Saint Cirgues

Saint Cirgues lies halfway between Aurillac, the capital of the Cantal department, and Puy Mary the centre of les Monts du Cantal.

A small and picturesque village whose houses are mostly made of the local dark volcanic stone with jointing of chaux (lime). Some buildings in the commune still retain their basalt tiled roofs which replaced the original old thatch.

The church of Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Juliette (Romane style) dates back to the XII century and its plain exterior gives no hint to it’s beautifully decorated and colourful interior.

In summer the weekly Marche de Pays draws in a crowd. The Marche sees local produce sellers and entertainment plus food cooked on the old village bread oven. There is a shop selling excellent locally produced cheese open every afternoon.

The restaurant, Les Tilleuls, provides a great choice of fresh food and is open all year, along with its cafe and bar.

There are 3 circular signed walks that all start from the parking area and a new pétanque pitch is being built for 2021.

Les Gorges de la Jordanne

300 metres - 2 mins

A mysterious and beautiful walk along the gorges dug out over the centuries from the volcanic rocks of the valley. Carved between rocks, the lush green vegetation and the clear mountain fed river, their depth can reach 60 meters!

Follow the old fishermen's path, for 2 km, criss crossing the river Jordanne over bridges and wooden walkways. You pass from one bank to another and cross the glacial locks.

Follow a nature trail and identify animal footprints and types of trees as you meander along the trail.

Although only 4 km for the walk out and return allow 2 - 3 hours to savour the cool fresh air on a hot summers day. Pack a picnic and stop at one of the many spots to enjoy the sounds of the cascades and the songs of the birds.

Lac des Graves

Just 3 km away. 3 mins by car

In the valley the valley from Saint Cirgues, a 20 minute walk or 3 minute drive, Le Lac des Graves offers various activities for the visitor.

Fly fishing, mountain bike hire, pony trekking, tree top rope trail, via ferrata, diving lessons or just a simple stroll around the lake to enjoy the view. there is an activity for almost everyone.

The restaurant overlooks the lake and in summer, with a restaurant reservation you get a free swim in the pool.

Mandailles

7kms - 10 mins by car

Mandailles is the start for many walks up and around the mountains. The GR 400 route is a long distance walk made up of five circuits some of which pass through Mandailles.

There are several places to eat in the villages plus bars, cafes and shops for provisions. There is a weekly market on Sundays in the Summer months and entertainment most weekends.

A lovely village to explore with short walks along the quiet riverside path which take you past a cascade and to the hamlet of Liadouze.

Aurillac

20 kms - 20 mins by car

The capital city of the Cantal, Aurillac lies at the junction between the Jordanne and Cere valleys at an altitude of 620 metres.

In France Aurillac is famous as being one of the coldest cities but don’t be fooled by the rumours. It enjoys proper winters with snow and ice but it also basks in Summers of 40 degrees, A city of all four seasons.

Once just known for producing half of France’s umbrellas, Aurillac now prefers to be known for it’s laid back attitude, it’s medieval pedestrian city centre and as host to one of the biggest, if not the biggest, street festival of theatre in France.

A city which retains it’s small village charm and yet buzzes with 21st century attitudes and ideas. Markets, boutique shops, restaurants, bars, vide greniers, European food festivals, concerts, sporting events and festivals. There is an Aurillac for everyone.

Le Route des Cretes

70 km circuit - 2 kms from village

The route des Cretes is best enjoyed as a circular tour by car which allows you to enjoy many of the sights, sounds and tastes of the this volcanic region.

Starting at Saint Cirgues follow the D17 to Saint Julien and then turn left to follow back down the valley to Houade. Continue following the D35 to pass col du Bruel where you take a detour left to Tournemire. Return to the route via Col de Legal then Col de Saint Georges and on to the village of fontanges.

After Fontanges climb up from Saint Paul de Salers to the medieval village of Salers. Leave Salers along the ridge to Col de Neronne before dropping down to the valley of Le Falgoux and then the climb up to Pas de Peyrol at the foot of Puy Mary.

A long winding descent on the D17 brings you to Mandailles and again to saint Julien and the road back to Saint Cirgues.

Tournemire

15 kms - 25 mins by car

Tournemire is acharming village with lava stone houses that's listed among the most beautiful villages of France, visitors can admire a 15th-century fortress built by a companion of Joan of Arc.

Very well-preserved and located on a rocky promontory, in a beautiful green environment, the medieval castle of Anjony has been inhabited by the same family since it was built. It consists of an impressive keep flanked by four round towers with pepper box roofs. Visitors enter through one of the towers, into a vaulted reception room, formerly a cellar where supplies were stored.

The lavishly furnished castle has a chapel decorated with magnificent 16th-century religious frescoes depicting the life of Christ, as well as an exceptional collection of secular frescoes in the Knights' Room. In the Arms Room, a large tapestry of the Emperor Justinian's triumph is on display, with the Emperor depicted in the likeness of Louis XIII. At the top of the keep, there is a superb view of the Doire Valley through the wall walk's arrow slits! The tour of the fortress, which is open from February to mid-November, takes the form of a guided trail and lasts around an hour.

Fontanges

26 kms - 40 mins by car

Fontanges is a beautiful and unspoilt Cantal village. It sits at the bottom of the valley nestled between green hills.

Best known for its chapel carved out of a large volcanic rock outcrop it welcomes visitors to explore and stay awhile in one of its cafes or restaurants.

Spend some time sitting in the shade on a hot day and watching the river flow by or ramble among the many different paths around the church, chapel and open village green.

Salers

30 kms - 45 mins by car

Salers is a beautiful medieval village which sits high up on the edge of a ridge overlooking the Monts du Cantal. It gives it’s name to both the red long horn cows and the rich cheese of the area.

Salers is one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France and rightly so. Every corner, alley or lane provides a photographic opportunity. Allow plenty of time to just take in the charm and subtle beauty of the village and it’s surroundings, but leave enough time to try the cheese and beef too.

Shops and boutique workshops filled with locally made products, arts and crafts will entice you to stay a while longer. After dark real charm of the village is highlighted and there are many events to draw crowds in the Summer.

For a quiet interlude while visiting Salers, call in to Maison de la Ronade by the office du tourism, and sample some of the delights of Monsieur Lagane’s 100 plus blends of tea. A treasure of a place, hidden in plain view.

Puy Mary

19 kms - 25 mins by car

Puy Mary (1787 m) is a pyramid shaped mountain at the centre of what is Europe’s largest strato-volcano. The enormous volcano covered an area of over 2700 square kilometres. Mary is what is left of the centre of a peak which once stood at 4000 metres high.Long extinct the Puys now lie silent but for the sounds of the wildlife and the breeze.

Access to Mary is easy from the parking at Pas de Peyrol via a man made path to it summit and 360 degree views. The chalet / bar at the foot of Mary has a terrace with a wonderful view North towards the Massif du Sancy over 60 kilometres away.

The mountain is at the heart of the long distance GR400 walk which covers most of the Cantal mountain range in the course of five circular walks.

Whether you visit for sunrise, sunset or any of the hours in between, you should take in the panorama from her summit at least once on every trip to the Cantal.