Country:
District:
Yellow markings at intervals. The first half of the route is also marked in white and red (GR®).
(S/E) Departure from the "Flocon Vert" cross-country ski centre in Pailherols. The start is indicated by a sign saying "Les Montagnes" to the right of the centre, heading west. The route is marked (more or less clearly) in yellow. The path gradually curves to the right (north).
(1) Pass a triple crucifix and continue north-northeast.
(2) You will reach a wide stone transhumance path, marked in white and red. Follow the double yellow + white and red markings to the right, heading north-northeast. The path is easy and pleasant, rising very gently.
Typical Auvergne landscapes. On the right, the dry plateau, cultivated and used as pasture for Salers cows, with its "mountains" dotted here and there. On the left, the green Goul valley.
(3) After a short descent, the path splits in two. Do not take the left branch that descends towards the trees, but stay on the flat path to the right. The path curves to the right, heading north-east.
(4) Enter a beech forest with refreshing shade.
(5) At the edge of the woods, at a post (+ sign), follow the yellow + white and red markings, which go up to the right (south). 200m further on, turn left. You will reach a wide dirt road used by 4x4s.
(6) Take the dirt road to the right, heading south, leaving the white and red markings, which go left following the sign for "Les Fraux". Unfortunately, the yellow markings are missing at this point.
(7) Orientation tables, with views of the entire Carladès plateau to the west and south, and the Chaîne des Puys to the north (from left to right: Corpou Sauvage and Élancèze; behind, Crête de Chavaroche, Téton de Vénus, Puy Mary, Crête de la Brèche de Rolland; in front, Griou; behind, Peyre-Arse.
From here, the return route is less pleasant; some may choose to turn back.
Follow the dirt road (yellow markings) southwards. Views of the cultivated Carladès plateau and its mountains in the distance. The road curves to the right, south-west; south.
(8) Artwork visible on the left. Continue straight ahead.
(9) At a large double-trunked beech tree (on the left side of the road), take the path on the right at a right angle, heading west.
(10) Cross the tarmac road and continue on the path opposite.
(11) Follow the tarmac road for the last 500 metres before the village (S/E).
An easy and pleasant hike. The view is very clear and allows you to enjoy beautiful landscapes, even in overcast weather, as was the case for us. A good choice for a warm-up.
Visorando member
Easy 
Difficult 
