Exploring Paulhac, Cantal, Auvergne: hidden gems

A family hike of 1,5 km to discover the Montréal waterfall and the Montréal cross with its view point into the Valley of Brezons. Access waterfall from 3 years, hike from 10 years. Not accessible for strollers. From Brezons take the D 57 in direction of Vigouroux, then turn right in direction of Montréal. After 1,5 km parking on the right. For the waterfall: cross the bridge and take the wooden staircase on the right. For the 1,5 km hike: D - Start from the parking, cross the road and take a path on the left in following the blue waymarks. You will arrive at the wayside chapel of Montréal. 1 - Take the path which passes along a farmhouse. You will arrive at the cross of Montréal. 2 - Take the same path to return but take left after 100m. 3 - Follow the path until the road and reach the parking. Wheelchair access: park the car at the wayside chapel and take the path which passes in front of the farmhouse until the cross. Advise for all waterfalls: constant surveillance of your children!

A family hike from 12 years around the waterfall of La Borie. Access only to the waterfall (there and back) from 5 years. Not adapted for people afraid of heights. No strollers. From the village of Brezons take the road D 57 in direction of Saint-Martin-sous-Vigouroux. After 1,5 km parking on your left. Information board. Access to the waterfall: D - Cross the village of La Borie and walk along the wood for 200 m. Then go down into a romantic little valley. 1 - Follow the path whith several wooden bridges. 2 - Go until the waterfall in the end of the valley. Return by the same way. Circular hiking trail: 3 - Climb up the 30 m wooden staircase and continue the path. Nice view on the waterfall. Follow the trail until retrieving the first way. Return to the parking. Circular trail from 12 years. Not for persons suffering from vertigo. Do not use if rain (slippery path). For all waterfalls: Watch your children!

Arboretum of Pierrefort in the Chabridet wood Discovery of 17 different tree species of the region. 1,6 km footpath. Take the roman way and enter into the wood. Walk for 350 m. At the starting point sign "Depart" in the middle of the wood turn right. Walk 50 m and the nature trail is on your right. Signs and information boards. ATTENTION: do not follow the Arboretum sign at right 10 m after the entrance of the wood (after a storm many trees are fallen down, way unusable). Car park at left of the entrance of the wood. Picnic area near the parking. Roman road paved but perhaps accessible with all-terrain buggies.

Difficult level circuit; interests: landscape and heritage. Itinerary suitable for VTTAE (blue level: moderate).

Difficult level circuit; interests: forest and heritage. Itinerary suitable for VTTAE (blue level: moderate).

This trail circles the Cirque de Chamalière, offering you a quiet walk with a lovely view of the Col de la Molède and perhaps an encounter with a chamois or mouflon - just keep your eyes peeled!

A peaceful walk between the Benet and Lagnon streams, taking in the scenery of these two valleys. Ideal for families.

This hike will take you through the Lagnon valley, and you'll spend a soothing moment in the Puy du Bac forest, which you'll cross before descending to follow the stream. Take time to listen to nature...

This trail is a superb compromise between built and natural heritage. On one side, a buron, a cross, an oratory and a royal milestone; on the other, forest, mountain scenery and ... 3 waterfalls: Vergnes, Prés Longs and Prapsou.

This route takes you to the gates of the former Benedictine priory of Bredons, where you can enjoy a lovely view of Murat and the surrounding volcanic necks. The church is open in July and August.

Sound and light effects taking you through the gallery of pictures enabling you to relive moments from the resistance and the deportation, illustrating how some of the people of Murat survived in the concentration camp during the war. Not advised for the under twelve years old.

Relaxation for all at the foot of Puy Mary. On your return from a hike, or after a breath of fresh air, come and enjoy the relaxing benefits of hot water!

We welcome you to the picturesque and quiet hamlet of Liadouze, at an altitude of 1000 meters in the town of Mandailles towards Puy Mary, and therefore directly at the foot of Puy Mary, Puy Griou.... The hamlet is a main starting point for many hikes in the valley. Discover wild nature, exceptional sites, local gastronomy. Enjoy the pure air of the Cantal mountains, its temperatures spared from scorching temperatures, the freshness and the enchanting sound of the Jordanne below. La Grange du Cerf is a charming gîte decorated with care, for your comfort, perfectly equipped. You will feel at home in this restored barn with views of the mountains. Our strong points: The main hiking trails right in front of the gîte. In winter, the road going up to Puy Mary, located 300 meters away, is a fabulous area for walks, tobogganing, ski touring... The Lioran ski resort is around twenty minutes away. Beds made, sheets ironed and we emphasize impeccable cleanliness. At your disposal, a garden, a garage for your bikes or skis..., or in the event of a major storm or in winter conditions, shelter your car. Loan of snowshoes, sleds, complete equipment for babies or young children. All charges included except tourist tax.

