Chalet - Montgon

To the north-east of the Cantal volcano, Massiac lies in a small basin formed by the Alagnon and its two tributaries: the Alagnonette and the Arcueil. From the top of the Plateau de Chalet, a basalt plateau, one of many left by volcanic flows in the landscape, there is a beautiful view over the valley.

Details

110988
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.19 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 264 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 271 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 701 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 515 m

Description of the walk

Start from the Intermarché car park.

(S) On leaving the car park, turn right onto the small tarmac road, go under the motorway and follow it for about 400 metres.

(1) Go under the motorway again and turn right onto a path which, after running alongside the motorway for a few metres, descends towards the hamlet of Vialle Chalet. In this hamlet, turn left and follow the path downwards alongside the stream; at the fork, turn right and continue along the path running alongside the railway line.

(2) After following it for 600 metres, turn right onto a path running perpendicular to the track and follow it as it zigzags down the wooded slope to the cliff.

(3) When you reach a grassy path, cross the stony embankment at the edge of the cliff; on the flat ground, head right towards the hamlet of Chalet.

(4) At the cross, turn right onto the path to admire the view and the Chapel of Sainte-Madeleine, taking great care.

(5) Return towards the village, which you cross by passing below the castle ruins.

(6) Take the small road downhill to the right; at the motorway service area visible on the left, turn left onto a path that goes round the service area on the north side, then turns left into the valley. Follow this path towards Montgon as far as the Violette stream.

(7) Do not cross the stream but take the path on the left which winds along the hillside to the village of Grenier. Cross the Violette and, in the village, turn left to join the N9; follow it to the level crossing.

(8) Turn left onto the path alongside the railway line, follow it to the roundabout, go round it to reach the car park at the starting point.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 537 m - Intermarché car park, starting point
  2. 1 : km 0.5 - alt. 569 m - A tunnel under the motorway
  3. 2 : km 1.99 - alt. 521 m - Passage under the railway line, on the right. Near the - Alagnon (rivière)
  4. 3 : km 2.9 - alt. 685 m - Turn right
  5. 4 : km 3.21 - alt. 694 m - Croix, turn right towards the Chapel of St Madeleine
  6. 5 : km 3.75 - alt. 696 m - Return to the village of Chalet
  7. 6 : km 4.39 - alt. 689 m - Road, turn right
  8. 7 : km 6.26 - alt. 547 m - View of the ruins of Montgon Castle
  9. 8 : km 8.69 - alt. 516 m - Follow the railway line to the left
  10. S/E : km 11.19 - alt. 537 m

Worth a visit

Archaeological trail on the motorway service area, accessible to pedestrians.
View of the Violette motorway viaduct.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
fgregory63
fgregory63

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike, but the views of the ruins of Montgon Castle are disappointing...what a shame!

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mdescote
mdescote

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average

too much traffic and noise due to the motorway along part of the route;

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magmut18
magmut18

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

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REDONDIE ARLETTE
REDONDIE ARLETTE

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 19, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A lovely route, clearly signposted, with superb views of the surrounding area

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lpmbbp
lpmbbp

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 28, 2016
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A lovely walk with a beautiful view; it’s well described

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