CANTAL`S MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES ROUTE Cantal

CANTAL’S MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES ROUTE
Cantal
Escorailles
39
D 909
D
4
90
99
D
99
Raulhac
Espinasse
Chaudes-Aigues
Labrousse
D
32
9
98
D
20
D9
St-Mametla-Salvetat
la
Ste-Marie
Cros-deRonesque
D8
Barrage
de Grandval
e
y è r Fridefont
Tr u
48
es d e
Alleuze
Lavastrie
Neuvéglise
Pierrefort
Gorg
D
0
D
D 921
90
D9
0
D 20
Parlan
Villedieu
1
Arpajon- Vézac
sur-Cère
Carlat
22
N1
Sansac-deMarmiesse
Le Rouget
Paulhac
D 92
Lac
de St-ÉtienneCantalès
D 20
D 653
D
St-Martin-sousD Vigouroux
9
D 909
SAINT-FLOUR
0
7
4
Ytrac
Roffiac
9
D9
D6
D5
9
AURILLAC
27
Coltines
2
n è z e s
P l a
Pailherols
Rochers
Polminhac
des Pendus
re 1069 m
è
C
Jou-sousMonjou
5
54 D
a
rd
Jo
e
nn
D
D7
T4450
22
St-Gérons
Barrage de
St-ÉtienneLacapelleCantalès
Viescamp
St-Simon
26
28
CANTAL
D9
20
Cascade de
la Roucolle
St-Clément
Vic-sur-Cère
0
7
Crandelles
D1
Thiézac
D 60
D
53
D6
Roumégoux
7
D1
Le Lioran
Plomb
du Cantal
Albelpierre1855 m
Bredons
Col de PratSt-Jacquesde-Bouc
des-Blats
1396 m
D3
2
Lascelle
Jussac
Nieudan
Siran
0
d
La Chapelled’Alagnon
34
D
5
2
12
N
D
Tournemire
D3
3
D 65
62
Puy
Griou
1694 m
s
e
e
g
Gor rdann
Jo
e la
D1
St-Cirguesde-Jordanne
Laroquebrou
D
MandaillesSt-Julien
7
Marmanhac
Sousceyrac
Puy Mary
1787 m
Bertrande
St-Cernin
Murat
Laveissière
9
5
Massif
du Cantal
NeussarguesMoissac
67
Puy Violent
1592 m
D3
St-Chamant
D 120
es de
G o r gC è r e
la
Pas de
Peyrol
1589 m
Chavagnac Chalinargues
D 680
D
Barrage
d’Enchanet
de
es nne
rg
Go Maro
la
de
G or ge s nd e
ra
Arnac la Be rt
0
Lavigerie
D 39
0
S
St MartinValmeroux
68
3
68
Lac
d’Enchanet
Maronne
Ste-Eulalie
C O R R È Z E
D
D
2
92
D
0
E
O
Dienne
Col de Néronne
Le Claux
1242 m
0
D 68
Salers
D 68
0
Pleaux
D 68
2
D
D
N
D2
St-Bonnetde-Salers
D 57
Ally
680
s
rge non
Go lag
’A
l
de
N1
22
G
de orge
la C s
ère
DO
RD
OG
N
E
Departure / Arrival > Aurillac (15) - Distance > 378 km - Duration > 2 Days
Anterrieux
D2
0
21
D9
D4
5
1
60
Ra
St-Étiennede-Maurs
St-Urcize
0
92
40
D8
é
Cél
Montsalvy
L O Z È R E
D 601
2
N 12
D
Cassaniouze
63
St-Santinde-Maurs
D6
6
d e
D 19
Calvinet
D 19
Mourjou
D1
P l a t e a u
A V E Y R O N
l ’ A u b r a c
âtaignerai
La Ch
e
HAUTELOIRE
re
yè
u
Tr
D
CANTAL
D
D
Maurs-la-Jolie
L O T
Leucamp
D 66
Quézac
N 122
P U YDEDÔME
e
nc
31
8
D2
D
3
Lacapelledel-Fraisse
Marcolès
61
7
Boisset
D1
Latronquière
ALLIER
LOT
D 14
Vieillevie
D 107
Entrayguessur-Truyère
0
10
20 km
It’s time to go travelling again
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St-Georges
Town
Total KM
AT CROSSROADS
In:
Aurillac
AUTRES DIRECTIONS
(TOUTES DIRECTIONS)
KM
0.0
1
FOLLOW
then
N122
montauban
for
21,8 km
Aurillac
Aurillac
Near:
Mezermont
le rouget
2
then
Le Rouget
In:
Laroquebrou
then
8
D653
latronquière
for
3
31,7 km
Laroquebrou
In:
Latronquière
D31
bagnac / célé
s
KM
70.8
4
for
14,1 km
In:
La Curade
D16
bagnac / célé
s
then
N122
maurs
for
12,3 km
aurillac
for
1 km
D617
aurillac
for
24,5 km
Rance Valley
In:
L’enseigne
D20
marcolès
KM
124.8
for
5,5 km
9
Marcolès
Entering:
Marcolès
D66
lacapelle del f.
