Explore Vernols, Cantal, Auvergne: Nature and Heritage

Easy tour. Start: Place de la gare, Allanche, then down Avenue du Puy Mary. Itinerary suitable for VTTAE (blue level: moderate).

This circuit brings together 8 passes and allows you to discover the Cézallier Cantalien plateaus.

From Allanche, Route 1 "from the Cézallier plateaux to the Alagnon country" starts out in the Mongolian-style Cézallier summer pastures. You'll follow part of the Route des cols en Cézallier to reach the foot of the Cantalien massif.

From the Cézallier to the Cantal mountains, from the Alagnon and Sianne valleys to the foothills of the Margeride, an alternation of new and varied landscapes, surprising and relaxing except for your legs (total vertical drop 4000 m).

A travers cette balade vous profiterez d'une vue à 360° et vous pourrez découvrir les spécificités architecturales d'Allanche tel que son pont romain.

A 2-day hike to discover the churches of Chalinargues and Allanche, the ramparts, the Pinatelle forest and the view of the Cantal and Cézallier mountains from the Roche Grande summit.

Une balade parfaite pour bien découvrir le Cézallier, ses grands espaces, ses traditions d'élevage, ses richesses architecturales et peut-être même sa faune sauvage alors ouvrez l'oeil !

At the junction of the Cantal and Puy de Dôme departments, the Tour des Vaches Rouges takes in the vast Cézallier plateau. Variants are available to vary the itinerary. The main route via Vèze, 148 km long, takes 9 days to complete.

At the junction of the Cantal and Puy de Dôme départements, the Tour des Vaches Rouges takes in the vast Cézallier plateau. The main 135 km route takes 8 days to complete. Variants can be added to shorten or lengthen the itinerary.

This themed trail is an opportunity to learn about traditions, animal husbandry and transhumance, and to enjoy a magnificent 360° view of the Monts du Cantal and the Allanche valley from the hut.

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.

Luxury gîte for 8 to 10 people. All comforts on 1 hectare of land surrounded by forests and set in the owner's Auvergne farmhouse. This tastefully renovated gîte is located in the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, with a magical panoramic view of the Sancy massif and close to Lac de Lastioulles, which has been awarded the "Pavillon bleu" label (equipped beach, supervised swimming in July and August). Living room with fully-equipped kitchen, dining room, sitting area with TV, WIFI, library, board games. -2 bedrooms, each with 2 boxspring beds, shower and washbasin. -2 bedrooms with 2 boxspring beds each, using the large bathroom with oval bathtub, shower and two washbasins. This room has 4 additional beds and a cot. -Washrooms and two toilets. -3 terraces equipped with outdoor furniture. -Heated swimming pool surrounded by a deck and adapted furniture as well as changing room, heated shower, washbasin, WC and heated outdoor shower. -Washing machine, dryer and barbecue on request. -private parking Minimum stay 7 days from Saturday to Saturday (less than 7 days on request).

Situated in an exceptional area of the Regional Park of the Auvergne volcanoes, Régine and Laurent will be happy to welcome you. You will taste the specialities as “truffade”, “patranque”, “tripoux” and beef in a calm and quiet environment. Situated in an exceptional area of the Regional Park of the Auvergne volcanoes, Régine and Laurent will be happy to welcome you. You will taste the specialities as “truffade”, “patranque”, “tripoux” and beef in a calm and quiet environment. Selected as a “valeur du parc” (local quality brand) for its authenticity. Groups welcome.

House in the woods, in the heart of the lakes, between Puy de Sancy and Puy Mary. Relaxation guaranteed. Lovers of nature, hiking, fishing, skiing, Auvergne gastronomy... It's the ideal place. Wake up in the company of deer, martens and squirrels, with only the sound of birdsong or the distant bells of Salers cows. The property is located on the edge of a forest, 15 minutes from all amenities. The exterior is very peaceful, with a dining and relaxation area, a brazier, board games and outdoor games. 3 bedrooms (1 with en-suite shower room), fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, 2-settee living room with 180° view of the forest, 1 veranda with dining table, the feeling of being outside, even in winter, but warm! 2 terraces, private parking. Not overlooked. Wood (stove) + electric heating.

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.

The church is located on the town's main square, slightly elevated on the former castral site. Dating from the 12th century, it boasts a remarkable comb bell tower decorated with three statues. It's a clever blend of Gothic and Romanesque art.

An interactive exploration of the Cantal’s landscapes. Staging effects include a light and shadow show, videos on a giant screen, sensory discoveries and audio testimonials. A visit full of surprises taking you into the heart of the region and its history.

La Belle endormie" is strangely solitary, lost in the grasslands of a plateau 1100 meters above sea level, above the Sianne valley. This 11th-century Romanesque jewel is in the purest condition, free of any plaster or whitewash.

A traditional farmhouse typical of Cantalien architecture, the gateway to the Grand Site de France Puy Mary - Volcan du Cantal. Discover the museography on "Les pierres du Pays d'ici" and Cantalien heritage.

