The Puy de Dôme is one of the most famous and visited volcanoes in Auvergne.
To reach its summit, several options are available to you, including the chemin des Muletiers.
Towards the Puy de Dôme, the Sentier des Muletiers can be taken in two ways depending on your preferences and your level of walking. With the family, alone or as a couple, this hike has a reduced level of difficulty and is an ideal walk to observe one of the most popular volcanoes in the region. The 365-meter switchback elevation of the Montée des Muletiers offers superb panoramas throughout the ascent to the summit.
HISTORY OF MULE TRACKERS’ WAY FROM PUY DE DÔME
According to historians, the path of the Puy de Dôme muleteers dates back to Antiquity. This would be the path that pilgrims once took to get to the temple of Mercury (Roman god of travelers and trade) located at the top of the mountain. Of imposing size, the remains of the temple attest to the importance of this place of worship for the Gallo-Romans. The Sentier des Muletiers was also a path taken by travellers, merchants and mule drivers, accompanied by their animals (mules, donkeys, etc.), to cross the mountain roads.
CLIMBING THE PUY DE DÔME MULET TRAIL
Wide and easy to access, the chemin des Muletiers du Puy de Dôme allows hikers to climb the 365 meters of elevation gain that leads to the summit of the old volcano.
A walk that could be undertaken with the family, in a group or alone, without problem. Depending on the level of difficulty chosen, you can choose from different starting points. The Sentier des Muletiers can indeed be initiated in two places:
- If you want to follow the Chemin des Muletiers along its entire length, and fully appreciate its views of the volcano, you can choose the car park at the departure station as your starting point, located on the Maison de site. If you opt for this solution, count between ninety minutes and two hours to complete the six kilometer climb.
- Prefer a quieter ride? Starting from the Col de Ceyssat car park, the distance to the Puy de Dôme is more limited. Here, the climb from Chemin des Muletiers to the Puy de Dôme extends for about two kilometers and generally takes between forty-five minutes and an hour. This is the most interesting option for families.
If you do not wish to take the same route for the return, you can take the chemin des Chèvres for the descent.
Idea(s) for hike(s) to do in Puy-de-Dôme
Access
The car park to access the Chemin des muletiers is at the Col de Ceyssat.