1900’s house located in Mandailles in the heart of the Massif of Cantal (southern side of the Puy Mary). 4 rooms including 1 family room decorated on the theme of Seasons. Mountains’ view - calm - garden – many one day hikes starting from the house. Table d'hôte only from October to the end of April. Stage of the GR 400.

Come and camp at the foot of the Puy Mary in the heart of the Massif Cantalien and the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park. In the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes, the Puy Mary campsite, a family campsite for 4 generations, welcomes you on a 3-hectare plot of land bordering the river. The ideal starting point for many marked-pout hikes and fro walking parts of the GR 400 route. You can also enjoy mountain biking in the area on marked-out trails. Possiblity to enjoy camp fires and fishing. Pets are welcome. Bar and breakfast possible. Located just 500 metres away from the small shops in the village of Mandailles-Saint-Julien.

Last hotel on the top of the Jordanne Valley, before the famous site of the Puy Mary. Ideal place for hiking, exploring Cantal, relaxation. The hotel has a restaurant room with two terraces (indoor and outdoor), and we made local cooking.

In the lovely Jordanne Valley, the Hotel-Restaurant “Les Tilleuls”, a centenarian family home, warmly welcomes you for a relaxation stay, nature and gastronomy. 14 comfortable rooms in an appart'hotel for 2, 3, or 4 guests. Two bedrooms have a patio with a beautiful view over the mountains. A heated outdoor pool is available from May to September, as well ,as a sauna and jacuzzi available for use by the clientele of the hotel and restaurant. Free garage for motorbikes and bikes. Restaurant on site serving local and regional specialities. Booking required for clients who are not staying at the hotel. The hotel-restaurant is located just 2 minutes away from the beautiful Gorges of the Jordanne. For further information, please visit our website.

Col de Légal gîte : 52 beds and 17 rooms. In the rooms: TV, fridge, microwave, shower room, toilet. Laundry room with washing machine and dryer. Sauna - Jacuzzi. Professional kitchen - Rental of electric mountain bikes. New: Via ferrata - Climbing - Canyoning - Hiking - Mountain biking with a guide. Alone, as a duo or with friends, come and discover outdoor activities. Accommodation, activities ... everything is planned for you to spend unforgettable holidays. For any information, contact us.

The hotel is located in the heart of 40 hectares of grounds in the Jordanne Valley. There, you will find peace and tranquillity to recharge your batteries in one of its 24 rooms facing lake or hill. The “Lac des Graves” also offers 5 chalets, 6 gypsy wagons. All in all, 130 beds. The “Lac des Graves” is a 8-ha lake of pure and clear water. You will enjoy the outdoor heated swimming pool and a 250-m² terrace at the water's edge. The restaurant has a panoramic room, reception room for your family celebrations. Our chef proposes a generous cuisine with regional products that are mixed in an inventive way with seasonal products

Panoramic view on the Valley of Brezons ant he Plomb du Cantal A bird’s eye view of the Valley of Brezons and the Monts du Cantal. Open all year. Accès for disabled persons with wheelchairs. Access for buggies possible.

This vast basalt plateau, stemming from the lava flows erupting from the giant Cantal Volcano, already fascinated yesteryear megalith builders (dolmens, tumulus). It is renowned for its highly reputed peas and especially its blond lentils.

This small church was built in Saint Anne’s honour. Its stained-glass windows were designed by the glass artist Decorchement. Look out for the stone carved with Greek letters (near the entrance).

Church partially Romanesque This chapel was originally the chapel of Brezons castle in the XII century. It was restored in the XV and XVI century. The modillions on its facade are carved with human faces, animals and imaginary beasts. The church is heritage-protected. Open all year. Leaflets in three languages inside the church (or at the Tourist Office of Pierrefort).

