Day/half day circular Cantal walks from Les Chazes and Les Gardes

The descriptions of walks detailed below are, of necessity, brief. The intention is to show that by using PR's and GR's marked on the IGN map, 2435OT, a variety of walks of varying difficulty and length can be achieved from the earlier marked starting points. It is assumed that anyone following the descriptions below will have access to the 2435OT map. It is also assumed that experienced walkers can work out the various alternatives open on each "general" walk.

There is an excellent book on short walks in the Cantal (in French) "Volcan Cantalien" (balades à pied en Auvergne), Chamina PR 106, ISBN 2-904460-74-8 (www.chamina.com)

For all walks in the Cantal our experience is that a simple form of Naismith's Rule applies. For Cantal paths and tracks assume 4km/hour, for roads 5km/hour plus 10 minutes for every 100 metres ascent. In other words 10km on tracks plus 500 metres ascent should take 3 hours 20 minutes. Also note that 10km +500 metres ascent requires about 800 to 1200 kcals of energy expenditure (dependent on weight of individual and weight carried).

The key starting point of Les Chazes village can be reached on foot from Hôtel des Chazes (1.2km) or parking is available at the top of the village, opposite the delightful small chapel.

There are a number of options for walks from this point. Turning left (after the chapel) along the road to Les Chazes Petites leads, after about 200 metres, to the PR on the right. This joins a main track from which there are a number of ways to approach Puy Griou (all now well signposted). The easiest route to the top of Puy Griou (1690 metres) is from the north-east side (when the GR400 turns north, backtrack to the visible paths up Griou). From the hotel to the top of Griou is 5km with a height gain of 700 metres (i.e. 2 to 2½ hours). There are many alternative routes down. From Griou it is possible to carry on north on the GR400 to the top of the Rombière telesiège and then to follow the GR4/GR400 to Font de Cère, Les Chazes and the hotel (a round trip of 10 to 11km). Another route involves retracing the GR400 back towards Col de Gliziou and following signs to Les Boissines, but before the village taking the dog-leg PR back to Les Chazes Petites (a round trip back to the hotel of 13 to 14 km). From the map it is obvious there are many alternative routes around this area, all well sign-posted.

The village of Les Gardes is reached by a marked path and minor road starting at the north end of the Hôtel des Chazes parking area (distance 1.8km). Alternatively, parking is available in Les Gardes, 100 metres up the minor road signposted La Veyrière (farm).

A short distance into Les Gardes PR signs on the left point to Plomb du Cantal (1855 metres) and L'Arpon du Diable (1777 metres) - read about "The legend of L'Arpon du Diable". The PR's allow (going either way round ) a circular route taking in the Plomb peak and L'Arpon (joining the GR400 on the ridge) of approximately 11km from the village and back. The height gain is over 800 metres so a walking time of 4 to 5 hours should be allowed for. There are variations to be achieved from Les Gardes. Leaving the PR to the Plomb du Cantal cable car station by the artificial lake (near Burons des Gardes) a signposted path goes to Super Lioran. The return can be by the easy route from Font de Cère through Les Chazes village to the hotel. This makes a fairly easy walk of 10 to 11km (3 to 3½ hours).

Turning right by the Les Chazes chapel onto the road (which turns into a track after a few hundred metres) leads, as signed, to Font de Cère (2km from the village or 3.2km from the hotel). The GR4/400 goes behind the Auberge opposite the Col parking area and leads to the ridge above the Jordanne valley (4km to this point), at the top of the Rombière telesiège. From here there are several alternative routes. Going north to Col de Rombière and down the GR 400 and back to Font de Cère and the village is a round trip of 9 to 10km. Breaking left from the GR400 about 250 metres from Col de Rombière climbs to Teton de Venus (1669 metres) and Rocher du Bec de l'Aigle (1700 metres). The descent back to Super Lioran and Font de Cère involves a difficult initial descent. The round trip back to the village is approximately 11km. Following the GR4/400 from the top of the telesiège, passing Col de Cabre to the west side of Puy de Peyre Arse (1806 metres) allows the path from here to the peak to be taken. The steep descent on the east side of Peyre Arse leads back from Col de Cabre to Col de Rombière or the telesiège. The round trip back to the village is about 14km from the telesiège or 15km from Rombière.It is possible by continuing beyond Peyre Arse to climb Puy Mary and return to the village. (This includes the Brèche de Rolland which is not as difficult as it appears from a distance. It is awkward rather then difficult).This is a long walk of 17.5km with about 800 metres height gain. The trip can be shortened by 4km by parking at the Col de Font de Cère.