The Cirque de Chamalière via the waterfalls and the forest

Park on the right, at the edge of the D39, towards Prat-de-Bouc, about 1.5 km above Albepierre.

(S/E) Turn left off the D39 onto the wide GR®465 trail marked in white and red. Follow this flat, well-maintained path for a while. You will now see the restored Prés Longs barn on your left, then approach the Lagnon river.

(1) Just before crossing the river, turn left and follow the river to reach the top of the Cascade des Prés Longs waterfall (you can reach the foot of the waterfall by taking the small steep path 50 m further on). Then return to the previous crossroads and cross the river via a small footbridge. Continue along the left bank of the GR® uphill to the Vergnes waterfall.

(2) To the right of the path, approach a viewing platform with a solid wooden railing facing the Cascade des Vergnes waterfall. Then continue uphill until you see a royal boundary stone dating from Colbert's time, set back slightly to the left. Continue along the path, which eventually joins the D39 road at a bend. Turn right and cross the river via the bridge to arrive at a car park. Cross the road and turn right onto a stony path, which climbs steeply to Buron de Joaniol Haut.

(3) Go around this group of buildings and turn left at the back onto a wide track between woods and pastures which will quickly bring you closer, as soon as you enter the woods, to the junction with the GR® 400. Now follow the GR® for a while until you come to a path on your left with a sign for "Cirque de Chamalière". Continue hiking in this direction along this pleasant path through the woods until you reach a wooden gate that opens onto a magnificent panorama of the Cirque with the Puy du Rocher opposite.

(4) Turn left and continue along the barbed wire fence, cross a small stream, and climb up to the ruins of the buron (explanatory sign). Continue left towards another wooden barrier below and you will arrive at the exit of the Cirque de Chamalière.

(5) Continue along a steeply sloping stony path that joins the GR® 400 below. At the intersection, take the GR® on the left and climb up to the Col de la Molède (a very long but gentle climb).

(6) From the large esplanade, look opposite, slightly to the right, for the track that will take you to the hamlet of La Molède below. At the entrance to the village, pass in front of a drinking fountain.

(7) Now take the tarmac road on the left towards the village of Albepierre below. After a hairpin bend, you will find a path on the right, signposted Cirque de Chamalière to Vallon du Benet, almost at the bottom of the descent.

(8) Take this path, which initially runs alongside the Benet stream. Cross it via a bridge on the left. Then walk alongside the football pitch before turning right onto a steeply ascending path.

(9) Take this path, which offers a beautiful view of the village of Albepierre and the town of Murat in the distance. It's just a few more minutes to the D39 car park (S/E).

(4) exceptional picnic spot, roughly halfway along the hike, in a preserved environment with a fantastic view of the Cirque de Chamalière.

Water is available in streams along the entire route, and then in fountains at La Molède or Albepierre

Village of Albepierre: beautiful old church, old tower, Prapsou waterfall.