In the surroundings

Welcome to Le Claux: a small village with great treasures in the heart of the Cantal

Nestling in the hollow of the Petite Rhue valley at an altitude of 1,050 metres and just a short walk from the campsite, this authentic, typical Cantal village is an invitation to peace and tradition. You’ll discover narrow cobbled streets, charming volcanic stone houses with lauze roofs and a typical little church: a real picture-postcard setting. Here, time seems to slow down. Take the opportunity to take a gourmet break and sample some of the local specialities: a homemade blueberry tart or a visit to a farm producing Salers, the famous red cow (the local star). But above all, Le Claux is the starting point for some of the most beautiful mid-mountain walks you’ll discover and enjoy on your Cantal tour. Ideally situated in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne and at the gateway to Puy Mary, all you have to do is put on your best hiking boots and follow the signposted paths that leave from the village centre! Don’t panic, there’s something for everyone…

Take to the skies on a paragliding experience: beyond the Monts du Cantal

So you’ve explored the Monts du Cantal and covered some of the most beautiful hiking trails? Now it’s time to discover the Cantal from a completely different angle… Welcome to the Cantal from the sky, where paragliders colour the horizon and the most beautiful peaks are no longer climbed, but flown over!

Just above Le Claux campsite, discover Puy Mary: one of the region’s most emblematic paragliding spots. And with good reason: uninterrupted views over the glacial valleys, easy take-offs, and good weather. It’s a dream come true, isn’t it? Here’s a word to all those who love thrills and breathtaking views…Tandem first flights are open to all: a qualified instructor guides you and all that’s left to do is enjoy the magic of the flight. From up here, the Cantal becomes a giant scale model, with forests, pastures and lauze roofs: a real tableau vivant!

Hiking around Le Claux: a trip to the heart of nature and the Cantal region

Because nature is the key to your holidays in the Cantal, it’s time to introduce you to the best walks to discover in the area around Le Claux, close to the campsite. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a weekend warrior, on your own or with the family, there’s something to suit all abilities, without sacrificing the panoramic views you’ll be delighted to see on arrival! So, ready to follow the guide? We’ve put together a short selection just for you…

A must-do, of course, and the star of the region: climb Puy Mary via the Pas de Peyrol:The great classic! This well-marked 3.6km trail (approx. 1h30) is accessible to all levels and winds its way up to the summit of Auvergne’s most famous volcano. Allow a good hour’s climb at a gentle pace (with photo breaks strongly recommended). At the very top: a breathtaking panorama of Europe’s largest stratovolcano: enough to reward all your walking efforts…

On another path, venture out on the tour of Puy de la Tourte (7.5km and around 2h30): a lesser-known but equally enjoyable loop circuit. It’s perfect for those who like a change of scenery: flower-filled meadows, shady woods and open ridges with views of the Cantal massif. Bonus: the feeling of being a bit alone in the world (with a few curious cows to say hello to).

For intermediate hikers: the climb to the Col de Serre (6km, approx. 2 hours) starts gently from Le Claux, with a gradual ascent through pastures and beech forests. At the top of the pass, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view over the Cheylade valley and neighbouring peaks. Keep your eyes peeled for a few wild marmots…

Finally, for fearless walkers: the crossing to the Cirque de Chamalière (10-14km, approx. 4-5 hours) reveals itself on balcony paths, roaring waterfalls, striking ridges and a silence to be savoured. This remote area will give you the air of an intrepid hiker and, of course, calves of steel. Avoid it on foggy days, unless you love adventure, rather like in the movies.

Welcome to Salers: between legendary cheeses, characterful stones and breathtaking views

Let’s take a trip to Salers, a medieval gem in the Cantal region, where every cobbled alleyway seems to tell a story, and where the distinctive cows won’t go unnoticed! Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Salers is a picture-postcard setting of volcanic stone architecture and breathtaking scenery, where authenticity reigns supreme.

In terms of architecture, you’re likely to come across the Porte du Beffroi and the Porte de la Martille, former entrances to the fortified town that welcome you with their imposing towers, testimony to a rich defensive past. You can also stroll through the narrow streets of the town and see the Renaissance houses with their elegant turrets and lauze roofs, typical of local architecture. You can also stop off at the 13th-century Church of Saint-Mathieu, home to the 15th-century Entombment, a striking work of art comprising nine life-size statues and Aubusson tapestries. For those who love the great outdoors, the Esplanade de Barrouze and the Chemin des Loups offer panoramic views of the Monts du Cantal and a picturesque walk through pastoral landscapes to the Florine washhouse. On the cultural side, the Musée de Salers traces the history of the village and its inhabitants. Because walking makes you dig deeper: be sure to take a gourmet break in one of the local restaurants (to taste the famous Salers cheese) or drop by the local market and talk to the small producers! You can’t forget to round off the day by stopping off at a small craft shop… So, are you ready to discover?

Excursion to the Sartre and La Roche waterfalls: an aquatic ballet in the heart of nature

If you like a place where nature has managed to remain wild, head for the Cascades du Sartre and de la Roche! Nestling between mossy forests and sculpted rocks, these two Cantal nuggets are well worth a visit… without getting too wet.

On the Petite Rhue stream and just a few metres from the Lac des Cascades: the waterfalls du Sartre (in Cheylade – 4kms from the campsite) offers an easy (and shady for comfort) path that will take you to this beautiful 20-metre waterfall, which springs elegantly from a volcanic cirque. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for contemplation or an impromptu siesta to the sound of lapping water. If you’re feeling brave, you can even dip your feet in the cool waters.

