Monts du Cantal Circular Tour
Circular tour- Full days walking
- Thrilling route
- Breathtaking scenery
- Maps, routes & notes provided /
local support & baggage transfer
The circular tour begins with a 2 night stay in St Jacques des Blats. You will then set off on your journey through the Cantal mountains and meadows crossing from the vallée du Cére to the Vallée du Jordanne and back again. Every day you will follow ridges, ancient paths, small country roads and way-marked footpaths through a varied terrain of broad ridges, woodland, meadows and heath.Duration of stay: 7 nights
Accomodation : 2 nights Les Sources,
(Full board basis)
2 x nights mountain guest house,
1 x night mountain hotel,
2 x nights Les Sources.
Walking / Terrain : Challenging and variable
along narrow paths, wide
tracks ,small country roads
and broad ridges.
Daily distances: 10km - 16km (approx)
Height gain: 320m – 900m (approx)
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.
Day 2 :
St Jacques des Blats 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.
NB: Those preferring a more gentle start to their holiday can opt for a less strenuous walk.
Day 3 :
St Jacques - Nierveze - La Tuilliere - Thiézac Distance: 15km Height gain: 750m
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 ascend along a stony unmarked track to the broad ridge path at Puy Gros. Follow the ridge and enjoy the varieties of wild flowers that thrive here. ‘La Tuilliere’ is an ancient buron and a rare refreshment stop (if open). From here you descend on a wide woodland track before entering the wooded and rocky area known as the ‘Chaos de Casteltinet’. Walk through the natural stone arch ‘Porte du Lion’ before continuing on to the village of Thiézac. You continue through Thiézac, taking time to visit the Chapelle–de-Notre-Dame-de-la Consolation before arriving at your overnight stay.
Day 4 :
Thiézac - L’Elanceze - Thiézac Distance: 12km Height gain: 510m
A circular walk from your base in Thiézac.
Follow paths and tracks, pass the Col de Lagat to
the magnificent Cascade de Faillitoux.
You then climb through meadows and woodlands to arrive at the Col de Bellecombe. Take in the breathtaking 360° views before following the ridge to the peak of L’Elanceze. The rocky path then leads you back to your guest house for the 2nd night.
Day 5 :
Thiézac - Mandailles Distance :10km Height gain: 400m
An easier days walking today. This rewarding walk into the Vallée du Jordanne offers spectacular views of Puy Mary, Peyre Arse and L’Elanceze.
Leave Thiézac and follow the rocky path through woodlands
to the Col du Pertus.
Your walk now takes you in a generally downhill direction through beautiful meadows awash with wild flowers towards the pretty hamlet of Liadouze. The volcanic peaks that surround you are magnificent.
Minor deviations around Liadouze can be made to view the Cascades of Liadouze and Luc. Proceed to the village of Mandailles for your overnight stay.
Day 6 :
Mandailles - St Jacques des Blats Distance : 13km Height gain: 760m
Set off from Mandailles and follow the beautiful Jordanne Valley before climbing through open meadows towards the base of Griou.
You have the option to climb to the summit where you will have a magnificent overall view of the Vallée du Cére summits and habitations. Enjoy the stunning views before crossing the flanks of Puy Griou and descending towards St Jacques des Blats. Look out for the ‘Vacherie du Griou’ en route.
From here you continue in a gentle descent back to Les Sources
Day 7 :
Flexible day - Relax / walk or both.
As the last full day of your holiday we give you the flexibility of taking a rest day or benefiting from a further walk form the large selection available.
If you choose to rest you can relax in the gardens of Les Sources or you may even wish to benefit from a relaxing sauna and massage at the Spa centre of Super Lioran (we can organise this on your behalf).
If you decide to walk then the choice is yours. Low level or high, short or long.
Day 8 : Departure
After breakfast set off for your journey home