From the Col de Cabre to Le Falgoux via Puy Mary

(S) From the Col de Cabre, take the balcony path that skirts the Puy de Peyre Arse to the south (you may spot chamois here, especially early in the morning). You will then rejoin the ridges. Further on, you’ll reach the famous Brèche de Rolland (the one in the Cantal).

(1) This is a slightly technical section, then continue along the ridge.

(2) Continuing north-west, tackle the steep ascent of Puy Mary, from where you’ll enjoy a magnificent panorama.

(3) Then descend via the tourist route (a very busy concrete path) to the Pas de Peyrol (take the opportunity to stop off at the inn for a pachade or a blueberry tart).

(4) Go round the inn on the left, then leave the Puy de la Tourte on your right, following the^GR®400markings. You will then reach the knoll of the Blatte.

(5) Continue to the next junction.

(6): A path branches off into the valley on the right towards Le Claux, but you should take the path that goes straight on to the small plateau at the foot of the Suc Gros. The path climbs to the Pas Rouge, which lives up to its name and is visible from a distance. From there, a magnificent panorama unfolds as you look back, and you can see a large part of the route.

(7) Descend this small pass and cross the Luchard plateau, skirting the Rocher de l’Aygue on the right, following the^GR®400markings on the small wooden posts in the mountain pastures. You’ll pass close to two burons.

(8) Then begin the descent into the valley, following a wide track.

(9) Leave the track after a few hairpin bends to take a narrow path (marked^GR®400). After the ruined buron at La Devèze, the path descends steeply (it’s hard on the knees) before joining a wider, less steep track.

(10) Follow this track to reach the hamlet of Le Coin and then, after crossing a stream via a small bridge, arrive at Le Cher Soubro.

(11). From there, take the RD12 on the right towards Le Falgoux (E).

The circular route is now complete, but we strongly recommend rounding off your walk with a lovely meal at the Hôtel des Voyageurs, where you can sample the local specialities whilst enjoying a warm welcome from Bernard Mourguy and his wife, an excellent cook.

If you want to avoid the steep climb up to Puy Mary, the concrete descent and the crowds of tourists, you can go round Puy Mary via a little-used path which, at point (2), branches off to the right until it joins the road, which you then follow to the left up to the Pas de Peyrol.