For an even wilder side, the waterfalls de la Roche on the little Rhue d’Eybes, reaching a height of 16 metres, is a little more hidden, a little rougher and with the fiery temperament of mountain rivers. Accessible after a country walk and a few rocks to cross (accessible all the same), it rewards you with its refreshing atmosphere and its play of water between blocks of basalt. It’s the perfect place to take photos and feel a little adventurous.

Getaway to Murat, the town of three rocks: a medieval gem in the heart of the Cantal region

For a picturesque family break between two hiking trails, head for Murat, a small medieval town perched between dormant volcanoes and verdant valleys, which has preserved its old-world charm. With its cobbled streets, lava-stone houses and three emblematic rocks, Murat offers an authentic and pleasant escape.The Rocher de Bonnevie proudly dominates the town. Surmounted by the statue of Notre-Dame de la Haute-Auvergne, a path leads you there for an unbeatable panoramic view of Murat and the Cantal mountains. The Rocher de Bredons is overlooked by the priory church of Saint-Pierre and offers a glimpse into the religious history of the region. Finally, Chastel-sur-Murat is home to the chapel of Saint-Antoine, perched on a hill with uninterrupted views over the surrounding area.

In terms of heritage and architecture, you’ll probably want to visit the 14th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Oliviers, a church with an impressive bulbous bell tower and a chequered history. As for nature, the Maison de la Faune houses an impressive collection of beetles and naturalised animals, for an unusual touch…

And of course, as we never forget the gourmet side of things, there’s the Cornet de Murat, a horn-shaped pastry speciality that can be eaten plain or topped with cream. The annual Cornet Festival celebrates this delicacy!

Châteaux d'Auzers and Pesteils: two fortresses with a thousand stories!

If you’re a fan of old (but beautiful) stones, imposing turrets and ghost stories (or almost), don’t miss a visit to the châteaux of Auzers and Pesteils. These two medieval jewels of the Cantal have survived the centuries with flying colours.

Château d’Auzers is rustic elegance amongst volcanoes. Located around 40 minutes’ drive from the campsite, this castle is a pearl hidden in a green setting. Still inhabited by the same family since the 15th century (yes, yes), this fortified manor house combines Renaissance charm with an Auvergne atmosphere.The guided tour is led by the owner himself, who is both passionate and humorous: just the thing to bring history to life! With its tapestries, period furniture and anecdotes about its knightly ancestors, the tour is sure to delight young and old alike. As an added bonus, the view from the château is nothing short of breathtaking.

The Château de Pesteils is perched on a rocky outcrop in Polminhac (just under an hour from the campsite) and ticks all the boxes of a fairytale castle: moat, keep, frescoes, baroque furnishings and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains: a real change of scenery.Don’t miss the climb up to the dungeon (without the armour and sword, it’s still accessible) for a spectacular view over the Cère valley. The carefully restored rooms plunge you into different eras, and children can even dress up as knights or princesses. In summer, take advantage of night-time visits to discover even more mysteries…

Immerse yourself in nature: discover the Rhue and Jordanne gorges in canyoning mode!

Just a forty-minute drive from the campsite, you can discover fascinating landscapes, with steep cliffs, singing rivers and mossy forests. The Gorges de la Rhue and de la Jordanne are a sight to behold…

On the Gorges de la Rhue side, a wild spirit where the gorges follow the course of the Rhue river between Cantal and Puy-de-Dôme. There are no souvenir shops or queues here: just nature at its best! On the programme: short walks along the water’s edge, trout fishing and a cool swim. And as a bonus for those who prefer peace and quiet, this is one of the least frequented areas… but also one of the most authentic. So there’s something for everyone…

The Gorges de la Jordanne (about 1 hour from the campsite towards Aurillac) are better known and more developed. There, a suspended path follows the river bed through dizzying walls, natural pools, wooden footbridges and even some fun steps. Ideal for a family outing: safe, cute and educational (with panels on geology and wildlife).You’ll need good walking shoes for this 100% natural day out!

Espacapades in Riom-ès-Montagnes & Saint-Flour: between cheeses and volcanic rocks

If you like towns with character, a bit of tasty cheese and charming little streets, we’ve got just what you’re looking for!

First stop is Riom-ès-Montagnes: capital of cheese (and good food, I hear). Located 25 minutes from the campsite, Riom-ès-Montagnes may not look like much at first glance, but it hides its secrets well. This is where the heart of the Cantal region beats. Its speciality? Salers AOP: a firm, golden cheese with a strong flavour. There’s nothing better than a good local cheese! But Riom isn’t just about cheese: you’ll also find typical little streets with houses built of volcanic stone, as well as farmers’ markets where you can fill your basket with local produce and enjoy the smiles on the faces of the shopkeepers. The local extra: the Gentiane Express, a tourist train that winds its way through the hills and valleys and tells the story of another local treasure: gentian, the bitter plant used to make liqueur (to be enjoyed in moderation). For younger visitors, a trip to the Maison de la Gentiane is a must, with activities, tastings and sensory exhibitions on the programme.

Saint-Flour (about 1 hour from the campsite) is the black pearl perched on its lava flow. The village proudly dominates the Ander valley from its basalt spur. Breathtaking views, cobbled streets, old stones blackened by time… It’s worthy of a film set! Don’t miss out on the massive and impressive Saint-Pierre cathedral and the Haute-Auvergne museum, housed in the former episcopal palace. Strolling around Saint-Flour also means savouring the unique atmosphere between town and mountains, between tradition and the gentle way of life. For a gourmet break, head to one of the little restaurants in the old town for a truly local dish: truffade, pounti or gentian tart… whatever suits your tastes!