The 4 most beautiful hikes to do around Puy Mary

Between volcanoes and glacial valleys, you have probably already heard of the Auvergne volcano park. But because this place is simply extraordinary, you are told a little more in this article about the most beautiful hikes to be achieved around the famous Puy Mary.

A true pyramid seen from the sky, the Puy Mary peaks at more than 1,783 meters above sea level. Forged by various volcanic episodes as well as the erosion of glaciers, it is now Europe’s largest volcano.

If you want to discover the Cantal, you can't miss this unique and exceptional massif surrounded by its 7 glacial valleys. The landscape you find here is the result of millions of years of volcanic activity.

But what are the most spectacular views to see in the Auvergne volcano park ? We talk to you in this article about the 4 most beautiful hikes to do around Puy Mary.

1. The Puy-Mary from the Pas de Peyrol

Easy and accessible to all, the Puy-Mary circuit from Pas de Peyrol will allow you to access one of the most beautiful landscapes in Cantal. The top finish offers a 360° view of the twelve valleys. The trail is arranged due to the exceptional character of the site, so it is important to follow the route in order to preserve it.

Magnificent, this trail is also very borrowed, which is why we advise you to plan the climb early. Starting early, you can also enjoy better visibility. Similarly, you are on a volcano located more than 1,700 metres above sea level, which means that time can quickly change.

Even if the trail is easy, it is essential to equip yourself accordingly and provide warm and rainy clothing. It is better not to have to use your waterproof if the sun finally points to its nose rather than to end soaked. That said, even in cloudy weather the ride is really worth a visit.

Simple and effective, this is the ideal course if you are with your family and a must if you pass through the Cantal.

2. The Col d’Eylac-Puy de Peyre-Arse – Puy-Mary

A variant of the initial course is made at the start of the Col d’Eylac- Puy de Peyre Arse, passing through the Brèche Rolland to reach the Puy-Mary summit. This route is a good way to discover two Puys offering each of the different panoramas as much as grandiose.

Less known than the iconic Puy Mary Mountain, the Puy de Peyre-Arse peaking at 1,806 metres above sea level is yet higher and equally spectacular. Between these two giants, you will then be led to pass through a ridge line commonly known as "The Peyre Arse Fours". The latter is cut by the Rolland breach offering you a sublime and grandiose panorama.

This hike in the Puy Mary remains accessible to the little ones as well as to the great ones, it is the ideal for a half day or a day of discovery in the Cantal. The trail will also allow you to be able to climb different puys on the same hike through a ridge, to delight your thirst for discovery.

Attention, however, the paths connecting the puys are generally very frequented. It is therefore recommended to go there early in order to be able to appreciate the hike properly.

3. The Puy Mary from the Serre Pass

This hike of the Puy Mary by the Col de Serre is an excellent way to play the crowd sometimes a little too oppressive in the middle of the season at Pas de Peyrol.

It retains equally spectacular landscapes and will give you access to the same finality: the sublime panorama from the Puy-Mary. However, the route will make you discover the Col de Serre as well as the collar of Eylac.

4. Pas de Peyrol au Claux par le Puy Mary

Finally, this last hiking alternative will lead you to the summit of Puy Mary by a return trip by taking the ridges overlooking the two valleys of Falgoux and Cheylade. After the discovery of the Puy Mary, you will reach the Puy de la Tourte. With more than 850 meters above sea level, this massif, which is probably not as famous as its neighbour, is no less grandiose.

Once its ascent is realized, you can then see its superb panorama of the Sancy puy and the rest of the Cantal. It is also on this massif that archaeological excavations revealed an ancient Gallo-Roman site.

But the continuation of the trail is just as promising: you will explore undergrowth and pastures through the sublime forest of Bragouse followed by a view of the pond of Lascourt. During this hike you will find a diversity of striking panoramas that offer you a beautiful view of the multitude of landscapes that can be found in Cantal.

To take this trail, it will take about 7 hours. Its duration is quite important and no supply points are present on the course, so we recommend that you plan enough water for the entire hike. For the rest, you only have to take advantage of the magnificent panoramas around the Puy Mary!