Plomb du Cantal from the Col de Prat-de-Bouc

The highest peak in Europe's largest volcanic complex, the Plomb du Cantal (1,855 m) offers unobstructed views of the Monts-Dore (Puy-de-Sancy) to the north and the Cézallier and Aubrac plateaus to the south.

Details

91058
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.85 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 468 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 468 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,853 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,385 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Parking at the Col de Prat-de-Bouc.

Red and white markings

(S) Head west towards Le Plomb.

(1) At a crossroads, near a stream, take the path on the left. Keep heading west and stay on the main path, marked in red and white. The slope becomes steeper. Pass directly below the Col de la Tombe du Père and reach the ridge.

(2) Walk along the ridge, which rises steadily, heading west-northwest. Shortly before the summit, turn slightly to the right, directly below an intermediate peak. You will quickly reach the summit, which is equipped with a platform with a railing.

Yellow markings

(3) Descend via a wooden staircase, pass the arrival station of a chairlift (on your right) and head north towards the arrival station of the Super-Lioran cable car. Pass the arrival point of a ski lift (Téléski du Refuge on the 1:25,000 map).

(4) Just a few dozen metres after the ski lift, turn right onto a path (do not go to the cable car station). The path immediately bends to the left and then heads northeast across the slope below the ridge. Pass directly below a pass (the Pas des Alpins).

(5) Continue diagonally eastwards. Enter a series of switchbacks and stay on the main path, heading generally south then south-east. You will reach the crossroads you took at the start of the hike.

(1) Take the path roughly opposite (east) back to the starting point.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,385 m - Col de Prat de Bouc
  2. 1 : km 0.43 - alt. 1,400 m - Crossroads
  3. 2 : km 1.56 - alt. 1,582 m - Ridge
  4. 3 : km 2.86 - alt. 1,853 m - Summit - Plomb du Cantal
  5. 4 : km 3.28 - alt. 1,797 m - Fork in the road after a ski lift
  6. 5 : km 3.85 - alt. 1,739 m - Vertical drop at the Pas des Alpins
  7. S/E : km 7.85 - alt. 1,385 m - Col de Prat de Bouc

Notes

Hiking boots and equipment required. A 1:25,000 map is useful.

During the summer grazing season (June-September, approximately), when there are herds grazing, dogs are not allowed.

At the Prat-de-Bouc pass: Stopover lodge, water, food.

Detailed map required (at least the one accompanying this description).

Hike completed by the author on 10 August 1988.

Worth a visit

Unobstructed view from the summit of Plomb du Cantal.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 86 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 3357964

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A classic hike, but still just as enjoyable
Be aware that the climb is in full sun, so don't set off too late
Beautiful view of the Plomb du Cantal
No particular technical difficulties

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User 2564878

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful hike, nice climb. It's a shame that there are so many people arriving at the summit via the Super Lioran cable car

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Philippe31000
Philippe31000

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

During our stay in Cantal, this short hike allowed us to meet up with our granddaughter and daughter, who had climbed the Plomb du Cantal via the cable car. The view was superb, despite the crowds.

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bcg243
bcg243

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Circuit in the discovery area, which partly follows the ski slopes of Prats de Bouc, in the Lioran region. We did it backwards, which seems easier than the original route, as the return path (which should have been the outward route) is steeper and very narrow.
Wear good walking shoes as there are lots of stones and slippery powdery earth.
The highlight of this route is undoubtedly the beautiful views of the Lioran mountain range, Prats de Bouc and a 360-degree panorama from the top of the Plomb du Cantal.
I would not recommend this hike for young children due to the difficulty of the route, which is impossible for pushchairs, even 4x4s.

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Delph du Perche
Delph du Perche

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful climb, pleasant, busy in summer. Make sure you use the toilets at the bottom, otherwise you'll be exposed to the elements with no shelter. Pleasant descent. Windbreaker essential.

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User 16856489

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike with magnificent landscapes, especially at the summit.

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Lemanico
Lemanico

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A little-used route, with the cable car out of service due to wind. The wind picks up again at the top and even in mid-June it is freezing, so a windbreaker is essential (I had three layers in total).
Following the loop in the correct direction makes for a moderately steep climb and allows you to find a sheltered picnic spot 10 minutes before the summit, behind the peak. At the top, the wind was strong enough to knock you off your feet, but the cows we encountered on the way up and down were peaceful.

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kawo
kawo

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful landscapes.
A bit of a climb, but if you go at your own pace it's easy, and the view from the top is well worth the effort!

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Pit
Pit

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely short hike to do on a clear, windless day.

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bernie71
bernie71

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike with superb views and autumn colours.

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Beaumontoise
Beaumontoise

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike on a sunny day, out of season
Bring warm clothing for the summit.
Beautiful route, well signposted.

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Chocomi29
Chocomi29

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Relatively easy for hikers, a few challenges for occasional walkers; the view is spectacular! 😎 Stop for a snack before the climb (bring a windbreaker and hat as it was very windy). The descent to Prat de Bouc was peaceful. A superb day with sunshine.

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pboucher24
pboucher24

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We extended our trip by finishing up at the Chamalière rocks, surrounded by magnificent scenery.
A few more kilometres, but really beautiful.

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sitaleo
sitaleo

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We left at 10:10 a.m. from the Prat de Bouc pass in sunny weather.
The climb is very easy. It's impossible to get lost.
It was very windy at the summit. The mist prevented us from seeing far into the distance. Too bad.
The return trip via the "Prés d'Arly" along the rocky trail was peaceful. We had a picnic in the pastures.

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Yoda9449
Yoda9449

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

It's a steep climb! But what a beautiful view from the top. A stunning 360° panorama in good weather. The route is well marked, except at the foot of the last climb to the Plomb du Cantal, where there are no markings. You have to follow one of the paths traced by hikers. There are quite a few people at the summit. The descent is much easier. One last point: the bar/restaurant at the top of the climb isn't very friendly... Down below, at the Buron de Prat de Bouc, they're nicer.

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