Walking Holidays
France

Cantal Mountains

The Cantal in central France is home to some of the finest mountains that make up the Massif Central. On this independent walking holiday there is a mix of day walks and moving between guest houses allowing you to explore the Cantal mountains to their fullest. The Cantal massif is the extinct remains of one of the largest volcanoes in western Europe. Erosion by ice and water has since created a series of ridges, peaks and valleys of stunning beauty that you'll simply never tire of. Beautiful U-shaped valleys radiate outwards defined by rugged and airy ridges that emanate from rocky mountain tops. The rich green hues of the steep mountain slopes and the wild untamed nature of the mountains give them an almost British feel. Its southerly position means that it has relatively high levels of sunshine and relatively high temperatures.

In addition, the Cantal mountains have a rich historical legacy through its rural settlements and farms. The local Cantal architecture is simple yet easy on the eye, the sturdy cottages blending seamlessly into the mountainous backdrop. In this upland area of France, the local dishes are simple yet appetising. For example, la truffade is a typical mountain dish made from cheese, potatoes and bacon. The area is also a haven for wildlife, including birds of prey, deer, marmots, mouflon, chamois and a host of wild flowers.

Holiday Profile

9 nights/10 days: 8 days staying in 4 different guest-houses

Dates

Every day of week subject to availability from 15 May to 15 October

Walking Profile & Grade

This independent walking holiday will suit those people who enjoy following mountainous ridges and standing on lofty summits. The hikes or walks on this trip range from 10 - 20km in length with an average of 800m 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 and you should be in good health.

This walking holiday is graded challenging. See more information about walking grades.

Accommodation & Meals

• For this unique walking holiday in the Cantal you'll stay in 4 different hotels and guest houses, which vary in character from traditional bed and breakfasts to conformtable 3 star hotels. Where possible, we choose accommodation in historic properties, providing authentic and comfortable ensuite accommodation in exceptional locations in the shadow of the Cantal Mountains. The evening meals are taken in your guest house and are tasty local dishes.

When to Travel

Our independent walking holiday in the Cantal starts from mid May in order to give sufficient time for the winter snow to melt on the highest ridges and summits.

All observations are for Likely differences between these values and those experienced in the walking areas are highlighted below.

The weather in the Cantal is influenced to a large extent by its altitude. This makes for a wetter climate than you would otherwise get for its southern location. The summits receive additional rain compared to the valleys, often in the form of snow in the winter and in storms in the summer. The region has 13 rainy days per month in May falling to 10 in June and only 8 in July. August and September are also relatively dry months with only 9 days with some rain.

Temperatures vary with altitude and so there is a difference between the average temperatures listed below for Aurillac, which is situated in the western Cantal at 600m and those experienced whilst walking on the summits which will also be influenced by wind conditions. Temperatures at Aurillac are as follows: 17°C in May, 20°C in June and September, 23.5°C in July and August, and 15°C in October. On average temperatures on the summits would be about 5 - 6°C cooler.

The Cantal is a relatively sunny location, more so than the more northern mountains of Auvergne, making it an ideal location for a walking holiday. Average sunshine totals amount to 7 hours per day in May and June, rising to 9 hours in July and August. September is similar to May but October is much less sunny.

In summary, July and August are the warmest and driest months. The valleys could be uncomfortably hot from mid July to mid August. June and September are ideal months with June being slightly sunnier than September but also slightly wetter on average. The end of May is warmer and sunnier than the beginning of October, but it is also wetter. 

Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps

This walking holiday follows a mixture of different waymarked trails. Local trails are marked in yellow for the mos

• From €1490
• Prices are per person and based on 2 sharing a room (please contact us concerning single supplements)
• Loyalty scheme reduction applies for returning customers (see terms and conditions)