One of the most beautiful valley in Europe with many panoramic sites One of the most beautiful glacial valleys in trough of Europe, according to Haroun Tazieff, famous volcanologist, for its shape in "U" well pronounced. Located at the foot of the Plomb du Cantal, about fifty springs form the stream "Brezons". The valley is overhung by a gigantic plug of lava which evokes the profile of a lion's head (while coming from the Col de la Griffoul at the level of the village of Arzaliès, look on your right). Zone of ecological interest. To discover it: -Information point in the village of Brezons (exhibitions, animations, viewing of a film...) open in summer - by car, from St.Martin-sous-Vigouroux to the Col de la Grifoul. - by car, tourist circuit of the valley (see "tourist circuits") - the villages of Brezons and Saint-Martin-sous-Vigouroux with its churches - on foot, several marked routes to discover the waterfalls of the valley. *The site of the Haute Vallée with its 5 waterfalls: from the family walk to the waterfall of the "saut de la truite" (45 min round trip) to the more sportive route to the "Cirque de Grandval", taking advantage of the magnificent waterfalls along the way *La Borie waterfall: a 1h30 loop in the valley in a bucolic setting that looks like an adventure course without the zip line and the monkey bridges... *Montreal Waterfall : a 1h30 loop with a beautiful panorama on the valley from the Croix de Montréal *Croûtes waterfall: a round trip to the Hirondelle stream and its double waterfall See the "Hiking" section for details of the routes. -Free brochure "La Vallée de Brezons, des balades au chant de l'eau" available in the Tourist Offices and in download. - Guided hikes by a local mountain guide. Information at the BT of Pierrefort.

An arch bell tower characterises this XIII century church, built in basalt quarried from the Planèze, and situated near a feudal castle.

Waterfall and cross with panoramic view into the Brezons Valley Waterfall of 20 metres just 20 m behind the parking. Up from 3 years. Circular blue-waymarked path with a beautiful viewpoint into the valley of Brezons. Starting point : parking waterfall. Up from 10 years. Access wheelchairs: parking at the wayside chapel at Montréal to visit the cross and the view point. Not accessible for strollers. To go there: At Brezons take the D 57 in direction of Vigouroux, then follow the sign Montréal.

Waterfall in the Brezons Valley A 1h30 blue-waymarked circular path with a set of steps leading to a volcanic formation called hoodoes (fairy chemneys). Circular path not suitable for children under 12 years old . Avoid using this path in wet conditions as it can be slippery. There and back to the waterfall for children under 12 years possible (45 minutes, about 600m). Not accessible for strollers. Attention on the path between footbridge 2 and 3 (path slippery).

Refrigerated gourmet racks with specialties from Auvergne and other regions. Sweet gourmet racks. Open 24 hours a day.

Traditional restaurant serving Auvergne specialities: beef in maturing room, pounti, stuffed cabbage, homemade truffade. Organization of theme evenings.

The "Les Volcans" restaurant offers "home-made" local cuisine based on fresh produce selected from local producers and suppliers and carefully prepared by the chef.

Sandrine and Pascal offer (gluten-free) galettes, crêpes, salads and Auvergne cuisine. A galette and a crêpe of the moment vary every week!

Warm, friendly little inn in the heart of Murat. Homemade, traditional cuisine, fresh produce, meat and homemade pizzas/burgers to eat in or take away. Daily specials for lunch.

Hotel-Restaurant in the Valley of Brezons. The Hotel-Restaurant de la poste welcome you in the beautful Brezons Valley. This country Inn is certified 2 cocottes Logis de France with regional dishes (Aligot, Truffade, stuffed cabbage, Tripoux, Pounti (a sort of vegetable cake), local meat dishes...). Inside 2 restaurant rooms, outside a shady terrace. Little grocery (basic foods, cigarets, stamps, fishing licence, telephone cards...). Free WIFI. Menus from 12,50 € to 30 € + card. Children menu. Recomanded in the routard guide and Petit Futé. Classés Logis de France Restaurant du Terroir.

Small grocery restaurant in the heart of the Santoire valley, overlooking the Rocher de Laqueuille. The friendly, almost family atmosphere is created by the fact that you can see the chef working behind the counter.

Country inn with view on the valley. Wood-fired cooking (truffade and Salers meat). Breeders, producers and transformers, beef and veal sausages, aligot, farm cheeses.

