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Tour of the Cantal Mountains

Highlights

A sumptuous green landscape of wild and rugged ridges, elegant peaks and glaciated valleys

Exciting and dramatic walks which take you off the well trodden paths on to rocky ridges and airy summits

A rich upland flora and fauna

An important rural heritage with picturesque well preserved villages and farmsteads made up of sturdy and pretty houses.

A unique site – the largest volcano (now extinct) in western Europe

A mixtire a day walks and moving between guest houses, to experience the best of the Cantal mountains

Holiday Profile : 9 nights/10 days – 8 days staying in 4 different guest-houses

Dates : Every day of week subject to availability from 15 May to 15 October

At a Glance

A self-guided walking tour around the beautiful and dramatic Cantal Mountains of France

Price

From £ 1,490 per person

Every journey is tailor-made and can be personalised to your travel style, preferred accommodation and budget.

All highlights

Cantal Mountains

The Cantal in central France is home to some of the finest mountains that make up the Massif Central. On this independent walking holiday there is a mix of day walks and moving between guest houses allowing you to explore the Cantal mountains to their fullest. The Cantal massif is the extinct remains of one of the largest volcanoes in western Europe. Erosion by ice and water has since created a series of ridges, peaks and valleys of stunning beauty that you’ll simply never tire of. Beautiful U-shaped valleys radiate outwards defined by rugged and airy ridges that emanate from rocky mountain tops. The rich green hues of the steep mountain slopes and the wild untamed nature of the mountains give them an almost British feel. Its southerly position means that it has relatively high levels of sunshine and relatively high temperatures.

In addition, the Cantal mountains have a rich historical legacy through its rural settlements and farms. The local Cantal architecture is simple yet easy on the eye, the sturdy cottages blending seamlessly into the mountainous backdrop. In this upland area of France, the local dishes are simple yet appetising. For example, la truffade is a typical mountain dish made from cheese, potatoes and bacon. The area is also a haven for wildlife, including birds of prey, deer, marmots, mouflon, chamois and a host of wild flowers.

Accommodation & Meals

For this unique walking holiday in the Cantal you’ll stay in 4 different hotels and guest houses, which vary in character from traditional bed and breakfasts to conformtable 3 star hotels. Where possible, we choose accommodation in historic properties, providing authentic and comfortable ensuite accommodation in exceptional locations in the shadow of the Cantal Mountains. The evening meals are taken in your guest house and are tasty local dishes.

Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps

This walking holiday follows a mixture of different waymarked trails. Local trails are marked in yellow for the mos

At a Glance

Challenging

This independent walking holiday will suit those people who enjoy following mountainous ridges and standing on lofty summits. The hikes or walks on this trip range from 10 - 20km in length with an average of 800m of ascent. (Maximum daily ascent 910m). The terrain is mountainous. For the most part, the walking is at the easy end of the challenging grade. The paths are generally good although they can be rough and stony in places and sometimes you’ll follow minor less well-defined paths. There are some sections where you will need to use your hands for stability or progression. Alternative paths to these sections will be detailed in the notes. The holiday is suitable for the regular hill walker. Some walking experience in mountainous terrain would be a distinct advantage and you should be in good health. This walking holiday is graded challenging. See more information about walking grades.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome at Le Lioran train station (or Murat) and transfer to your comfortable 3 star hotel in St Jacques des Blats.

Day 2: Plomb de Cantal

A circular walk from your hotel which goes to the highest summit in the Cantal at 1855m. The views from the top are far reaching and allow you to view all the other summits you are doing during your week. The final approach to the summit is dramatic.

Walk: 6hrs, +910m

Day 3: St Jacques des Blats - Theizac

Climb back upto the ridgeline just south of Plomb du Cantal via the ridge of Arpon du Diable. From there, follow the GR 400 trail south over Puy Gros along a broad ridge with great views, before plunging down towards the Cere Valley via the Chaos de Casteltinet. Stay in a small and charming guest house in the village of Theizac.

Walk: 6hrs 30, +900m

Day 4: Theizac - Mandailles

From Theizac, climb steeply back into the mountains on the GR 400, passing over your first summit of the day, Puy de la Poche at almost 1500m. Then follow the ridgeline to the summit of l'Elanceze, which has great panormaic views. Your trail then passes over Col du Pertus before descending to the pretty village of Mandailles St Julien in the beautiful Jordanne Valley, which will be your base for the next 3 nights.

Walk: 5hrs, +800m

Day 5 and 6: Choice of walks for your next 2 days including:

Puy Griou

Climb towards the the Puy Griou a beautiful isolated volcanic peak. Those who are happy with easy scrambling can go to its top for unique stunning views. On your return there is the option of going to the top of Puy de l'Usclade.

Walk: 5hrs, +700m

Cabrespine

A wonderful circular trail which starts by following the GR400 along the Jordanne Valley. After hiking along a beautiful balcony trail the path climbs up onto the ridgetop. Successive climbs leads you over three summits which great views to west and down the Jordanne Valley. A final promontory overlooking the valley makes a great place for a rest before descending to Mandailles from Le Piquet.

