Mounts of Cantal (Puy Mary, etc.)

From Aurillac, you can easily visit the Mounts of Cantal and enjoy exceptional landscapes in a protected area covering 2,700 km².

At the heart of the Massif Central, the Mounts of Cantal belong to the Volcans d’Auvergne regional nature reserve, the biggest in France. Spanning almost 80 kilometres in diameter, they comprise around 20 glacial valleys, more than 50 peaks, passes, plateaux and verdant valleys. 

Hiking enthusiasts can take the GR 400, which winds around the Cantal volcano on around 132 kilometres of paths at 750 to 1,855 metres’ altitude. Between ridges, valleys and peaks, you’re sure to encounter marmots, chamois and other animals typical of the area. 

Sporty visitors can climb the Puy Mary, listed as a major site in France. With an exceptional panoramic view stretching as far as Mont Blanc, this mountain range is the most visited site in Auvergne, sitting 1,783 metres above sea level. 

For an even more dizzying adventure, you can also climb the Plomb du Cantal, the highest peak in the Mounts of Cantal, or take a cable car. 

The Mounts of Cantal are also home to a host of medieval villages, including Salers, Saint-Flour and Tournemire. Be sure to stop off and explore their architectural riches and culinary specialities!