From Sancy massif to Cantalien volcano

Meet in the late afternoon at Clermont-Ferrand station, transfer by cab to Besse. Installation, possibility of visiting medieval village of Besse. Half-board accommodation in a room for 2 or in a multiple room for 2 to 5 people, depending on the chosen formula.

Cross the southern foothills of the Sancy via Lac Pavin and Lac Montcineyre, two of the great volcanic lakes that dot the Auvergne's volcanoes like so many mirrors. Pass through Teston du Joran or La Motte de Brion before arriving at la Godivelle, a small village on the edge of the world, nestled between its two lakes, the one above and the one below! Stopover at La Godivelle Godivelle on a half-board basis (subject to availability), accommodation in small dormitories of 5 to 10 people, or in a room, depending on the package chosen. chosen. Distance covered: 22 km - Activity time: 6 to 7 h - Total ascent: 650 m - Total descent: 490 m

First day in the “green desert”, the vast volcanic plateau of the Cézallier. Transfer to the Chamaroux pass (15 km / 20 min). Ascent to Montagne des Huides (-montagne- means pasture) on a wide track leading to the burons de Paillasère then to the Col de Fortunier through a landscape of summer pastures populated by thousands of head of cattle. Descent to the village of Pradiers, then through the hamlets of Courbières and Rascoupet before reaching the Prades house, lost in the middle of the pampa! Half-board accommodation in B&B rooms for 2 to 5 people, depending on the option chosen. Distance covered: 17 km - Hour of activity: 5 to 5.5 h - Elevation gain: 295 m - Elevation loss: 490 m Variant : The Cézallier is magnificent, but accommodation is rare! If the Les Prades stopover is not available, we can suggest propose a two-night stopover in Allanche, a small village 7.5 km further south, with transfers and supplements. transfers and supplements.

For this second day in the heart of the Cézallier, we're proposing a beautiful looped stage to take full advantage of these vast spaces and distinctive landscapes. We'll be back for a second night in superb accommodation! Hike from Les Prades along a stretch of track from the previous day's finish to the hamlet of Courbières. Then uphill through through the vast estives and grassy valleys of Montagne de Courbières and Montagne des Huides. Return via Montagne de Rocherousse de Rocherousse and La Roche d'Apcher or Rascoupet. Distance covered: 19 km - Activity time: 5 to 6 h - Total ascent: 420 m - Total descent: 420 m

Short transfer after breakfast to the hamlet of Fortuniès overlooking the Santoire valley (20 km / 20 min). From is the Cantalien volcano. Climb towards the Puys and Plateau du Limon via Nozières and the Croix du Gendarme. Descent into the glacial Rhue valley, dominated by the imposing pyramid of the north face of Puy Mary. Stage in the Claux valley. Accommodation on a half-board basis in a bed & breakfast or a gîte d'étape in small dormitories of 5 to 10 people (outside the village), depending on the option chosen. (outside the village) depending on the option chosen. Distance covered: 19.5 km - Activity time: 6 to 7 h - Total ascent: 550 m - Total descent: 580 m

After climbing to the Col de Serre, we cross the Cantal stratovolcano in its most beautiful part, with its finest peaks: Impradine valley, Brèche de Rolland, Puy Mary, Puy de Peyre Arse and Puy Griou. After ringing the - bell des perdus -, we descend to the Font de Cère pass. Accommodation on a half-board basis in a gîte-chambre d'hôtes with rooms for 2 to 4 people or gîte-auberge with sanitary facilities on the landing, depending on the option chosen. Distance covered: 16 to 18 km - Activity time: 6 to 7 h - Total ascent: 820 m - Total descent: 630 to 690 m

Cross Super Lioran and climb to the Pas des Alpins pass, then on to Plomb du Cantal (1855 m). Descent from the Col de Prat de Bouc to Murat via the Cirque de Chamalières, where you may be lucky enough to spot chamois. Passage through the Col de la Molède and through the large national forest. You'll have plenty of time to visit the town's lava-stone facades, not forgetting to stock up on souvenirs. and stock up on souvenirs. Alternatively, you can take the GR 400 via the Téton de Vénus, the Rocher du Bec de l'Aigle and Peyre Gary (without passing through the Plomb du Cantal). Plomb du Cantal). Disembark at Murat station around 5 pm. Can be combined with the 3rd part of the Grande Traversée du Massif Central. Distance covered: 26 km - Time of activity: 7 to 8 h - Ascent: 940 to 650 m - Descent: 1040 to 1100 m The program has been drawn up according to the latest information available at the time of writing. situations beyond our control may alter the course of the trip.