After parking in the pay & display car park (7 Euros per day), we took the Sancy cable car up, and then ascended to the very busy summit by the alternative wooden steps. We stayed a few moments only and, intent on getting away from the crowds, descended by the eroded path down the SE ridge to the Col de Cabane. After a rest, we headed south-east up to the quiet un-marked summit of Puy Ferrand. No views of the Alps today due to the heat haze. We returned to the col and began our descent by the wide ski trails - hard going in the heat due to dust and loose stones. I took it very cautiously, due to my leg-muscle issues, and managed to reach the Station de Mont-Dore without incident.