Set off from Chaudes-Aigues to Granval Lake, stop at the Mallet belvedere, go for a dip at the beach. Visit the Mallet leisure centre, go back up to the Garabit Viaduct, have dinner at Château d’Alleuze and finish off with a stroll around the château to digest.
The grand tour begins with a trip to the medieval town of Murat, walk up Puy Mary for a picnic at the peak then go back down to Salers, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France
A walk in the forest in Lacalm on the Aubrac path will take you deep into a wonderland with play areas and botanical plants (1 hour). When you reach Laguiole, visit the “Jeunes montagnes” cheesemonger and try their produce. Next head to Derock waterfall then Nasbinals and back to the Bès Valley and Chaudes-Aigues.
As you leave Neuvéglise, head towards Paulhac then Col de Prat Bouc. Park your car and walk up to Plomb du Cantal (1855m). It takes 3-3.5 hours to reach the Col for breath taking views of the Cère Valley, Puy Mary and Puy Griou. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Monts Dore, Truyère, Aubrac and Margeride. An unforgettable family-friendly walk which hiking and nature lovers will adore. Go back through Andelat, Saint-Flour, the Saillnat waterfall (15 minutes) and château then have dinner in the town of art and history, Saint-Flour. We recommend Chez Geneviève for great regional dishes and value for money.
One of the region’s wonders is an unspoilt and preserved volcanic valley to explore from Pierrefort. We recommend starting at the top of the valley visiting five waterfalls and ending with the region’s most beautiful, the “Du saut de la truite” waterfall (40 minute return journey). Go back through the village of Orcières with its typical volcanic stone houses.
