Auvergne – Sancy & Cantal

You start your hiking tour by exploring the southern plains of the Sancy massif. Firstly, you will reach the beautiful Pavin and Montcineyre lakes, both of volcanic origin, whose waters reflect the elevations of the hills. The route then continues through the hamlets of ‘Teston du Joran’ and ‘Motte de Brion’ to the village of la Godivelle, which is idyllically situated between two lakes.

Today is all about the ‘Green Desert’, the huge volcanic Cézallier plateau. Short transfer to the Chamaroux Pass, from where you climb up to the Montagne des Huides on a wide path. Through a marvellous alpine landscape via Burons de Paillasère and the Col de Fortunier, you can watch hundreds of cattle grazing.

Your second day in the heart of the Cézallier begins in Les Prades and takes you across wide open spaces to the hamlet of Courbières. Continue across the grassy valleys of the Montagne de Courbières and Huides, where you can enjoy the special landscapes to the full. The return route takes you back to your accommodation via the Montagne de Rocherousse.

In the morning, a short transfer to the hamlet of Fortuniès, situated high above the Santoire Valley. On the other side is the Cantal volcano. The hike takes you first via Nozières and la Croix de Gendarme towards Puys and the Limon plateau, then downhill again into the glacial valley of la Rhue, situated below the impressive pyramid of the north face of the Puy Mary.

Up to the Serre Pass, from where you will discover the summits of the Cantal's volcanic mountains at their most beautiful: the Impradine Valley, the Rolland Breakthrough, Puy Mary, Puy de Peyre Arse and Puy Griou. After ringing the ‘bell of the missing’, you will descend back down to the Font de Cère pass.

Your last hiking stage is once again characterised by volcanoes. You hike through the Super-Lioran region to the Pas des Alpins pass and then to the Plomb du Cantal, the highest mountain in the Cantal mountains at 1,855 metres. Via the Prat de Bouc pass and the Cirque de Chamalières, you reach the Molède pass, characterised by its dense forests. In Murat, you must visit the historic houses built from volcanic rock.