Mont-Dore Station - Col de la Croix Morand

(S) To start the first stage of the circular route, you need to join the^GR®4. To do this, head to the Youth Hostel at the foot of the Chomets chairlift before the Mont-Dore resort.

(1) At the foot of the Chomets chairlift, turn right onto a path towards the Dore chairlift and head down to the foot of the slopes.

(2) Take the^GR®4Epath on the left, a wide, very stony path marked in red and white.

(3) Serpent Waterfall. Begin the ascent of the mountains via a moderate slope. Pass under the chairlift to reach the junction of three ski lifts.

(4) Take the path on the left or follow the Ferrand Nord ski lift. You will reach the Pan de la Grange roughly halfway up.

(5) Turn left to join the^GR®4.
Please take care in this section: Once on the ridges, pay attention to the junctions as there is a risk of confusion with^theold^GR®4, which is no longer maintained or signposted, even though it will take you to the finish.

(6) Pass the Pic Intermédiaire and then go beneath the Puy de Cacadogne.
You’ll easily reach the Puy des Crebasses.

(7) Here, keep to the left on the^GR®4so as not to turn right towards the Chaudefour Valley.

(8) Pass the Col de Cuzeau then climb up to the Roc de Cuzeau

(9) Continue on to reach a crossroads on the plateau.

(10) Here:
- you can take a detour to the Grande Cascade by taking a path on the left; there are signposts; allow an extra hour for the round trip,
- otherwise, continue along the^GR® to reach the junction with the D36.

(11) Cross the D36 and rejoin the^GR®4on the opposite side. You will soon reach the Puy de Mareilh junction. Leave this peak on your left and continue up a steep climb to reach the Puy de l'Angle.

(12) Continue northwards on a very gentle descent to reach Puy de Barbier, then Puy de Monne.

(13) Continue in the same direction until you reach the summit of Puy de la Tache, where there is a small disused concrete building.

(14) Then begin the descent towards the Col de la Croix Morand and the stopover lodge, zigzagging at first and then following a more linear route (E).

Please note: This route passes through the Chaudefour Valley nature reserves. Dogs are not permitted, even on a lead, except on the marked^GR® 30 trails.
Mountain biking, foraging and camping are prohibited. Please stay on the marked paths.
Full details at: Chaudefour Valley Nature Reserve

Accommodation / Food at Col de la Croix Morand:

Le Buron du Col stopover lodge
Tel: 04.73.22.14.25 - Email: christophe.daudou@nordnet.fr

Difficulty (technical information):

IBP: 103 as a hike (HKG)
Gradient: 13.88%
Percentage descent: 12.12%
Results sourced from: ibpindex.com

Cascade du Serpent (3)
Cascade de la Dore (4)