For today, we planned a full-day hike that started at our campsite “Domaine de la Grande Cascade”.
Path from the campsite to the waterfall
Initially, we climbed a little, rewarded by the first beautiful view along the way.
Path from the campsite to the waterfall
Then we began our descent, passing by the “Grande Cascade”, the large waterfall.
Grande Cascade
By the time we reached the village of Le Mont-Dore, we had overcome about 300 meters in elevation.
Le Mont-Dore
In the village, we took a short break to wait for the bus that would take us to the cable car station of the “Téléphérique du Sancy”.
Cable car station
With the cable car, we quickly and effortlessly reached an altitude of 1790 meters and enjoyed the view over coffee and crêpes.
View at Puy de Sancy
Then we set out for the final stretch of the ascent to Puy de Sancy, the highest peak of the Central Massif at 1885 meters.
View from Puy de Sancy
The path led over many small steps and was filled with other visitors also striving for the highest point.
Path to Puy de Sancy
It was only once we didn’t head back to the cable car station but continued our way at the top that it got a bit quieter on the paths.
Hike from Puy de Sancy to Pic du Capucin
We traversed various mountain ridges and passed several peaks until we reached the “Pic du Capucin”.
Hike from Puy de Sancy to Pic du Capucin
By this point, we had already hiked quite a distance down but took the funicular to overcome the last 175 meters in elevation and return to Le Mont-Dore.
Hike from Puy de Sancy to Pic du Capucin
The funicular has been in existence since 1898 and the cabins still look as they did back then.
