Monts Dore

Monts Dore is a volcanic massif in the Massif Central of central France, forming a compact range of rounded volcanic summits. Its highest point is Puy de Sancy at about 1,886 m and the landscape includes volcanic plateaus, glacial cirques and upland meadows.

The area is popular for hiking and mountain walking in summer and for skiing in winter, with the towns of Le Mont-Dore and the resort of Super-Besse providing the main visitor facilities and lifts. Lakes and tarns lie in the lower basins and glacial hollows, and marked trails link summits and cols.

Geologically the massif is volcanic in origin and was shaped by Pleistocene glaciation, producing the broad relief and cirque landforms visible today. The massif forms part of the larger network of volcanic ranges in the Auvergne region and is included in regional conservation and recreational planning.

The Monts Dore sit in the department of Puy-de-Dôme in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, central France, within easy reach of regional centres and the city of Clermont-Ferrand to the north.

• Highest point: Puy de Sancy reaches 1,886 m and is the highest peak of the Monts Dore massif, offering summit trails and panoramic views.
• Recreation: The massif hosts established winter ski facilities and the thermal spa town of Le Mont-Dore, making it a year-round destination for outdoor recreation.

What to See #

• Puy de Sancy: Puy de Sancy is the highest summit of the massif at 1,886 m and the principal high point for hikes and viewpoints.
• Le Mont-Dore and Super-Besse: Le Mont-Dore town and spa provides thermal baths and serves as the main base for visiting the massif, including winter sports facilities.
• Super-Besse: Super-Besse is a developed ski resort on the massif offering downhill pistes and lifts in winter and summer mountain recreation.