Walking in the Auvergne Mountains, France

Embark on this walking adventure in the very heart of France. Auvergne is one of the most unspoiled, traditional regions, a unique scenery of rounded, ancient volcanoes (puys) covered in heather rising above old stone hamlets, vivid green pastures, and dense woodland.

You will feel a real sense of achievement and exploration as you progress from one village to the next. The walk leads through the volcanic park, home to marmots, chamois, mouflon and wild boar, and passes the highest peak of the range, the Plomb du Cantal, with excellent walks along magnificent broad ridges. The hospitality is warm and genuine, and the local cuisine makes good use of the exceptional regional cheeses, made from the milk of the chestnut-coloured Salers cows which graze in the mountain pastures.

Accommodation:

Hotel des Chazes, Les Chazes A friendly hotel in the shadow of the Plomb du Cantal.

Hotel le Casteltinet, Thiézac This is a relatively simple hotel, but you are assured of a warm and friendly welcome. Most bedrooms have a small balcony overlooking the garden.

Hotel les Tilleuls, St Cirgues A family-run inn with an outdoor pool set in the centre of this sturdy stone hamlet.

Les Quatres Saisons, Mandailles This small, charming guesthouse is located in the centre of the village and has just four comfortable rooms, named after the seasons. Breakfast is shared around the kitchen table, while for dinner, you can choose between two nearby restaurants.

Hotel des Voyageurs, Le Falgoux Monsieur Mourguy's inn is built in the local style, with a grassy terrace set with picnic tables and offering views over the surrounding landscapes. The welcome here is particularly warm, and the food very good.

Le Bailliage, Salers Salers is a picturesque and bustling town of handsome mansions, quite different in atmosphere to the small villages in which you have stayed during the week. Le Bailliage is a charming small hotel with an outdoor pool.

Traveller Reviews of This Trip

Monts de Cantal tour - just back from six days walking in the south Auvergne in late May, a round of the volcanic mountains of the Cantal. An unknown area to us, where the land looks to have been pulled up in the centre around Puy Mary, which is the remnant of an enormous ancient volcano. Now it offers a great mix of tough climbs, beautiful green mountaintops and fantastic wild flowers - many of them our own garden plants in their true setting. Newcastle at sea level is at the same time of season as the Auvergne, at around 1000 metres above sea level.
Everything about the trip has fulfilled our expectations. We have been pushed and encouraged by the routes, physically challenged but always felt in control of what we were doing. The views at times reminded us of the Lake District and the Dales with day climbs of 3000 feet about the maximum encountered. What surprised us was the freshness and greenness. There were some sublime moments - the cascades of Faillitoux, the crags above le Falgoux and the welcoming cold Leffe [beer] at Hotel des Voyageurs supplied by the delightful Monsieur Mourguy at le Falgoux. Great beer, great hotel, great views. The clinking of bells round the heads of the Salers Cattle, the taste of the local cheese, the openness and hospitality of everyone we met - even the train guard helping me with the correct pronunciation of Le Lioran (lee- or - ron). We hadn't realised there was a winter ski resort here - a thought for the future. Andy Mellon, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 20/05/2011

This was a fantastic holiday. The challenge of each day's walking and the sense of achievement on accomplishing the walks was very rewarding. The views were incredible as was the opportunity to truly "get away from it all". Mr G, Chelmsford, 01/08/2010

Our particular highlight was the walk from Mandailles to Le Falgoux on a perfect day, followed by the friendly reception, great food and stunning view from the dining room at Hotel des Voyageurs. Mr George, Northamptonshire, 01/08/2010

All over good welcome and service, but in particular at Casteltinet & Les Tilleuls. The highlight of the holiday was the section when passing the Roc des Ombres and down to the ruined stone hut. Wonderful views both upwards and down. Ms Wichmann Nielsen, Denmark, 01/07/2010

For more reviews of this trip, see: Reviews of Walking in the Auvergne Mountains, France