The Mont-Dore Hill Climb: A Motorsport Legend

Nestled in the heart of the Massif du Sancy, on the winding roads that connect Moneaux to the Col de la Croix Saint-Robert, the Mont-Dore Hill Climb - Chambon-sur-Lac is much more than just a motorsport event. It is a true legend of motorsport, a legendary race where passion, adrenaline and heritage mingle.

A History That Spans the Decades

The history of this iconic race began in 1961, when Claude Souchal, with the support of journalist Pierre About from L’Équipe, imagined a race that would push the limits of drivers and their cars. The Mont-Dore track quickly established itself as one of the most technical and demanding in the French championship, before acquiring an international reputation.

Organized by the Automobile Club du Mont-Dore, the race is now one of the historic events of the European Hill Climb Championship and the French Hill Climb Championship, attracting the best drivers in the discipline each year.

But behind the thrill of speed, the race has also known tragic moments. In 1973, driver Daniel Rouveyran lost his life at the wheel of his F1 March, reminding everyone of the danger and complexity of this track. Since then, safety has been reinforced, and the competition has become a benchmark for its impeccable organization.

In 1974, the organization passed into the hands of the ASA Club d’Auvergne, which perpetuates Claude Souchal’s legacy with undiminished passion. Today, the Mont-Dore race remains an unmissable event on the automobile calendar.

An Exceptional Route: Between Tight Bends and Altitude Panorama

With 5,075 meters of climb and 40 formidable bends, the race route is an absolute challenge for the drivers. It winds along the mountainside, offering breathtaking landscapes of the Auvergne volcanoes and the Puy de Sancy, the highest peak in the Massif Central.

Start in Moneaux: From the first bend, the drivers must negotiate a fast climb, where every mistake can be costly.
Winding road through the Sancy forests: The tight hairpins and long technical curves require absolute control of trajectories and braking.
Arrival at the Col de la Croix Saint-Robert (1,451 m): The finale is spectacular, with a breathtaking view of the valley and a final section where speed reaches its peak.

Every meter of this climb is a fight against the clock, where experience and audacity make the difference.

A Major Motorsport Rendez-Vous

Over the decades, the Mont-Dore Hill Climb has seen the greatest names in motorsport pass through. Legendary drivers, exceptional prototypes and super-powerful supercars have left their mark on this event.

The 2022 edition once again demonstrated the grandeur of this legendary race. Thousands of spectators gathered along the route to watch the best competitors compete. Among them, Damien Chamberod won brilliantly, taking his sixth victory of the season, while Ronald Garcès shone in the Production category.

Every year, the drivers put on a breathtaking show, between daring overtaking, perfectly negotiated turns and lightning accelerations. The loyal and passionate public contributes to the unique atmosphere that makes this race an unforgettable event.

A Place of Passion and Heritage

Beyond the purely sporting aspect, the Mont-Dore Hill Climb is a true celebration of automotive heritage and the Sancy region. Each edition is an opportunity for enthusiasts to meet up, admire legendary cars and feel the raw emotion of motorsport.

Spectators can also enjoy the natural beauty of the Massif du Sancy, with its grandiose volcanic landscapes, hiking trails and typical villages. Between two spectacular climbs, visitors can explore Le Mont-Dore, famous for its Belle Époque thermal baths, or set off to discover Lake Chambon and the Château de Murol.

A Legendary Race, An Unmissable Rendezvous

The Mont-Dore Hill Climb is much more than a car race. It is an encounter between man and machine, between speed and the mountain, between the past and the present. Each bend, each crest and each roar of the engine resonates like a tribute to the history of motorsport.

Whether you are a driver, a racing enthusiast or a simple spectator looking for thrills, this event remains an experience to be had at least once. A suspended moment where the road becomes a stage, where talent is expressed in the heart of nature, and where the Massif du Sancy reveals all its majesty under the roar of the racing cars.

So, are you ready to vibrate to the rhythm of the mountain and speed?