CANTAL

THE CANTAL MOUNTAINS AND THE REGION OF AUVERGNE, MASSIF CENTRAL, FRANCE

In a few words...

This is the trip to the Cantal Mountains at the heart of Volcans d’ Auvergne Regional Natural Parc. The Cantal mountains were originally one enormous volcano, the oldest and largest in Europe. The highest peaks are the Plomb du Cantal (1855m) and Puy Mary (1787m) which are surrounded by crests and deep river valleys. Between peaks and gorges the mountains are covered with forests, moorlands and rich pastures provide summer grazing for red-gold Salers cows. Cantal is among the most sparsely populated and geographically isolated departments of France and Aurillac is departmental capital farthest removed from a major motorway. All these plus the stunning landscapes makes it an ideal place to disconnect, enjoy walking and sightseeing tours. During this trip we will discover the Auvergne historical and architectural heritage. We will wander around the old towns of Murat and virtually intact Salers.

Program

  • DAY 1

    On our way through the Massif Central we will stop for picnic by the Millau Viaduct, the tallest bridge in the world. Arriving in Cantal, we can have a short walk in the forest of Lioran.

  • DAY 2

    Circular walk to the Puy Seycheuse, from Laveissiere to Fraisse-Haute. (14km, +700m, 5h) or a shorter version through Cheyrouze. (6km, +300m, 2h30)

  • DAY 3

    Circular walk around the village of Lavigerie in the valley of Santoire. (6km, +150m, 1h30) Then a visit to the fortified town of Murat.

  • DAY 4

    Circular walk from Mandailles-Saint-Julien in the valley of Jordanne to the summits of l’Elanceze and le Courpou Sauvage. (13km, +750, 5h30)

  • DAY 5

    Visit to the virtually intact Renaissance lava build town of Salers and a circular walk around. (5km, +150m, 1h30) Afternoon short walk from the Pas de Peyrol to the Puy Mary.

  • DAY 6

    Circular walk to the Puy Violent from the village of Recusset in the valley of Maronne. (14km, +550, 5h)

  • DAY 7

    Circular walk to the waterfalls of Cascade du Sartre and Cascade de Pont Roche in the valley of Cheylade (6km, +150m, 1h30). Visit to the town of Riom-es-Montagnes.

  • DAY 8

    On our way back we will travel across Aveyron and through the Gorges du Lot. There we can visit a pretty and historically important town of Estaing.

Informations

Dates

From Sunday 12th till Sunday 19th of September 2021. 7 nights.

Departure & arrival

From Girona or La Bisbal de l’Emporda in Spain or Perpignan in France.

Accomodation

Comfortable countryside house with garden located close to the village of Saint Hippolyte. This remote property is located on the plateau above altitude of 1100m. It is a very peaceful and green area offering wide open views. The house is composed of spacious kitchen and dinning room, two living rooms and five rooms with private bathroom/toilet. This modern and cosy house has all the necessary amenities to make our stay safe and comfortable.

Food

We shall provide you with fresh, local, organic products as much as possible.

Group

4-6 people.

Price

1050 € per person in individual room.
Price includes my guiding and driving, seven nights in individual room, all the meals and tourist tax.
Price does not include your personal insurance and beverages.