Holiday house with panoramic view on the Truyère river In 1996 renovated stone house, semi-detached to the owner's house. Panoramic view over the Truyère gorges and 5 km from the river (bathing, water sports, boat hire). 1 bedroom with 1 double bed. Bathroom with shower. Living/dining room with kitchen nook. Central heating - fireplace (wood gratis). Terrace with garden furniture and deckchair. Barbecue. Bedcloths hire (10 € per person) and final cleaning on request. All charges included. Activities: hiking on marked trails, water sports... Shops and grocery 5 km.

We welcome you to the picturesque and quiet hamlet of Liadouze, at an altitude of 1000 meters in the town of Mandailles towards Puy Mary, and therefore directly at the foot of Puy Mary, Puy Griou.... The hamlet is a main starting point for many hikes in the valley. Discover wild nature, exceptional sites, local gastronomy. Enjoy the pure air of the Cantal mountains, its temperatures spared from scorching temperatures, the freshness and the enchanting sound of the Jordanne below. La Grange du Cerf is a charming gîte decorated with care, for your comfort, perfectly equipped. You will feel at home in this restored barn with views of the mountains. Our strong points: The main hiking trails right in front of the gîte. In winter, the road going up to Puy Mary, located 300 meters away, is a fabulous area for walks, tobogganing, ski touring... The Lioran ski resort is around twenty minutes away. Beds made, sheets ironed and we emphasize impeccable cleanliness. At your disposal, a garden, a garage for your bikes or skis..., or in the event of a major storm or in winter conditions, shelter your car. Loan of snowshoes, sleds, complete equipment for babies or young children. All charges included except tourist tax.

1900’s house located in Mandailles in the heart of the Massif of Cantal (southern side of the Puy Mary). 4 rooms including 1 family room decorated on the theme of Seasons. Mountains’ view - calm - garden – many one day hikes starting from the house. Table d'hôte only from October to the end of April. Stage of the GR 400.

All these areas are equipped with a multiservice terminal that allows to access to drinking water supply (electricity only at Aurillac and Sansac), disposal of wastewater and chemical toilets. 6 locations

Come and camp at the foot of the Puy Mary in the heart of the Massif Cantalien and the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park. In the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes, the Puy Mary campsite, a family campsite for 4 generations, welcomes you on a 3-hectare plot of land bordering the river. The ideal starting point for many marked-pout hikes and fro walking parts of the GR 400 route. You can also enjoy mountain biking in the area on marked-out trails. Possiblity to enjoy camp fires and fishing. Pets are welcome. Bar and breakfast possible. Located just 500 metres away from the small shops in the village of Mandailles-Saint-Julien.

Last hotel on the top of the Jordanne Valley, before the famous site of the Puy Mary. Ideal place for hiking, exploring Cantal, relaxation. The hotel has a restaurant room with two terraces (indoor and outdoor), and we made local cooking.

In the lovely Jordanne Valley, the Hotel-Restaurant “Les Tilleuls”, a centenarian family home, warmly welcomes you for a relaxation stay, nature and gastronomy. 14 comfortable rooms in an appart'hotel for 2, 3, or 4 guests. Two bedrooms have a patio with a beautiful view over the mountains. A heated outdoor pool is available from May to September, as well ,as a sauna and jacuzzi available for use by the clientele of the hotel and restaurant. Free garage for motorbikes and bikes. Restaurant on site serving local and regional specialities. Booking required for clients who are not staying at the hotel. The hotel-restaurant is located just 2 minutes away from the beautiful Gorges of the Jordanne. For further information, please visit our website.

Col de Légal gîte : 52 beds and 17 rooms. In the rooms: TV, fridge, microwave, shower room, toilet. Laundry room with washing machine and dryer. Sauna - Jacuzzi. Professional kitchen - Rental of electric mountain bikes. New: Via ferrata - Climbing - Canyoning - Hiking - Mountain biking with a guide. Alone, as a duo or with friends, come and discover outdoor activities. Accommodation, activities ... everything is planned for you to spend unforgettable holidays. For any information, contact us.

The hotel is located in the heart of 40 hectares of grounds in the Jordanne Valley. There, you will find peace and tranquillity to recharge your batteries in one of its 24 rooms facing lake or hill. The “Lac des Graves” also offers 5 chalets, 6 gypsy wagons. All in all, 130 beds. The “Lac des Graves” is a 8-ha lake of pure and clear water. You will enjoy the outdoor heated swimming pool and a 250-m² terrace at the water's edge. The restaurant has a panoramic room, reception room for your family celebrations. Our chef proposes a generous cuisine with regional products that are mixed in an inventive way with seasonal products