Molompize walks

This walk takes in two iconic sites in the Alagnon Valley: the ruined Château d'Aurouze and its beautiful view over the valley, followed by the vineyard terraces (known in our valley as "Palhàs") of Molompize.

The first slate-roofed houses, large pastures and isolated farms herald the end of the Brivadois forests and the beginning of the Cézallier summer pastures.

A hike to discover the site of Chadecol, inhabited 10,000 years ago by the first farmers and herders. A walk to admire the basalt columns of Chadecol, the Allagnon valley and the village of Blesle.

A walk through farmland and forests, along a stream, with views of the châteaux of Védrines, Vernassal and Léotoing.

This route allows you to admire the village of Léotoing and the ruins of its castle, and to discover the Alagnon valley, the Cézaliers mountains and the castle of Torsiac.

Discover the history of this part of the Cézalier through the archaeological and historical remains that dot this route. Prehistoric rock shelters, tumuli, Merovingian sarcophagi, medieval forest trails, 12th-century churches, a monumental 15th-century cross, a communal oven, a wash house and beautiful old houses.

This route takes you to Lac du Pêcher, La Roche du Pic, the Frau de Collanges peat bog and Lac de Sauvages. I encountered a wolf in this area in the winter of 2017. Then I forgot about it until early 2025. It then reappeared, attacking livestock multiple times between winter and summer. I tracked it down and know its favourite spots. This does not guarantee that you will see it, but it may increase your chances of an encounter.

A discovery walk in Brioude, a small town in Auvergne boasting one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the region, the Basilica of Saint-Julien.

Passing through Auvergne? Take the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant break in Saint-Flour. From the banks of the Anver, climb up to discover the upper town via the Chemin des Chèvres and don't forget to stock up on cheese!

Starting from Saint-Flour, this tour of the northern part of the Planèze de Saint-Flour allows you to appreciate the diversity of the landscapes of this high basalt plateau in just three days of walking. The stages in Paulhac and Valuéjols offer accommodation in stopover lodges. The route follows part of a variant of the GR® de Pays de Saint-Flour and part of the GR®4.

This is the first of three stages of the Saint-Flour Planèze tour. It is the longest stage, passing through several small villages typical of the Planèze with their bread ovens, which provide welcome shelter for a short break in rainy weather. The very quiet paths and small roads run alongside meadows grazed by numerous herds of cattle in season.

A short walk around the church of Vieille-Brioude, in an open-air eco-museum dedicated to vines and wine, in the form of a succession of small priests' gardens.

A family walk offering beautiful views of the Limon Plateau on the other side of the Santoire Valley.

A pleasant loop around the pretty village of Montgreleix, ending at the Orthodox Monastery of the Mother of God Znaménié (open to visitors at certain times) at La Traverse. No technical difficulties and a wide variety of landscapes (pastures typical of the Cézallier region and burons, valleys and small woods, streams and waterfalls, etc.). You may even return with a Saint-Nectaire cheese in your bag...

Almost exclusively on wide paths, this hike around the pretty hamlet of La Godivelle crosses the characteristic landscapes of the Cézallier: pastures as far as the eye can see, the gentle lines of the "Mountains", peatlands, lakes and a few woods. On the way back, you will pass through the Sagnes de la Godivelle Nature Reserve.

An easy, short walk through woods, farmland and pastures, ideal for families. Climb the tower to enjoy a 360° panorama, with views of the Céréalier, the Livradois, and the peaks of Usson and Nonette. As you climb the tower, you will discover the remains of the ancient fortress and the villages it protected.

Walk in the hills above Murat. Beautiful views over the Alagnon and Benet valleys. Beautiful old houses in the village of Bredons and the remarkable site of Bredons Church, an 11th-century Cluniac site.

Third and final stage of the Planèze tour. Entirely on the GR®4. This stage crosses varied environments and allows you to discover some very interesting, albeit little-known, sites. In particular, the route runs alongside the Narse de Nouvialle (a remarkable wetland) and passes close to the Château du Sailhant and the Babory waterfall.

This walk between Boudes and Saint-Hérent allows you to discover the landscapes around the Pic de l'Avoiron and get closer to the Vallée des Saints. If you approach the old entrance to the Vallée des Saints, you will find that it is now closed.

The Sentier des Cheminées de Fées trail leads to a dry forest with a series of viewpoints overlooking geological formations: fairy chimneys, cirques and multicoloured cliffs.

Boudes, its vineyards and the Vallée des Saints, known as the Colorado of Lembron.

A loop on the first hills of Livradois, to the knoll of La Grive and then to the Montfaucon rock, which overlooks the mining basin and offers a beautiful view of Nonette, Ysson, Montcelet, the Sancy massif and the Cézallier.

The Cirque de Chamalière was formed by a glacier that reshaped the landscape after the formation of the Cantal stratovolcano. It is a very pleasant place for summer grazing and, incidentally, for picnics. The small streams that run down its slopes feed into a brook, the Benet. This hike follows the valley of this short brook, a tributary of the Alagnon.

Les Prés Marty are summer pastures on the slopes of Plomb du Cantal, where beautiful Salers cows graze on lush grass. On the way there, discover three beautiful waterfalls, and on the way back, a renovated buron (shepherd's hut), an oratory and a fourth waterfall. In season, dessert will be provided by the many wild raspberry bushes that line the path.

This route invites you to discover the pretty village of Albepierre-Bredons and explore the Pays de Murat national forest, which is home to many remarkable trees. In the cool woods, the Prés Long, Vergnes and Prapsou waterfalls are the main attractions of this shaded route. Route not accessible from December to April due to snow.

This route is ideal in hot weather. You will enjoy the coolness near the waterfalls and especially in the forest. In spring and autumn, this route will undoubtedly allow you to discover the wild flora and fauna in the Cirque. You will leave the coolness behind at the Col de la Molède, just long enough to descend towards Albepierre. ⚠️ At the point (3) , the hamlet of Raveyrol is replaced by Buron de Joaniol haut. This is a naming error on the IGN map.

Circuit no. 1 in the guidebook of walking, horse riding and mountain biking routes in the commune of Paulhac.

Second stage of the Saint-Flour Planèze tour. This is the shortest and highest stage. It takes place in the foothills of the Plomb du Cantal and crosses the wildest parts of the circuit.

This circular route follows the Ruisseau de la Ribeyre valley. Most of the route is through woodland. The best viewpoint is just before the access to the D24.