The Cantal is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts all year round, offering a wide range of activities including hiking, road cycling, trail running, mountain biking, as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing during the winter months. The opportunities are endless!
Hiking
Hiking in the heart of the Monts du Cantal rewards you with some of the best views in France. Easily accessible from ridges and passes, the Puys are suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities. The routes are almost infinite, and are guaranteed to delight.
We recommend you to download RandoGPS & Alltrails applications, which list a lot of routes.
We can also provide you with IGN maps of the Monts du Cantal at a scale of 1:25000. Just ask.
Road cycling and mountain biking
The Cantal is also a land of cycling. The department's roads, which regularly host the Tour de France, are ideal for cyclists of all abilities. From valleys to the highest peaks, the diversity of the routes invites you to discover the surroundings villages.
There are also a lot of signposted mountain biking routes in the Jordanne and Cère mountain pastures. Events are organised throughout the year, bringing together riders from all over France and abroad for friendly competitions.
Bikes, electric bikes and mountain bikes can be hired at Lac des Graves (3 km), at the Maison de Site in Mandailles-Saint-Julien (8 km), at the Lioran ski resort (25 km) and in Salers (32 km).
The Grande Traversée du Volcan à Vélo, or GT2V, passes in front of La Maison Normande and is one of France Vélo Tourisme's fantastic long-distance routes. It is 160 kilometres long and links the Lot valley with the Val d'Allier, winds through the Jordanne valley and crosses the mountains at the Pas de Peyrol.
Trail running
The Monts du Cantal are criss-crossed by numerous running trails. Many popular and festive events are organised each year. These include:
The Ultra Trail du Puy Mary: a legendary trail, one of the most demanding in France, with 112 km and 5,500 metres of climbing.
The 4x1800 Trail: a legendary challenge to climb four of the highest Cantalien peaks, on technical trails with dizzying heights.
La Pastourelle: an event that combines trail running, walking and mountain biking, crossing the mountains and linking the picturesque village of Salers to the Puy Mary.
Skiing and snowshoeing
The Cantalien massif is a veritable playground for winter sports enthusiasts.
Just 25 km from the house, the Lioran ski resort invites you to experience unforgettable moments thanks to its 43 ski runs ranging from gentle slopes to more technical descents, and its 18 ski lifts. There are also ski touring routes to discover the mountains in a different way, in a breathtaking natural setting.
Just 13km away, the small,intimate resort of Col de Légal is ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with peaceful itineraries in the heart of the mountains. There are also many other places where you can enjoy snowshoeing and explore the snow-covered countryside. A true paradise for snow lovers!