Walk: 6hrs, +875m

Puy Chavaroche

Follow a picturesque climb past historic, rural buildings and pasture to reach the ridgeline. Climb to the summit of Puy de Chavaroche at 1739m. From here you have an extension to the summits of Roche Taillade & Roc d'Hoziéres before descending back to Mandailles.

Your guide book will have a description for climbing Puy Mary from both Mandailles and the next centre at La Boudio. For the purposes of this description it is included as part of days 8 and 9.

Walk: 6hrs, +875m

Day 7: Mandailles - Lavigerie

Follow the Jordanne Valley to Col de Cabre. You can take a path to the head of the valley which reaches a beautiful combe or take a path which climbs close to Puy Griou and then follows higher ground on the GR. Depending on the weather and how difficult you wish to make this day you can descend directly into the beautiful U-shaped Santoire Valley or climb up Puy Bataillouse and the beautiful Rocher du Bec de l'Aigle at 1699m. Descend through farmland to Lavigerie.

Walk: 5-7hrs, +600m or +900m

Day 8 and 9: Choice of walks for your next 2 days including:

Puy de Peyre Arse

A great day's walk for those who enjoy aesthetic mountain routes away from the main paths. You'll ascend the superb, rocky north east ridge of the Puy de Peyre Arse. This is a beautiful ridge ascending 700m that leads almost directly from the B&B to the lofty summit. After a moderate descent you'll scale the various summits of the Puy Bataillouse before descending directly to your B&B.

Walk: 5km, +910m

Puy Mary

A great walk that takes in the summit of the Puy Mary, the emblematic mountain of the Cantal range. You'll climb to the Col Serre from your B&B before following a ridge to the base of the mountain, which you'll then traverse. The summit and descent ridge provides some of the finest views in the Cantal. Your walk then follows an amazing and dramatic ridge (pictured right) with a small section of scrambling to the Col de Cabre before descending an isolated glaciated valley back to your B&B.

Walk: 6km, +700m

Puy de Niermont

Once you've climbed out of the glaciated valley you'll follow a picturesque ridge to the summit of Puy de Niermont at 1620m for fabulous 360° views, providing a good overview of the Cantal Mountains. Afterwards, explore the unique landscape of the Limon plateau with moors and pastures, punctuated by small hills and valleys.

Walk: 6km, +630m

Day 10: Departure

Breakfast and transfer to Murat train station.

Rugged ridges, elegant peaks, and glaciated valleys define Cantal, the largest extinct volcano in Western Europe

When to Travel

Our independent walking holiday in the Cantal starts from mid May in order to give sufficient time for the winter snow to melt on the highest ridges and summits.

All observations are for Likely differences between these values and those experienced in the walking areas are highlighted below.

The weather in the Cantal is influenced to a large extent by its altitude. This makes for a wetter climate than you would otherwise get for its southern location. The summits receive additional rain compared to the valleys, often in the form of snow in the winter and in storms in the summer. The region has 13 rainy days per month in May falling to 10 in June and only 8 in July. August and September are also relatively dry months with only 9 days with some rain.

Temperatures vary with altitude and so there is a difference between the average temperatures listed below for Aurillac, which is situated in the western Cantal at 600m and those experienced whilst walking on the summits which will also be influenced by wind conditions. Temperatures at Aurillac are as follows: 17°C in May, 20°C in June and September, 23.5°C in July and August, and 15°C in October. On average temperatures on the summits would be about 5 – 6°C cooler.

The Cantal is a relatively sunny location, more so than the more northern mountains of Auvergne, making it an ideal location for a walking holiday. Average sunshine totals amount to 7 hours per day in May and June, rising to 9 hours in July and August. September is similar to May but October is much less sunny.

In summary, July and August are the warmest and driest months. The valleys could be uncomfortably hot from mid July to mid August. June and September are ideal months with June being slightly sunnier than September but also slightly wetter on average. The end of May is warmer and sunnier than the beginning of October, but it is also wetter.

Extra Nights

It is possible to tailor our self-guided walking holiday to suit your requirements. This walking holiday stays in 4 locations and includes 9 nights and 8 days walking. You can adapt the holiday to include extra nights at any of the stopovers. We can add additional walks to your walking guide. Please contact us for further information and advice.

Tailor Made Trips

If you want to learn more about the region’s culture through tailor-made activities and visits, check out this trip that includes a few days in the South of France. Contact us to add them to your hike.

Family Adventure Through France’s History

Learn everything about French history on this fun family trip through the ages. Explore Paris, Bordeaux, Sarlat, Carcasonne and Marseille.

Services

Transfer between Lioran / Murat train stations and your first and last guest house,
9 night's accommodation full board,
Full walking notes and maps
Bag transfers

Receive a free quote from your local travel agency within 48 hours by e-mail. No obligation to purchase.

Stephen Molloy

Business Developer

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