Montgreleix walks

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...

With its distinctive silhouette, Mont Chamaroux offers a magnificent viewpoint in the heart of the Cézallier; the route suggested here is a return walk through little-used pastures, where you’ll need to navigate the fences and know how to deal with the herds... No technical difficulties apart from the slightly steep final climb, and flexibility and agility are required to get over the fences. Moderator’s note added on 19/08/2021. See the comments at the bottom of this page regarding passages through summer pastures when herds are present

This 5 km family walk takes you on a journey into the heart of the Cézallier, through meadows, woodland edges and wetlands. Keep your eyes peeled – these unspoilt landscapes are a haven for biodiversity, where you can observe and record butterflies.Allow around 1½ hours to explore these wild areas and enjoy nature, with 8 themed information boards and an orientation table to guide your discovery. There are plenty of activities on offer.

Chanterelle circular route, passing through the hamlet of Le Bac between Puy du Sancy and the Monts du Cantal. Set amidst the peaceful pastures of Chanterelle, this delightful escape invites you to enjoy a rural interlude through the rolling landscapes of the Cantal. From the village, the path descends gently through the meadows, winding its way towards Espramau and then on to the picturesque hamlet of Le Bac, where you skirt the grassy hilltops in soft light. The route then climbs gently northwards, offering soothing views of the sleepy rooftops of Lavergne and the surrounding hills. Upon reaching the highest point of the route, the horizon opens up to reveal unspoilt, tranquil countryside. The return journey begins gently through Les Travers, skirting the green, pastoral slopes. In a final breath of fresh air, the path serenely leads the walker back to Chanterelle. A true ode to a leisurely stroll, where time stands still between earth and sky.

Mainly along paths and tracks, this walk around the pretty hamlet of La Godivelle takes in the characteristic landscapes of the Cézallier: pastures stretching as far as the eye can see, the gentle contours of the ‘mountains’, peat bogs, lakes and a few woods. On the way back, the route passes by Lake Saint-Alyre and the Sagnes de la Godivelle peatland reserve.

A long and magnificent hike in the little Mongolia of Cézallier. Pastures as far as the eye can see, herds of Aubrac and Salers cows, burons (stone huts)... and the Monts du Cantal on the horizon. No technical difficulty, good trails or wide paths that are always well marked, with numerous ladders to cross barriers. The route is circular except for the section between Rascoupet and before Courbières, which is a round trip.

A varied walk offering superb views of the Cézallier, the Monts du Cantal and the Puy de Sancy massif. The route passes at the foot of a basaltic rock field and an ancient burial mound. For a while, it follows a disused railway line, now used for rail biking.

A walk whose destination is the very beautiful Lac Chauvet, which unfortunately cannot be walked around (private property). The route alternates between fenced-off meadows, woodland and summer pastures. This walk can be done as a circular route, as suggested, or as a return trip.

A short walk, suitable for young children, to discover two beautiful waterfalls in refreshing surroundings. You’ll also enjoy a lovely view of the summer pastures and the surrounding peaks.

A walk in a beautiful rural setting and in relative seclusion, featuring numerous stepping stones that allow you to cross the fences. For most of the route, you’ll enjoy superb panoramic views of the Monts du Cantal. Please read the warning in the practical information carefully before setting out on this walk. This walk combines two routes designed and recommended by Chamina.

Circular route on the summit of the Cézallier, amidst the summer pastures, with numerous stepping stones to cross the fences. The route offers sweeping panoramic views of the Monts du Cantal and the Monts Dore, including the Puy de Sancy. The route passes at the foot of the Cézallier’s two highest peaks but does not climb them, as they are surrounded by woodland and offer no views. Route designed and organised by Chamina.

The Signal du Luguet is the highest point of the Cézallier. This hike along wide tracks, the only difficulty being the distance, takes you around the peak and up to the summit. But as for the view from the top, forget it, as it’s covered in trees! You can nevertheless enjoy the scenery by skirting the summit and taking in a 360° panorama, from the Puy de Dôme to the Monts du Cantal.

A circular walk that ascends and descends along both banks of the Bave stream. The route passes by the foot of a 15th-century tower and offers views of the remains of an old sawmill. Beautiful panoramic views of the Cézallier await. Route designed and suggested by Chamina.

An easy family hike with beautiful views of the Monts Dore (Sancy Massif), the Cantal and, of course, Lake Chauvet.

A circular route mainly through forest and along the shores of Lakes Taurons, Crégut and Tact.

A walk starting from a lake, alternating between paths through meadows – with beautiful views of the Puy de Sancy massif – and through woodland. Livestock farming is a prominent feature along the entire route.

This route will take you to two lakes in the region, which are less visited than Lake Pavin but just as worth exploring.

Starting from Picherande, a circular route with varied landscapes, agricultural at the start, then wilder with a visit to the Gayme peat bog, and finally forest.

A beautiful hike in the heights of Cézallier. The route follows a stream, crosses footbridges, beech woods and pastures to discover the Cascade de la Barthe waterfall and Lac Chauvet lake. Note that there is a picnic area at (8).

A day's walk from Picherande allows you to discover the impressive glacial cove of Fontaine Salée, whose pastoral activity is now protected by a nature reserve.

A circular route mostly through forest, passing by the summit of Puy de Montchal, which offers a view to the west, followed by a return trip through meadows and peat bogs to Lac de Montcineyre.The Visorando app is recommended for the forest section.

The route, mostly through forest, passes by the unmissable Lake Pavin before climbing Puy de Monchal and returning via the only chasm in Auvergne, Creux de Souci.

From Chareire, you will begin the ascent of Puy de Sancy (alt. 1,883 m), the highest point of the Massif Central, passing via the Col du Couhay and the Cabane, before descending towards the Mont-Dore resort via the Val de Courre.

On the southern flank of Puy de Sancy, the route climbs up the Fontaine Salée watershed and continues to ascend, passing through mountain pastures criss-crossed by streams at the foot of the Gros and Paillaret peaks, before descending into the Ruisseau de Chareire valley. Superb views to the south and west.