Forests, meadows and fields in Champagnac-le-Vieux

The walk starts near the village of Le Boucharel, situated south of Champagnac-le-Vieux on the D56.
Park at the side of the D56 near the path leading to the centre of the village of Le Boucharel. There is enough space for around ten vehicles.

(S/E) Take the dirt track opposite the path leading to the village of Le Boucharel and continue straight on, south-east, until you reach the junction with a tarmac road.

(1) Turn left onto the road and follow it to the entrance to the village of Toirat.

(2) At the three-way junction, veer to the left and take the forest track on the right, passing close to a house. At a crossroads, the track narrows. Carry on straight ahead.

(3) Please note that the descent is quite steep. Trekking poles are recommended.

(4) Cross the Chalus stream, a tributary of the Doulon, and follow the path that runs past the ruins of Chalus to the crossroads known as “la Croix de Chalus”.

(5) At this crossroads, follow the path on the right-hand side which leads down to the village of Enterif, ignoring the two paths on the right.

(6) Carefully follow the tarmac D562 road to the right for about 1 km.

(7) After a hairpin bend to the left, leave the road and turn right onto the dirt track which climbs towards Le Glial.

(8) At this junction, take the left-hand track. The track becomes a road at a place called Le Glial. Follow it as far as Toirat.

(2) Turn left and follow the route taken on the way there.

(1) Turn onto the path on the right and continue to the D56 county road to return to the starting point (S/E).

No refreshments available in the villages.
Bakery and café in Champagnac-le-Vieux.
Campsite and restaurant at the lake on the road towards La Chaise-Dieu (follow the signs for the lake).

Views over the Doulon Valley and the Cantal, Sancy and Cézallier mountains.