Église de la Nativité de la Vierge (Velzic) walks

The second stage of my three-day tour of Puy Mary, with an overnight stay in a bivouac. Passing through villages where you can stock up on supplies if necessary

Stage3 of theGR®400, clockwise. A fairly peaceful stage with a short climb up the Elancèze, offering a stunning view of the peaks and the previous day’s route.

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!

Stage 3 of our Tour du Cantal / GR®400. Departure above the hamlet of Récusset, at the end of the long forest track. The upper part of this hike is on open tracks with no shade. The descent, although some sections are shaded, remains exposed.

Magnificent panoramic views over the Falgoux valley and Puy Mary, passing through the mountain pastures and over a hilltop before descending into the forest near the small cross-country ski resort of Les Chamilloux and arriving at the Étang de Lascourt with Puy Mary in the background. We were able to see numerous flowers on the mountain pasture (notably Martagon lilies, arnica and gentian), a flock of sheep with its Patou dog, as well as a group of horses.

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.

The third and final stage of my three-day tour of Puy Mary, featuring the ascent of Puy Mary

Short hike along the ridges with breathtaking views of the Cantal mountains. You can reach the starting point by taking the cable car from Le Lioran or by following the same route in the opposite direction. After enjoying the view from the highest point in this beautiful department, you will reach the Pas des Alpins by following the GR®4/GR®400 marked trail. You will then climb up to the Puy du Rocher to enjoy another breathtaking view of the Plomb du Cantal and its surroundings. Then you will descend towards the Lioran resort on the ridges. The walk ends in the Lioran forest.Please note: after passing Puy du Rocher, two areas may seem a little difficult for some as they require descending the rock, but aids have been put in place.

A very beautiful (and fairly short) stage, partly along the ridge with views of Puy Mary. A magnificent basalt plateau from Le Luchard onwards. The route leads to the Puy Mary lodge, about 1.5 km beyond the village.