A short walk towards Arpajon-sur-Cère

Start from the car park on Rue du Commandant Le Pourcelet in Carbonnat.

(S/E) Head south, following the road until you reach the junction with the D990. Take care – there are no pedestrian crossings, and despite the 70 km/h speed limit, traffic moves quite fast. Cross the road and take the path directly opposite.
You’ll start to climb gently; look back – Arpajon-sur-Cère is beginning to come into view. You’ll reach a junction where two paths meet.

(1) Turn right (south-west). You’ll pass through small woods bordering the meadows. You’ll reach the highest point of this walk.

(2) Take the path on the right (north-west). You’ll no doubt come across herds of Salers cattle. Carry on straight ahead until you reach the housing estates via Chemin Douarat and then Route d’Esmolès.

(3) Turn right onto Rue Jean Rostand, then Rue Marie Curie. Follow the D990 on your right along this small path reserved for walkers.

(4) At the pedestrian crossing, turn left and cross the road carefully. Opposite, take the path that leads through the fields and takes you to the small green bridge over the Cère. You’re back in Carbonnat.

(5) Follow the road, turning right until you reach the junction, then left to return to the car park (S/E).

There are no drinking water points, so please remember to bring something to drink.
A good pair of trainers or walking boots is essential on some of the dirt tracks, which have been damaged by water and tractors.

You’re about ten minutes’ drive from Aurillac town centre (museum, shops, entertainment) and about twenty minutes from Lake Saint-Étienne-de-Cantalès (water sports in summer, lovely walks).
For lovers of scenic landscapes, the Gorges de la Jordanne lead to one of the peaks of the Auvergne volcanoes: Le Puy Mary (1-hour drive).
You’re also a 20-minute drive from the Lioran winter sports resort.