Le Fau - Mandailles

(S) From the Auberge du Fau, head back down the road towards the hamlet of La Bastide.

(1) Cross this pretty hamlet and continue along the road for about 1 km uphill.

(2) (Cote 1016). Take the forest track on the left, which climbs gradually through the shade of the woods. You will find plenty of opportunities to cool off (waterfalls, rivers).

(3) After a sharp right turn, leave the track and take the GR® trail that starts in the forest on the left. A little further on, you will come across another waterfall. Enjoy these last moments of coolness, because after that you will leave the forest and cross the summer pastures until you reach the buron (ruins, herd) of Chavaspre.

(4) Continue up a steep climb to rejoin the path from Roc des Ombres below Roc d'Hozières. Keep right on a long path that climbs to an unnamed pass (elevation 1,573 metres).

(5) From this point, take a good look at the rest of the route to the Col de Redondet and Puy Chavaroche. This ridge route offers views of several valleys (the Mars on the Falgoux side, the Rauffet, a wild valley, and Mandailles from the Col de Redondet, as well as all the Puys in the distance.

(6) From the pass, continue with the ascent of Chavaroche (altitude 1,736 metres).

(7) Descend to the Col du Piquet via a few steep sections, which are slippery in places.

(8) The same applies to the rest of the descent, which plunges steeply towards Mandailles, far below.
Be careful on some sections, as they can be slippery! There are a few shaded sections, but overall this face is quite exposed. The route crosses numerous junctions, but there are many signposts confirming the direction to Mandailles.
The first houses appear in the hamlet of Lasteyrie, then Mas.

(E) A few moments later, you arrive in the heart of the village (toilets, water, bars, etc.).

The Vert Azur lodge , where we stayed, is located just outside the village, on Rue de la Remise, in the hamlet of Larmandie.

• Tip: you can take a shortcut to get to the lodge, on your left, at a sign indicating the trails. It is signposted, but you can miss it.

Barbara and Bruno gave us a warm welcome (at 4.30pm) and the lodge was spacious, bright and very well equipped.

Everything you need to eat, sleep and stock up on supplies is available in Mandailles.

The cottage has lots of information about the region, including a panoramic display and a video showing the four seasons in the Cantal mountains and valleys, allowing you to discover the rich local flora and fauna.

(1) Mineral spring (La Bastide).

Coin waterfall: signposted on the left on the forest track after the hamlet of La Bastide.

Aspre waterfall and river.