Monts du Cantal Discovery
- Single centre holiday
- Full days walking (flexible options)
- Thrilling routes
- Breathtaking scenery
- Maps, routes & notes provided / local support
This breathtaking landscape of rocky peaks, sharp ridges and green valleys can only be reached on foot and our Monts du Cantal Discovery Tour endeavours to give you the best of what is on offer during your 7 nights stay. The Discovery walks leave from
St Jacques des Blats every day following ridges, ancient paths,
small country roads and way-marked footpaths through a varied terrain of woodland, meadows and heath.
Duration of stay: 7 nights
Accomodation : Les Sources, St Jacques des Blats. Full board basis
Walking / Terrain : Challenging and variable
along narrow paths, wide
tracks ,small country roads
and broad ridges
Walking distances: 11km - 18km (approx)
Height gain: 210m – 900m (approx)
Please note, the following walking itineraries are examples of the selection on offer.
On your arrival we will discuss your walking experience and preferences and plan your daily routes accordingly.
Day 1 : Arrive St Jacques des Blats
Arrive in St Jacques des Blats,
unpack and relax.
Over dinner we will discuss your itinerary and plan
the walks for
the week ahead.
Day2 :
St Jacques des Blats - Nierveze - Chaos de Casteltinet Distance: 12km (poss to extend) Height gain: 300m
Take in the breathtaking views as you meander along the Vallée du Cére. Enjoy the ancient hedgerows and their abundance of wildlife and flowers as you pass through a scattering of small working hamlets. You then enter into the wooded and rocky area known as the ‘Chaos de Casteltinet’. Walk through the natural stone arch ‘Porte du Lion’ before continuing through meadows and yet more hamlets on your return to St Jacques des Blats.
Day 3 :
St Jacques - Les Boissines - Les Gardes : Distance : 11km (poss to extend) Height gain: 210m
A slightly shorter walk, following wide tracks and narrow paths through woodland and meadows. You climb and descendthrough local hamlets and communities with the dramatic backdrop of Puy Griou. Look out for the communal bread ovens ‘four banal’ and the tiny chapel at ‘Le Chazes'
Day 4 :
St Jacques - Plomb du Cantal – Arpon du Diable : Distance : 16km Height gain: 900m
A strenuous high altitude walk. Climb through rocky flower filled pastures
to the Plomb du Cantal, the highest peak of the region (1855m). Take in the breathtaking 360° views before following the ridge to the dramatic ‘Arpon du Diable’. You now descend steeply through pastures and woodlands as you return to St Jacques des Blats.
Day 5 :
St Jacques des Blats - Mandailles – L’Elanceze : Distance : 12km Height gain: 670m
This strenuous yet rewarding walk in the Vallée du Jordanne offers spectacular views of Puy Mary, Peyre Arse andL’Elanceze. Visit the mountain village of Mandailles before the steep climb to the rocky peak of L’ Elanceze.
NB: This walk begins 7km from St Jacques de Blats. Take your car to the start point or, alternatively, transport can be provided.
Day 6 :
St Jacques des Blats - Col du Chèvre – Le Tuilliere : Distance : 18km Height gain: 670m
A rewarding walk climbing through the Ferval Valley on unmarked paths before arriving at Col du Chèvre. Wild mountain pastures make way for the broad rocky ridge path as you continue towards the remote buron of ‘Le Tuilliere’ (a rare refreshment stop if open!). Look out for the ancient chapel at Puy Gros. Descend through woodlands before returning to St Jacques des Blats.
Day 7 :
St Jacques des Blats - Puy Griou : Distance : 16km Height gain: 725m
A fairly strenuous walk around the base of Puy Griou with a magnificent overall view of the Vallée du Cére summits and habitations. Having spent your previous days walking with the dominating presence of Puy Griou you now have the opportunity to reach the summit. After a steady climb to the ‘Col du Gliziou’, enjoy the stunning views of the Vallée du Jordanne and take time to appreciate the enchanting volcanic peaks that surround you. Return to St Jacques across the flanks of Puy Griou, looking out for the ‘Vacherie du Griou’ en route.
Day 8 : Departure
After breakfast set off for your journey home.