In the department of Puy-de-Dôme in Auvergne, there are 23 Sensitive Natural Areas (ENS) preserved by the Departmental Council. On the territory of Auvergne VolcanSancy, we count 3 ENS: Guery Lake, Lake Servieres, Jouvion bog. To take full advantage and for a long time of these essential sites of visit of our territory, it is important to preserve.

Sensitive natural areas, what are they?

These are remarkable sites in terms of natural heritage (fauna, flora and landscape), due to the richness or rarity of species. These sites are vulnerable for multiple reasons. This is why the department of Puy-de-Dôme acquired the “Sensitive Natural Spaces” competence in 1994. The objective is twofold: to protect the environment and develop the sites to open them to the public and raise awareness. . This is why the Puy-de-Dôme department offers an entertainment program: “Nature meetings”.

Walker's Charter


Before visiting the sites, consult the walker's charter developed by the Departmental Council of Puy de Dôme.

  • On the ENS, swimming is not authorized
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash

Bivouac prohibited

Bivouac is prohibited except as part of a hiking trip (except on the Guéry site and in the nature reserves where it is strictly prohibited) and respecting the following rules:

  • It is tolerated in a tent for one night (from sunset to sunrise) or at most for the duration of bad weather likely to endanger hikers. During the summer period the tent must be set up after 20:00 p.m. and taken down before 8:00 a.m.
  • The location of the bivouac must be located on the edge of the forest (to preserve the grass and the herds) excluding slopes, craters and summits of volcanoes or otherwise indicated on the ground.
  • The use of portable gas stoves is tolerated in the safest possible environment: stability, distance from flammable materials (very dry materials such as dead leaves, conifer needles, dry grass, etc.). Other types of fires carried or on the ground are prohibited
  • No waste should be left on the grounds (including toilet paper)
  • With the authorization of the person who has the use or ownership of the land

Was this content useful to you?