The Volcanoes of Cantal
with a Donkey
GR®400: The Tour of the Cantal Volcano
Starting from Murat, the iconic GR®400, 140 kilometers long and located in mid-mountain terrain, winds around the flanks of Europe’s largest volcano, the Cantal massif, allowing you to complete the circuit in eight days.
A Great Volcanic Hike
Hikers move between 750 and 1855 meters of altitude, with a cumulative elevation gain of 4,635 meters. It is a volcanic long-distance hiking trail.
It offers a unique experience, both in terms of landscapes and preserved nature. The GR 400 crosses wild natural areas, including extinct volcanoes, high plateaus, forests, and meadows. This route traverses a zone rich in wildlife and flora, ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquility.
A Volcanic Pyramid
Passing through mountain passes and ridges, green summer pastures, and isolated cirques, the GR®400 revolves around the spectacular volcanic pyramid of Puy Mary (1,783 m), accessible from Col de Prat de Bouc, Albepierre-Bredons, Laveissière, the Lioran ski resort, Le Claux, Col de Serre, Le Falgoux, Le Fau, Mandailles, or Thiézac.
From Super-Lioran, the Cère Valley offers a beautiful viewpoint of Puy Griou (1690 m), an emblematic and central volcano of the Cantal mountains. The trail enters Thiézac before returning via the Plomb du Cantal (1,855 m), the highest point of the department. The Falgoux glacial cirque and Maronne valley lead hikers from Puy Violent to Puy Mary.
Europe’s Largest Volcano
The GR®400 also offers the possibility to climb Europe’s largest volcano (2,700 km²) via the Jordanne Valley circuit. Starting from Mandailles, heading up toward Puy Griou, you follow the ridges to cross the famous Brèche de Roland (note: not passable with a donkey, but your donkey guide will advise on an alternative route), leading to the famous Puy Mary, then to Puy Chavaroche. Body and mind renewed.
