Calvinet walks

Located in the heart of the Lot Valley, Conques-en-Rouergue, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" and "Villages of Charm in France", is an essential stop on one of the Saint James' Ways, the GR®65 - the Via Podiensis. As you walk around the Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy (12th-13th centuries) and through the narrow streets, you can admire the beautiful half-timbered houses.The hike crosses the medieval village, then passes through the vineyards, offering beautiful views of Conques and the Dourdou valley.

From the pretty village of Senergues to another very beautiful village, Conques. The route alternates between roads and paths through the woods. The arrival in Conques is via a long descent that is quite steep in places. The views are magnificent. The path is always marked in white and red by the GR®65. As this hike does not return to the starting point, you will need to leave a vehicle in Conques.

Espeyrac is a stop on the Way of St James. A picturesque granite village with slate roofs, in unspoilt natural surroundings, surrounded by ancient chestnut groves. You will find refreshments, a grocery store, lodges and an inn.

Connection between Entraygues-sur-Truyère and Espeyrac via the historic Queen Margot trail. Breathtaking views of the Fel hills Regional Nature Reserve and the Lot valley, then the Dazes valley. Espeyrac is the last stop before Conques on the Way of St James via the GR®65 long-distance footpath.

A beautiful short stage combining roads and paths. Moderate difficulty in terms of distance and elevation. Very good signposting with red and white GR®65 markings. Take advantage of the village crossings to visit the churches and fill up your water bottles at the fountains.

Hike near Entraygues-sur-Truyère. Route through forests and meadows on forest trails and tracks leading to the waterfall.

Short urban walk along the Jordanne, then into the Cantal mountains, a stone's throw from the centre of Aurillac. Beautiful views of Aurillac and the Chaîne des Puys. There are herds of livestock and electric fences. Dogs are not allowed.

In the commune of Saint-Gérons, on the banks of the Saint-Étienne-Cantalès dam lake, a footpath circles the Presqu’île d'Espinet. This path is right at the water's edge and a little narrow between points (3) and (4): it is best to avoid pushchairs. (!) Please note that the path has been blocked by the owners since (4).

This is a stage of the Way of St James starting from the pretty village of Estaing. I recommend visiting this magnificent village and its castle. You can also enjoy a drink by the Lot river. A plaque in memory of President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing can be found at the entrance to the village. This stage is moderately difficult with a lot of road and some elevation gain, so bring something to drink and protection from the sun.

Magnificent panoramic views of the thousand-year-old town of Estaing and views of the wild Coussane valley and the Lot valley.

A short hike suitable for everyone, ideal for children, with a few gentle slopes but no particular difficulties.

This hike is partly the same as the "Circuit des cazelles du Causse de Lanhac boucle Nord" hike. The route is the same for both circuits until (8). Marked with "Espace Naturel Sensible (ENS)" signs. A pastoral land, the Causse de Lanhac has preserved not only its fauna and flora but also an important heritage. No fewer than twenty cazelles are listed there. A volunteer association, attached to the Rodelle rural community centre, has been working for several years to restore these buildings, which have suffered the ravages of time. This hike will allow you to discover the southern part of the site.

A tour around the valley of one of the most beautiful villages in France, Belcastel, with several viewpoints over its castle, its old bridge and the village below. You will also pass by the Fort du Roc d'Anglars, and on the way down via the Way of the Cross, you will discover the Lourdou cave with its Virgin Mary.

A loop trail through Aubrac cow pastures, passing by an oratory offering a sweeping view, then by a magnificent castle straight out of a fairy tale.

From the village of Cayrol, on the edge of the Aubrac plateau, this hike takes us back to the deep gorges of a boralde where the Cistercian Abbey of Bonneval nestles in a solitary and peaceful spot conducive to contemplation.

This is an unmissable walk in the Cère valley, where you can discover the gorges carved out by the glacier and then the river, on a beautiful marked trail.

A lovely, easy hike through bucolic countryside, along and above the water, almost entirely shaded by tall trees. Beautiful views. Swimming possible. Near Saint-Illide, Arnac and Pleaux.

