Marcolès walks

Short urban walk along the Jordanne, then into the Cantal mountains, a stone's throw from the centre of Aurillac. Beautiful views of Aurillac and the Chaîne des Puys. There are herds of livestock and electric fences. Dogs are not allowed.

In the commune of Saint-Gérons, on the banks of the Saint-Étienne-Cantalès dam lake, a footpath circles the Presqu’île d'Espinet. This path is right at the water's edge and a little narrow between points (3) and (4): it is best to avoid pushchairs. (!) Please note that the path has been blocked by the owners since (4).

Located in the heart of the Lot Valley, Conques-en-Rouergue, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" and "Villages of Charm in France", is an essential stop on one of the Saint James' Ways, the GR®65 - the Via Podiensis. As you walk around the Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy (12th-13th centuries) and through the narrow streets, you can admire the beautiful half-timbered houses.The hike crosses the medieval village, then passes through the vineyards, offering beautiful views of Conques and the Dourdou valley.

From the pretty village of Senergues to another very beautiful village, Conques. The route alternates between roads and paths through the woods. The arrival in Conques is via a long descent that is quite steep in places. The views are magnificent. The path is always marked in white and red by the GR®65. As this hike does not return to the starting point, you will need to leave a vehicle in Conques.

Connection between Entraygues-sur-Truyère and Espeyrac via the historic Queen Margot trail. Breathtaking views of the Fel hills Regional Nature Reserve and the Lot valley, then the Dazes valley. Espeyrac is the last stop before Conques on the Way of St James via the GR®65 long-distance footpath.

Espeyrac is a stop on the Way of St James. A picturesque granite village with slate roofs, in unspoilt natural surroundings, surrounded by ancient chestnut groves. You will find refreshments, a grocery store, lodges and an inn.

Hike near Entraygues-sur-Truyère. Route through forests and meadows on forest trails and tracks leading to the waterfall.

A beautiful short stage combining roads and paths. Moderate difficulty in terms of distance and elevation. Very good signposting with red and white GR®65 markings. Take advantage of the village crossings to visit the churches and fill up your water bottles at the fountains.

A lovely, easy hike through bucolic countryside, along and above the water, almost entirely shaded by tall trees. Beautiful views. Swimming possible. Near Saint-Illide, Arnac and Pleaux.

This is an unmissable walk in the Cère valley, where you can discover the gorges carved out by the glacier and then the river, on a beautiful marked trail.

This is a stage of the Way of St James starting from the pretty village of Estaing. I recommend visiting this magnificent village and its castle. You can also enjoy a drink by the Lot river. A plaque in memory of President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing can be found at the entrance to the village. This stage is moderately difficult with a lot of road and some elevation gain, so bring something to drink and protection from the sun.

Magnificent panoramic views of the thousand-year-old town of Estaing and views of the wild Coussane valley and the Lot valley.

A walk in the mountains among cows and typical Cantal landscapes. Niervèze, a lively mountain village, and the geological curiosity of Chaos de Casteltinet and its impressive Lion's Gate are on the programme. Yellow markings.

This hike allows you to discover "forgotten" places, away from the GR®400, on the section between Puy Gros and Plomb du Cantal. You will discover many restored burons (stone huts), amazing sites and, especially in spring, a rich variety of wild flora and animals with their young. However, this circuit is often off the beaten track, taking you closer to the wildest areas where you are most likely to encounter animals or see rare plants.

From the village of Niervèze, this route, mainly on summer pasture tracks, takes you to the summit of Puy Gros and its plateau, passing by some magnificent restored burons (privately-owned) and the old Cantal chapel, of which only a few ruins and a basalt cross remain. There is a magnificent view over the Cère valley and the main peaks, Puy Chavaroche, Puy Mary, Puy Griou, Peyre Arse, Téton de Vénus and Rocher du Bec de l'Aigle.

A day's walk in magnificent surroundings, using theGR® trails in the area. We are within sight of Puy Chavaroche and Puy Mary.

From the Col du Pertus, discover the village of Mandailles and the hamlets of Larmandie and Liadouze on the banks of the Jordanne. On both the outward and return journeys, gaps in the forest offer beautiful views of the valley, the Chavaroche and Puy Mary massifs, as well as the Gliziou and Puy Griou. Update 2025: see practical information

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.

A short, fairly easy hike from the Puy Mary campsite in Mandailles, which allows you to walk in the hills east of the village and return via the Gorges de la Jordanne (when the water level allows).