Summit of Puy de Cliergue on the Sancy ridge path

Perched at an altitude of 1,692 metres, the Puy de Cliergue stands proudly in the heart of the Massif du Sancy, like a silent guardian watching over the vast expanses of Auvergne. Less well-known than its neighbour the Puy de Sancy, this volcanic summit nevertheless offers one of the most striking panoramas in the region. Here, nature reigns supreme, offering hikers a total immersion in a landscape shaped by telluric forces and the passage of time.

An Ascent Between Heaven and Earth

The ascent to the Puy de Cliergue is a real invitation to contemplation. From the Super Besse resort or the Col de Couhay, the trails wind through the summer pastures, where herds of Salers cows graze peacefully under a sky that is often a clear blue. The progression is gentle but constant, and as you walk, the surrounding peaks are revealed in all their splendor.

As you cross the ridges, your gaze catches on the spectacular reliefs of the Puy de Sancy, the Puy Ferrand and the Puy Redon, while in the distance, the Cantal mountains sketch a vaporous silhouette. On a clear day, the horizon line seems endless, embracing the diversity of the Auvergne landscapes, between high plateaus, glacial valleys and volcanic lakes.

A Wild Refuge for Biodiversity

The Puy de Cliergue is much more than just a summit; It is a preserved ecosystem where the fauna and flora reveal all their richness. Here, cotton grass dances in the breeze, and blueberries carpet the slopes in the summer. With a little patience and discretion, it is not uncommon to see a marmot poking its nose out or a chamois leaping between the steep rocks.

Birds of prey, masters of the sky, fly over the ridges in search of updrafts. The short-toed eagle, a reptile hunter, and the majestic peregrine falcon find an ideal hunting ground here, adding a wild and untamed touch to this emblematic summit.

A Breathtaking Panorama

Once you reach the summit, the spectacle is breathtaking. The Puy de Cliergue offers a 360-degree panoramic view, where the shades of green of the pastures contrast with the Roc de Cuzeau, the Puy de l'Angle, the Col de la Croix Saint Robert and the basaltic black of the ancient volcanic flows. In winter, under its white blanket, the landscape is transformed into an immaculate desert, ideal for contemplation and escape.

At nightfall, when the last rays of the sun touch the crests of the Sancy, a magical spectacle takes shape: a sea of clouds gently envelops the valleys, while the sky is set ablaze in shades of purple and gold. A suspended moment, where silence reigns supreme, offering hikers a moment of pure wonder.

A Summit to Discover in All Seasons

Whether in summer for a revitalizing hike, in autumn when the beech forests below are adorned with flamboyant colors, or in winter when snowshoes become the best ally of adventurers, the Puy de Cliergue is an unmissable destination in the Massif du Sancy.

Far from the hustle and bustle, it embodies the authentic soul of the Auvergne volcanoes, a place where man and nature coexist in harmony, offering those who venture there a unique and unforgettable sensory experience.