The Col de la Croix Saint-Robert: A Wild Escape in the Heart of Sancy

Perched at an altitude of 1,451 metres, the Col de la Croix Saint-Robert is a pearl nestled in the Massif du Sancy, linking Le Mont-Dore to Chambon-sur-Lac. This legendary passage, sculpted by time and the elements, seduces lovers of nature, hiking and thrills. Here, the road winds through summer pastures and magnificent landscapes, offering a real immersion in the heart of the Auvergne mountains of the Monts Dore. Whether you explore it on foot, by bike or by car, this emblematic pass reveals breathtaking panoramas and an intoxicating atmosphere where you can feel the power and raw beauty of the Auvergne volcanoes.

A Grandiose Panorama of the Auvergne Volcanoes

From the first bends, the spectacle is imposing: the high-altitude pastures stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted here and there by a few burons, these old stone buildings once used for making cheese. In the distance, the majestic silhouette of the Puy de Sancy (1,886 m) dominates the horizon, while the jagged ridges of the Chaudefour Valley draw a striking landscape.

When you reach the top of the pass, a feeling of absolute freedom invades the traveler. To the east, the view plunges down onto the wooded mountains of Mont-Dore, while to the west, it opens onto the vast plains of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park. Here, the silence is disturbed only by the wind blowing on the ridges and the song of birds soaring above the valleys.

A Paradise for Hikers and Cyclists

The Col de la Croix Saint-Robert is an exceptional playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

On foot: Many hiking trails leave from the pass and allow you to explore the surrounding ridges and valleys. One of the most popular routes leads to the Banne d’Ordanche (1,515 m), an isolated summit offering an exceptional panorama of the Chaîne des Puys and the Sancy.
By bike: This pass is one of the emblematic climbs of the Tour de France, and every year, cyclists from all over the world come to test their legs on its demanding slopes. With its 7 km of ascent at an average of 6%, it is a major challenge, but the reward is worth the effort: a dizzying descent and breathtaking landscapes.
By car or motorbike: The winding and panoramic road linking Le Mont-Dore to Chambon-sur-Lac is one of the most beautiful in Auvergne. Each bend reveals a new natural scene, where moors, waterfalls and deep forests mingle.

The Mont-Dore Hill Climb: A Legendary Event

Every summer, the Col de la Croix Saint-Robert becomes the scene of a spectacular event: the Mont-Dore Hill Climb - Chambon-sur-Lac, one of the most prestigious in Europe. This automobile competition, registered in the French and European Mountain Championship, sees the best drivers compete on a technical and winding track, winding between the volcanic landscapes of Sancy.

Over more than 5 kilometers of climbing with an average gradient of 7%, the racing cars defy the laws of gravity in an impressive mechanical ballet, reaching dizzying speeds in the series of bends. Each bend, each acceleration, each braking is a demonstration of precision and mastery, before the amazed eyes of the spectators who come to witness this unique spectacle in an exceptional natural setting.

For motor sports enthusiasts, this event is an unmissable event, combining adrenaline, passion and wonder at the power of the machines and the wild beauty of the Sancy.

Preserved Fauna and Flora

Classified as a sensitive natural area, the Col de la Croix Saint-Robert is a refuge for many animal and plant species. At the bend in a path, you can come across a wild mouflon, see a kestrel soaring in the sky or surprise a marmot whistling in the distance.

In spring and summer, the high-altitude meadows are adorned with a thousand colors: blue gentians, golden arnicas and wild orchids carpet the slopes, creating a striking spectacle. Botany enthusiasts can also observe the sulfur anemone, a rare flower that grows only on these volcanic peaks.

A Gateway to the Treasures of Sancy

The Col de la Croix Saint-Robert is not only a crossing point, it is also an open door to the most beautiful sites of Sancy:

Le Mont-Dore: A spa resort with Belle Époque charm, ideal for a wellness break after a day of adventure.
Lac Chambon: A natural gem lined with beaches and trails, perfect for a walk or a refreshing swim.
Château de Murol: A dive into medieval history in a perched fortress offering a breathtaking view of the Auvergne volcanoes.

A Place Out of Time, Between Heaven and Earth

Whether you come for the sporting feat, the escape or simply to contemplate nature, the Col de la Croix Saint-Robert is an invitation to travel and freedom. Here, the air is purer, time seems to slow down and each moment becomes a parenthesis of wonder.

So, whether you are a hiker, cyclist, motor sports enthusiast or simple explorer, let yourself be carried away by the magic of Sancy and set off to conquer the Col de la Croix Saint-Robert, a treasure of Auvergne where nature and passion meet in an exceptional setting.