Walk along the banks of the Aveyron and on the hillsides with a botanical trail and another on the maquisards. Pretty views, beech, chestnut and oak forests, moors on the hillsides.

Following the old railway line, which has been converted into a hiking trail, imagine what it was like when it was built a century ago (1905).

Four new footbridges to span the canyon. They replace the ford crossings, which are often submerged by the Dourdou.

Take a very old path from the village of Flaujac, clinging to the slopes of the Boralde, and climb up to the plateau through woods and terraces.

A walk in the mountains among cows and typical Cantal landscapes. Niervèze, a lively mountain village, and the geological curiosity of Chaos de Casteltinet and its impressive Lion's Gate are on the programme. Yellow markings.

A contrasting hike through lush meadows and rich farmland on the plain or along the slopes, once covered with vineyards, with the medieval town of Saint-Côme-d'Olt in sight.

This hike allows you to discover "forgotten" places, away from the GR®400, on the section between Puy Gros and Plomb du Cantal. You will discover many restored burons (stone huts), amazing sites and, especially in spring, a rich variety of wild flora and animals with their young. However, this circuit is often off the beaten track, taking you closer to the wildest areas where you are most likely to encounter animals or see rare plants.

From the village of Niervèze, this route, mainly on summer pasture tracks, takes you to the summit of Puy Gros and its plateau, passing by some magnificent restored burons (privately-owned) and the old Cantal chapel, of which only a few ruins and a basalt cross remain. There is a magnificent view over the Cère valley and the main peaks, Puy Chavaroche, Puy Mary, Puy Griou, Peyre Arse, Téton de Vénus and Rocher du Bec de l'Aigle.

A loop, mainly through woods, starting from the charming and picturesque sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Belpeuch, which means "the beautiful mountain". Located in the heart of the Xaintrie, it contains a magnificent statue of the Virgin Mary, dating from the 15th century. There are a few steep slopes, but the walk is pleasant. Good walking shoes are necessary.

A day's walk in magnificent surroundings, using theGR® trails in the area. We are within sight of Puy Chavaroche and Puy Mary.

From the Col du Pertus, discover the village of Mandailles and the hamlets of Larmandie and Liadouze on the banks of the Jordanne. On both the outward and return journeys, gaps in the forest offer beautiful views of the valley, the Chavaroche and Puy Mary massifs, as well as the Gliziou and Puy Griou. Update 2025: see practical information

Stage 5 of our Tour du Cantal / GR®400A forest stage (therefore shaded) with two potential climbs: the Puy de l'Usclade and the Puy Griou. * Editor's note: we have also decided not to follow the original GR®400 route, which makes a long detour to the Col de Pertus, which we don't think is worth the effort. We will reach the Col de Gliziou via the PR® (orange and green markings) which climb up the Ruisseau du Luc valley.

Stage 4 of our Tour du Cantal / GR®400 Another beautiful stage alternating between summer pastures, forests, ridges, peaks (puy) and passes. Long, with quite a lot of elevation gain and loss. Bring plenty of water!

A short, fairly easy hike from the Puy Mary campsite in Mandailles, which allows you to walk in the hills east of the village and return via the Gorges de la Jordanne (when the water level allows).

The summit of Puy Griou has a characteristic cone shape and can be seen from afar. Located in the heart of the Cantalian volcano, it offers a superb panorama. The proposed route, which is fairly short, has the advantage of avoiding the Super Lioran ski resort facilities.

This loop, which starts a few kilometres from Mandaille, will take you to the Col de Cabre and the foot of Puy Griou. With panoramic views of the Cantaliens mountains and forests, this hike, with its varied terrain, is particularly enjoyable in warm weather.

A beautiful, not too difficult walk with magnificent scenery. Ideal for discovering the landscapes of the Cantal.

The circuit offers magnificent panoramic views of twelve valleys from the summit. Puy Mary, a veritable pyramid when seen from the sky, rises to 1,783 metres. In the heart of the Cantalien Massif, it is surrounded by exceptional landscapes formed by volcanic activity and glacial erosion, representing the largest volcano in Europe (2,700 km²).

