Walking ideas (based on wildlife)

The Plomb du Cantal area

Climb the Plomb du Cantal, 1855m
The Plomb du Cantal is the volcano's peak and it is also the highest mountain in the department. It offers one of the finest views over the Monts du Cantal. The orientation table is easy to find and it will help you identify the green or snow covered mountains and valleys.

• For the more adventurous this walk can begin from either side of the Plomb du Cantal: from Le Lioran or from the Col de Prat de Bouc. (Yellow PR, 11km GR400, 3 hours return)

• For families with young children, or senior citizens, it is possible to enjoy the same panoramic views with less effort. The cable car which leaves from Le Lioran takes you to the summit.
Opening hours:
From June 9th to July 7th
9.30am to 12.30pm and 1 .30pm to 5pm
From July 7th to August 26th
9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 6.30pm
Tel 04 71 49 50 09

The Rombière chairlift
This chairlift at Le Lioran is a great way to reach the Col de Rombière, from where you can reach other main summits, including the Puy Mary.
Signposts indicate the different routes possible.
Open from July 14th to August 26th
9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5pm
Tel 04 71 49 50 09

The Chamalière cirque
It is one of the most spectacular ice age cirques in the Monts du Cantal on account of its amphitheatre form. Preserved from any constructions, this site is a great place to observe the emblematic animals in the Pays de Murat, such as wild sheep, goats and marmots.
Leave from the village of Albepierre. Green PR, 10 km, 420m gradient, 4hours.
The shorter route leaves from the Col de la Molède at 1329m.

The Santoire valley area

Climb the Puy Mary
You can get to the foot of the Puy Mary by car. At the Pas de Peyrol you will find the recently opened Maison du site. Here you will get hiking ideas, detailed information about the history, the wild life, and the flora around the volcano and its valleys.
You can walk to the summit of one of Europe’s most beautiful volcanic sites; the walk there and back will take you less than an hour.
Possible to eat on site.

Bataillouse and Tétons de Vénus
Leave from La Boudio in the Lavigerie along the Green PR which will lead you to the Col de Cabre.
You will be able to admire several burons (stone, mountain retreats previously used to make cheese). One of the burons, the buron du Col de Cabre is the oldest in the Cantal. In the autumn, numerous nature lovers come to this site to listen and watch in awe the stags rutting. This walk also gives you an insight into agricultural life in the Cantal during the summer months, as well as giving great views over to the Plomb du Cantal.
Gradient 691m
Duration 4 hours return

Peyre-Arse
For this walk you will need a good knowledge of the mountain, a sense of orientation, and a firm foot. The strenuous effort is rewarded by the fantastic landscape, the highest view points in the massif, and maybe you will be lucky enough to spot some chamois or some wild sheep on the ridges.
Gradient 750m
Duration 4 hours return

 

To help you plan your walks, you can get practical information from one of our four information centres that make up the Tourist Office Pays de Murat: Le Lioran, Murat, Neussargues or Chalinargues.