Travel in Auvergne
On footModerateBoucle

Chaussonet

Start: 21 rue des Rochers, 15190 Saint-Bonnet-de-Condat

Located at the meeting point of the Cézallier and the Monts du Cantal, this volcanic walk offers an authentic immersion in unspoilt landscapes. From Saint-Bonnet-de-Condat, set off to discover the majestic basalt organ pipes, witnesses to the region's eventful geological history. A lovely getaway for nature lovers!

Distance
6.2 km
Elevation gain
+222 m
Elevation loss
-222 m
Duration
2 h 30 min

Route on the map

Base map © OpenTopoMap (CC-BY-SA): route licensed under ETALAB-2.0 via PNR des Volcans d'Auvergne.

The feel of the route

From the first kilometres, you will see the majestic basalt organ pipes, which you will reach to the sound of the bells of the herds and of the river Santoire flowing a few metres below. You will wander quietly through forest and across pastures. In clear weather, the Sancy massif is visible as you leave the Chaussonet wood, so keep your eyes open! After a few kilometres, you will reach the top of the organ pipes and enjoy a panorama over the Santoire valley and the Monts du Cantal.

The route in detail

Follow the yellow waymarking. The route starts on a tarmac road, then continues on a dirt track. Start: from the church square in Saint-Bonnet-de-Condat, head towards the organ pipes, cross the bridge, then follow the D36 towards Marcenat.

At the cemetery, climb into the plot on the right and follow the sunken lane.

Cross the road and continue along the track opposite.

Take the path that passes to the right of the Rochegude Haut farm, then leave the pasture and take the path on the right that goes through the forest.

About 500 m further on, leave the path to climb straight up on your right and use a stile to leave the forest. After this stile, go straight on across the pasture to reach a fence. Then follow this fence on your left-hand side. Cross the fence, then follow the path.

After the fence and the drinking trough, follow the path that leads to Chaussonet, crossing the pastures.

At Chaussonet, go right between the farms. Then climb a small path on the left and go over a stile.

Leave the path lined with a low stone wall and head straight on to reach the path that runs along the edge of the organ pipes and follows the fence. Warning: do not go too close to the ledge and keep an eye on children. Keep following the fence as far as a stile.

Cross a fence, then go down the path that dives towards the road. Take the road to the right.

Leave the road and go down a path on the left. On arriving at St-Bonnet, cross the road and return towards the church using the footbridge over the stream. After the footbridge, go right to go round the houses and find the start again.

In pictures

Point de vue depuis les orgues volcaniques
Point de vue depuis les orgues volcaniques © Valérianne Monnet
Point de vue depuis les orgues volcaniques
Point de vue depuis les orgues volcaniques © Valérianne Monnet

Other hikes in the area

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