Puy de Vichatel, Volcanic formation in Aydat, France

Puy de Vichatel is a volcanic cone in the Chaîne des Puys mountain chain, rising to 1095 meters above sea level. The peak features one of the deepest craters in this volcanic range and provides views across the surrounding landscape.

Puy de Vichatel is a Strombolian cone built in two stages: an explosion first opened a crater that filled with water, then a scoria cone buried the maar. Its crater, about 86 metres deep, is the second deepest in the Chaîne des Puys after the Puy Pariou. The Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, which owns the land, recently laid out the summit path as an alternative to the over-visited Pariou.

The trail from the col de la Ventouse skirts the crater and descends southwest toward the château de Montlosier, seat of the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, which owns the land and built the path. The name Vichatel is local; the summit pastures are grazed by sheep, an activity the recent layout encouraged.

The trail starts from the parking area near road D2089 and follows well-marked paths to the summit. The walk requires comfortable hiking shoes and reasonable fitness, though the route is accessible to most walkers without technical climbing skills.

The crater is about 86 metres deep, the second deepest in the Chaîne des Puys after the puy Pariou. The park's trail works used chestnut poles to mark the paths and spruce-log gabions to hold the banks, and a side path drops into the crater itself.