• Cantal Mountains

• The Rugged Heart of France

• Everyday (subject to availability) from mid May to mid October

• From £695 (single supplement £215)
• From €785 (single supplement €240)
• Loyalty scheme reduction applies for returning customers (see terms and conditions)

• grade explained

• 8 days: 6 one-day walking circuits staying in centrally based guest house
• Find out more about our independent walking holidays

• A sumptuous green landscape of wild and rugged ridges, elegant peaks and glaciated valleys
• Exciting and dramatic walks which take you off the well trodden paths on to rocky ridges and airy summits
• A rich upland flora and fauna
• An important rural heritage with picturesque well preserved villages and farmsteads made up of sturdy and pretty houses.
• A unique site - the largest volcano (now extinct) in western Europe
• A unique walking holiday, created to experience the finest Cantal walks and landscapes

• "Location absolutely spectacular. (Enjoyed) the superb mix of hiking, French culture, great companions, stunning scenery, beautiful flowers - the whole package!" R. Taft, USA
• "It is authentic: home-cooked food in generous amounts. A knowledgeable host who takes an interest in what you are doing each day. A relaxed, convivial environment. Very encouraging/supportive of my French! No pretensions or affectations." D. Fuller, UK see more testimonials

• For this unique walking holiday in the Cantal you'll be based at La Boudio, a small guest house on a historic farm which has been restored to create an ideal retreat at the foot of the Cantal Mountains. The guest house provides authentic and comfortable ensuite accommodation in an exceptional location. Meals are taken in your guest house and are tasty local dishes. You'll be reserved a warm and generous welcome, as well as receiving lots of advice about your walks.

• Transfer to and from Murat train station and guest house, 7 night's accommodation full board including wine with evening meal. Full walking notes and maps - see example walking notes, transport to the start of 2 walks.

• Travel to and from Murat, France. Lunches on arrival and departure days . Any excursions, entrance fees or transport on rest day. Travel insurance

Return to list of independent walking holidays

Home Page

Walking profile

This independent walking holiday will suit those people who enjoy following mountainous ridges and standing on lofty summits. The daily walks on this walking holiday range from 10 - 20km in length with an average of 750m of ascent. (Maximum daily ascent 910m). The terrain is mountainous. For the most part the walking is at the easy end of the challenging grade. The paths are generally good although they can be rough and stony in places and sometimes you’ll follow minor less well-defined paths. There are some sections where you will need to use your hands for stability or progression. Alternative paths to these sections will be detailed in the notes. The holiday is suitable for the regular hill walker. Some walking experience in mountainous terrain would be a distinct advantage.

Day to Day Walking

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome in Murat and transfer to guest house at the foot of the Cantal massif. Delicious evening meal in guest house.

Day 2: Puy de Niermont (6hrs, +630m)

A fairly easy ascent to ease you into the week. Once you’ve climbed out of the glaciated  valley you’ll follow a picturesque ridge to the summit of Puy de Niermont at 1620m for fabulous 360° views, providing a good overview of the Cantal Mountains. Afterwards, explore the unique landscape of the Limon plateau with moors and pastures, punctuated by small hills and valleys. 

Day 3: Puy Griou (5,30 hrs, +700m)

Today you’ll be transported to Mandailles a lovely village in the beautiful Jordanne Valley. From here you’ll head towards the the Puy Griou a beautiful isolated volcanic peak. Those who are happy with easy scrambling can go to its top for great views. Afterwards your walk follows the GR400 path to the stunning Rocher du Bec de l’Aigle before descending to your guest house.

Day 4: Puy Mary (6hrs, +700m)

A great walk that takes in the summit of the Puy Mary, the emblematic mountain of the Cantal range. You'll climb to the Col Serre from your B&B before following a ridge to the base of the mountain, which you’ll then traverse. The summit and  descent ridge provides some of the finest views in the Cantal. Your walk then follows an amazing and dramatic ridge (pictured right) with a small section of scrambling to the Col de Cabre before descending an isolated glaciated valley back to your B&B.

Day 5: Rest day, visit Murat or optional walk

A chance for a breather to relax at your guest house or visit the local historic market town of Murat. Alternative walks are available for those wishing to do more walking.

Day 6: Puy de Peyre Arse (5hrs, +910m)

A great day's walking for those who enjoy aesthetic mountain routes away from the main paths. You’ll ascend the superb, rocky north east ridge of the Puy de Peyre Arse. This is a beautiful ridge ascending 700m that leads almost directly from the B&B to the lofty summit. After a moderate descent you’ll scale the various summits of the Puy Bataillouse before descending directly to your B&B.

Day 7: Cirque du Falgoux & Puy Tourte (7hrs, +800m)

After being transported to Falgoux you’ll climb on to a beautiful and wild ridge where you can summit several small craggy tops on your way to the Col de Redonet. Here you can make the short detour to the spectacular Puy Chavaroche before contouring the cirque du Falgoux and descending to your B&B.

Other possible walks, details of which are in your walking guidebook:

Puy de Chavaroche - You'll be transferred to the pretty village of Mandeilles in the beautiful Jordanne Valley from where its a picturesque climb past historic, rural buildings and pasture to reach the ridgeline. Climb to the summit of Puy de Chavaroche at 1739m. Choice of routes to descend back to your guest house. 15km, +870m.

Roche Taillade & Roc d’Hoziéres (1654m) - This circuit could be combined with a large number of circuits or done on its own. The most logical circuit to combine it with is walk 8 and Puy de Chavaroche. This hike takes in some great mountain scenery as you take in a couple of summits overlooking the Falgoux Valley. 16km, +390m

Tour from Murat - A short walk from the historic town of Murat which allows you not only to explore the town but also to summit a couple of surrounding hill tops for impressive views over the town and the surrounding countryside. 8km, +380m

Historic Villages, Lavigerie - A short walk from your guest house that explores the small hamlets close to your guest house. This is ideal as a wet weather option or if you’re looking for a partial rest day.

Day 8: Departure

Breakfast and transfer to Murat.

Book this Holiday