A long walk along the ridges allows you to enjoy the view of the Puy du Cantal, the Puy de Sancy and the Plomb du Cantal. Pass through the Brèche de Roland and return to the Cirque d'Eylac with the marmots.

Stage 7 of our Tour du Cantal. This is the final stage of the Tour du Cantal, with another change to the GR®400 route: instead of returning to Murat, we head back to Laveissière (where we left our vehicle, see episode 1). Most of this stage is in the shade, but the descent brings the heat..

The highest peak in Europe's largest volcanic complex, the Plomb du Cantal (1,855 m) offers unobstructed views of the Monts-Dore (Puy-de-Sancy) to the north and the Cézallier and Aubrac plateaus to the south.

Its height of 1855 metres make Plomb du Cantal the second highest peak in the Massif Central after the Puy de Sancy. Starting from the Col de Prat de Bouc, this hike initially leads to the summit ascent and descent on the northern slope, followed by a climb up the slopes of the Puy du Rocher before returning to Prat de Bouc.

Cross the beautiful high-altitude beech forest in the Bois Mary, then follow the path along the ridge of the Monts du Cantal. This hike alternates between shade in the first half and sunshine and magnificent views in the second half.

Visit this peak overlooking Super Lioran, avoiding climbing (or descending) the ski slopes. This route via theGR®4is remarkable. Attention hikers: the IGN map shows theGR®4on the Alpins ski slope, but theGR® is now further east on a very pleasant path. To avoid this, follow the route described below.

Stage 2 of our Tour du Cantal / GR®400. A long and challenging stage due to the heat in June. It might be better to split the stages differently. Some very beautiful sections, particularly the arrival on the ridge before Puy Mary, the area around Puy de la Tourte, etc. More difficult sections: the Brèche de Rolland, the Luchard plateau and the long descent to Falgoux. It should be noted that the ascent of Puy Mary is not compulsory.

Stage 6 of our Tour du Cantal. A beautiful climb from the Lioran resort to the Plomb du Cantal, starting with a forest section, then a steep climb to reach the Puy du Rocher via the Aiguillon; cross over to reach the cable car station and a final (moderate) climb to the Plomb du Cantal.Panoramic views in all directions. Discover the landscapes of several valleys as you pass through. It's a feast for the eyes!

An extraordinary ridge route allowing you to visit three peaks and enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the entire Cantalian puys for much of the route.

The loop first follows a model of the solar system on a scale of 1/2 billionth along the GR®36, then plunges into the Assou valley to discover the natural and vernacular heritage of the commune of La Rouquette. The route features numerous information panels describing the landscapes you will encounter, their history and the local heritage. The hike also passes through a wetland rich in plants and animals typical of these environments.

This route invites you to discover the pretty village of Albepierre-Bredons and explore the Pays de Murat national forest, which is home to many remarkable trees. In the cool woods, the Prés Long, Vergnes and Prapsou waterfalls are the main attractions of this shaded route. Route not accessible from December to April due to snow.

Stage 1 of our Tour du Cantal / GR®400 First "glitch" of the route from Murat. It turns out that the GR®400 route has been changed due to right of way issues (from what we understand). So, instead of climbing from Murat up to the ridges and following them to the Bec de l'Aigle rock, we had to descend to the village of Laveissière and climb back up from La Bourgeade. We decided to start from Laveissière.

Tour of the Cantal in seven stages: Murat [Laveissiere] - Meije Costes - Le Falgoux - Le Fau - Mandailles - Le Lioran - Prat de Bouc - Murat [Laveissiere] Very beautiful stages between the Cère, Jordanne and Alagnon valleys. Between the ridges offering unforgettable views (360° panoramas), the ascent of the puys adding a touch of "mountain" to the experience, the summer pastures dotted with flower-filled meadows and encounters with both the flora and fauna and the people who live in this corner of the Cantal and are happy to share their territory.

A short hike but with a steep climb through the woods, the Roche Percée site is well worth a visit.