Velzic walks

An interesting low-altitude hike above and in the Jordanne valley. Enjoy beautiful green landscapes typical of the Cantal region. Pass through pretty little hamlets with old buildings. Peaceful and natural.

A short but pretty circular route in a secluded valley, with landscapes typical of the Jordanne Valley – green and rolling. Unmarked, but no difficulty in finding your way.

A lovely walk through isolated valleys, typical of the Cantalian mid-mountains. Beautiful trees, beautiful landscapes, peace and greenery. A marked walk with no particular difficulty, if you enjoy paths and hills.

A discovery walk through the old centre of Vic-sur-Cère, up the Iraliot to the Trou de la Conche waterfall, extended by a circular route along the Bras de la Cère to discover a forgotten mineral water spring.

From Vic-sur-Cère, climb up to the Coyan Plateau, passing several viewpoints: over Vic and the Cère valley, then over the plateau and the more distant mountain ranges. The route passes by the Rocher de Saint-Curiat, an ancient hermitage, and the Grotte des Anglais, a former shelter for Huguenots. In 2023, the trail between (8) and (2) via the Grotte des Anglais is closed due to rockfall. Until further notice, it is still possible to make a round trip to (7) or (8).

A short walk along a steep path that climbs sharply to the Rocher de Maisonne with its cross. This spot offers a superb view of the town of Vic-sur-Cère and the Cère valley, and the detour to the Trou de la Conche waterfall provides a refreshing haven.

In the heart of the Cantal, this circular route reveals a landscape where nature and heritage blend at every step. From Les Havres Verts, the route descends towards Le Rieu before following the Doire along its shaded banks. The path climbs through the forest and, from an isolated barn, offers a beautiful view of the valley. You then pass through quiet hamlets (La Blatte, Labastide, Soulage) that bear witness to a preserved rural way of life. At La Blatte, an old castle invites you to take a break. Its owner, who is there in spring and summer, is happy to act as a guardian of the site’s history. The route reaches its highest point at Girgols, a charming village where the church and the old wash house are well worth a stop. The return route takes you across the plateau and through the forest, with a stop at the Blatte waterfall (more lively in spring than in summer). You then head for the banks of the Doire to make a leisurely return to the start. An accessible, varied and authentic walk, ideal for discovering the Cantal off the beaten track.

This route takes you to one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Cantal. The Faillitoux waterfall, with a drop of around 40 metres, flows over a lava flow with basalt columns at the foot of the waterfall. The pretty hamlet of Lasmolineries, with its renovated bread oven, is also worth a visit.

A magnificent tour on the plateau where the village of Girgols is located. A short stretch of tarmac road at the beginning, then paths and fields. From the hamlet of La Bastide, you are in a wild, solitary and magnificent world.

The second stage of my three-day tour of Puy Mary, with an overnight stay in a bivouac. Passing through villages where you can stock up on supplies if necessary

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

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 hike for residents of Mandailles who want to go for a walk without taking the car.

This is a fairly easy short hike to a beautiful promontory offering a panoramic view of the main Monts du Cantal and the Jordanne and Cère valleys.

Starting from the Col du Pertus, climb quickly to the heights for a long walk along the ridge, which offers beautiful views. Then discover a few villages in the Jordanne valley before climbing back up to the pass through the pastures.The Visorando app is useful for following this route at the end of the walk.

Puy de l'Usclade is little known, but offers a beautiful view of Puy Griou and the other surrounding peaks. The first part of the walk, up to Col de Gliziou, is easy and shaded, and fairly busy, while the second part is less frequented and ends with a steeper section.

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

An easy, shaded approach to this iconic peak in the Monts du Cantal, with its perfect cone shape and superb views. However, the final climb is quite technical and challenging.

Stage 4 of our Tour du Cantal / GR®400 Another beautiful stage alternating between summer pastures, forests, ridges, peaks (puy) and passes. Long, with quite a lot of elevation gain and loss. Bring plenty of water!

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.

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).