MASSIF CENTRAL - Independent Walking Holidays in Central France

Please scroll down and choose the self-guided walking holiday that interests you

Tranquil Auvergne Trail

7 nights - From £895/€995 - 6 days walking between guest houses

Starting and finishing at Puy en Velay, the world heritage town, this independent walking holiday explores an upland plateau landscape in the southern Auvergne punctuated with intimate valleys and volcanic domes (sucs.) You'll stay in small historic properties often located in small forgotten hamlets built of sturdy stone and thatched houses.

Auvergne: Volcanoes, Lakes and Historic Villages

7 nights - From £730/€820, single-centre based, 6 day walks (requiring a car)

Discover the contrasting volcanic regions of the northern Auvergne in central France. The Puy de Dome landscape varies from rugged peaks to open moorland and perfect volcanic cones. Dramatic waterfalls, varied lakes and pretty historic villages with fine roman churches all form part of this moderate week's self-guided walking.

Tour of Ardeche: Rustic Trails

+

8 nights - From £1215/€1350 - 7 days walking between guest houses

With its wild, rugged mountains and picturesque historic villages clinging to terraced hillsides the Ardeche makes an ideal location for an independent walking holiday if you're looking to get away from the beaten track. This walking tour is located in the heart of the Ardeche Regional Park & includes wonderful heather-clad moutains with great panoramic views; pretty chestnut forests; beautiful rivers where it's possible to bathe and sun parched, vine covered slopes.

Cevennes to Provence: Saint Guilhem's Trail

+

9 nights - From £1135/€1260 - 8 days walking between hotels & guest houses

Discover an amazing variety of landscapes in the southern Massif Central of France as you head south through the Cevennes, passing must-see sites such as the Tarn and Jonte Gorges, the Navacelles Cirque and finishing at the pretty village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert. With wild, rugged mountains and picturesque historic villages this self-guided walking holiday is ideal for those walkers looking to get off the beaten track.

Summits of Auvergne: Tour of Sancy

5 or 6 nights - from £895/€995 - 4 or 5 days walking between guest houses

This self guided walking holiday explores the stunning Puy de Sancy mountains in northern Auvergne, including its summit, which at 1885m is the highest in France outside the Alps & Pyrenees. Your walking holiday takes the form of a circular tour, starting and finishing in the pretty spa town of Mont Dore, taking in the most spectacular trails with expansive breath-taking views. It will also explore many of the features that make up this beautiful landscape including beautiful volcanic and glacial lakes, mighty volcanic domes, dramatic rocky cliffs, secluded glacial valleys and amazing waterfalls.

Tour of the Cantal Mountains

9 nights - From £1135/€1260 - 8 days independent walking with a mix of moving between guest houses and centre-based

This independent walking holiday takes place in the Cantal mountains in the southern Auvergne which is the extinct remains of a huge volcano. Your walking holiday combines a linear trail with some loop walks to explore several areas of the Cantal, as well as being able to summit all of its emblematic peaks. The Cantal contains rugged, airy ridges, rocky peaks and green valleys of stunning beauty which makes for exciting walking in one of the most beautiful parts of France. More Cantal holiday details

Cantal Mountains - The Rugged Heart of France

7 nights - From £695/€785 - 6 days walking, single centre

This independent walking holiday explores the Cantal massif in the southern Auvergne which is the extinct remains of a huge volcano. Erosion has since created a series of rugged ridges, rocky peaks and green valleys of stunning beauty. Exciting self-guided walking in an untamed landscape with rich wildlife. Small B&B style guest houses in historic buildings. Warm welcome.

Return to map of France - or go Direct to Pyrenees - French Alps - Provence & Mediterranean- Beaujolais & Burgundy - Eastern France - South West France - Brittany & Normandy