The church of Saint-Hilaire de Moissac is topped by a comb bell tower, unique in the Auvergne region, and completely enclosed by a monumental staircase. It features exceptional furnishings: a polychrome pulpit and baptistery, a swimming pool and a Jacobean tomb.

Remarkable church in Auvergne Romanesque style, with furnishings that are well worth a visit, including a wood-carved Christ. Its size, robust architecture and artistic character are astonishing.

Chapel perched high on the rock of Chastel-sur-Murat. Built in the style of mountain burons, this moving chapel, enlarged in the 15th century, has been listed as a Monument Historique for its frescoes and architecture since 1947.

Formerly the Hôtel de Sous-préfecture, this 16th-century building belonged to the Teilhard Laterrisse family. Today, the 4-level Maison de la Faune showcases animal collections of rare quality, presented in reconstructed biotopes. The sub-prefecture of Murat was abolished in 1926, and the building became the Maison de la Faune: this magnificent 16th-century mansion houses over 8,000 species of insects, butterflies and beetles from all over the world, dazzling you with their beauty. There's also a splendid naturalized heritage to discover, with almost 800 mammals and birds presented in reconstituted biotopes. The animals are presented in their natural environment, all with sound.

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.

At the extreme south of the Puy-de-Dôme, the Luguet signal is the highest point of the Cézallier mountains (1551 metres). It offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Cantal, the Sancy massif and the Livradois mountains. The "Signal du Luguet" is the highest peak of the mounts of Cézallier at 1551m. It corresponds to old lava lakes formed 5 million years ago. The erosion erased the reliefs that overlooked them and the rock found itself in a culminating position. Below, at the east, you can see the crater of Artout. It’s one of the most beautiful glacier valleys of the Massif Central. 20 000 years ago, the snow mopped up by the winds coming from the west accrues at the east. It formed a glacier owing to the weak exposition to sun. We still can find moraines on the slopes. From the hamlet of Parrot, it is possible to go around the "Signal du Luguet". It is a 7,2km hike offering a round trip to the top of the highest peak of the Cézallier, count 2H30 to do the tour. In winter, this hike is also possible with snowshoes.

In the heart of the Cézallier, magnificent, fully restored buron. Home cooking, local produce, local meat, quality and tradition.

The simple pleasure of dining by the lake... a creative cuisine that draws its influences from both land and lake, using the resources of the greenhouse, kitchen garden and forest to create recipes that revisit local produce with the seasons.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

This holiday cottage is situated in the splendid Le Falgoux cirque, overseeing the Mars valley, in front of the mountains where the chamois gambol. It is a luxurious renovated barn mixing modern and old styles. This holiday cottage is situated in the splendid Le Falgoux cirque, overseeing the Mars valley, in front of the mountains where the chamois gambol. It is a luxurious renovated barn (140m²), with a roof in "lauzes" (local volcanic stone), mixing modern and old styles. With all modern conveniences. Large terrace. Electric heating. Fireplace. 2 bedrooms, 2 shower-rooms. Large living-room with a modern kitchen. Mezzanine. Garage. Le Harpail is in a hamlet where there are about 10 houses. It is perfect to enjoy calm and nature. Hiking trails, and nordic skiing pistes very near. A paradise to revitalize yourself.

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.

Luxury gîte for 8 to 10 people. All comforts on 1 hectare of land surrounded by forests and set in the owner's Auvergne farmhouse. This tastefully renovated gîte is located in the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, with a magical panoramic view of the Sancy massif and close to Lac de Lastioulles, which has been awarded the "Pavillon bleu" label (equipped beach, supervised swimming in July and August). Living room with fully-equipped kitchen, dining room, sitting area with TV, WIFI, library, board games. -2 bedrooms, each with 2 boxspring beds, shower and washbasin. -2 bedrooms with 2 boxspring beds each, using the large bathroom with oval bathtub, shower and two washbasins. This room has 4 additional beds and a cot. -Washrooms and two toilets. -3 terraces equipped with outdoor furniture. -Heated swimming pool surrounded by a deck and adapted furniture as well as changing room, heated shower, washbasin, WC and heated outdoor shower. -Washing machine, dryer and barbecue on request. -private parking Minimum stay 7 days from Saturday to Saturday (less than 7 days on request).

Group of 10 chalets (30m²) situated at an altitude of 1100 metres, at the foot of the mountains, in the lovely Récusset valley. Group of 10 chalets (30m²) situated at an altitude of 1100 metres in the Cantal county. Living-room with a kitchenette (microwave, oven, fridge) - sofa - 1 bedroom with a double bed - mezzanine with 3 single beds - shower-room - electric heating - shared washing machine and dryer - terrace - enclosed garden - television available on request - restaurant on the spot. 12km from Salers - 34km from Mauriac - 50km from Aurillac.

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