Le Sancy : hiking paradise
An extremely useful preamble to what is coming next : download the free GPS SANCY EXPLORER application, which is very well designed. A real mine of information on hikes for all levels, summer and winter, and for all types of activities : hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, ski touring, road biking… and even pram circuits. With it, you will not get lost anymore and you will enjoy a wide choice of commented hikes.
In summer and winter alike, the Sancy is a small paradise for hikers, snowshoers and skiers. On your own, or supervised by professionals to learn more about the local fauna and flora, hundreds of kilometres of marked trails await you ! “GRs” and short hiking trails offer you the possibility to discover waterfalls, streams, volcanic panoramas and other treasures of nature… Young parents will even find pram circuits so as not to be outdone.
Trail, mountain bike, zip line : 100% sport
Do you prefer trail ? Permanent marked trails await you. If you just want to try out this practice, initiations of variable length (from half a day to 3 days) are also possible.
If you are a mountain biker (electric or not), there are 500 kilometres of trails with 50 circuits of different levels that you can ride throughout the massif. You will even find washing stations at your disposal ! For daredevils, 7 downhill mountain bike trails await you at Super Besse. Electric mountain bikes can be hired just a stone’s throw away.
If you are a thrill seeker, you can admire the magnificent views of volcanoes, lakes and wide open spaces “from above” : hot air balloon, paragliding, or zip line (more than 100 km/h…), the choice is yours ! And if you are more into vertical hiking, you will find what you are looking for between climbing (Chaudefour valley, Mont Dore valley) and the various via ferrata (itineraries developed at the Capucin)…
Nature, bathing and wellness are here !
If you like contact with animals, several equestrian structures will let young and old enjoy the kindness of their horses for lessons or rides. More unusual, you can discover the world of sled dogs in summer or winter.
Well-being has not been forgotten : the superb thermal baths of Mont Dore (classified as a Historic Monument), or La Bourboule offer you the opportunity to recharge your batteries between two sporting days. Closer by (5mn by car), you can also let yourself be tempted by the Mildiss wellness area which offers hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, massages…
There is also swimming at the Lac Chambon (equipped for families) or at the Lac des Hermines in Super Besse. You will find many other activities on site : drifting, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing or pedal boats. You can also go to the water sports centres of Super-Besse and St Nectaire.
Impossible to finish this (non-exhaustive) list without mentioning bowling, cinema and ice-skating rink… or even bars and discos for your evening entertainment.