets things started.
It's for you if
- You want two contrasting volcanoes in the same loop
- You are walking with children: the climb stays gradual
- You are after the shade of the woods in summer
Give it a miss if
- You dream of climbing the needle: you do not climb the Chopine, you admire it from the Puy des Gouttes
- Your knees are fragile: the descent needs care
Your logbook
Around Puys Chopine et des Gouttes
3 spots in and around Saint-Ours, enough to build your day.
Where to eat close by
Where to stay nearby
€€Les Gîtes des Cinq Chemins
4.8Mazaye · 7.7 km away
Dôme à Bulles - Cabanes & Spa
5.0Orcines · 7.8 km away
Hikes nearby
Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
On footPuy de Jumes, Puy de la Coquille and Puy des Gouttes
Start: Parking de la D576 en direction de Beauregard
- 14.6 km
- +487 m
- 4 h
CyclingWorth a read
Articles and guides that mention this place.
Hikes around Puys Chopine et des Gouttes
On footPuy de Jumes, Puy de la Coquille and Puy des Gouttes
Start: Parking de la D576 en direction de Beauregard
- 14.6 km
- +487 m
- 4 h
Cycling
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