KM
130.3
for
6,2 km
Entering:
Bramaire
D20
conques
KM
136.5
for
19,2 km
11
5
In:
Maurs
N122
aurillac
KM
97.2
6
D617
10
Latronquière
KM
84.9
WE Cantal’s
beautiful villages
7
Le Rouget
sousceyrac
1 /2
KM
99.3
17,3 km
D653
KM
39.1
Leaving:
St-Etiennede-Maurs
KM
100.3
D20
laroquebrou
for
AT CROSSROADS FOLLOW
Leaving:
St-Etiennede-Maurs
D20
KM
21.8
Town
Total KM
for
Maurs
2,1 km
Maurs
In:
La Rigaldie
D141
entraygues
KM
156.0
12
then
D920
montsalvy
for
33 km
Lot Valley / Montsalvy
Montsalvy
CANTAL’S MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES
ROUTE / Cantal / 1 of 2
Departure > Aurillac (15)
Conseil Général du Cantal
Arrival
> Montsalvy (15)
Free download at www.auvergne-motorbike.com
Not for sale, in accordance with terms and conditions of use.
Distance
Duration
>
>
189 km
3h / 6h
CANTAL’S MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES ROUTE / Cantal / 1 of 2
Departure >Aurillac (15)
Conseil Général du Cantal
A
t the edge of the Cantal Mountains, discover the towns of Salers, Aurillac and Murat. Then ride on to the Chataigneraie Cantalienne area on
the border of the Lot and Dordogne departments with the charming villages of Laroquebrou, Marcolès, Maurs and Montsalvy. There are so
many lively and exciting treasures to uncover. Stop in the shadow of a fountain to marvel in the beautiful stonework and bell towers. Take the time
to breathe in the fresh air, then head to the market to meet the locals and learn about their rural ancestors to truly get the feel for this authentic
landscape filled with history.
Arrival
>Montsalvy (15)
Distance
Duration
>189 km
>3h / 6h
Free download at www.auvergne-motorbike.com - Not for sale, in accordance with terms and conditions of use.
Don’t miss: Volcano Museum: in the castle of SaintEtienne. Permanent exhibition on the volcanoes of the
Massif Central. Open year-round except Mondays, open
daily during the summer. +33 (0)4 71 48 07 00
Festivities: International Street Theatre Festival: 3
week in August. A must! With more than 450 theatre
companies, Aurillac transforms into the European
capital of street theatre!
The European Food Festival and the “Gourmet
Goudots” competition: 1st or 2nd weekend in July.
Events with tastings of local products.
Aurillac Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 71 48 46 58
Puy Mary Ultra Trail: mid-June - www.utpma.fr
rd
Le Rouget
Be sure to take a break on Rouget Lake with hiking trails and
recreational areas including a fitness trail and a picnic area.
Don’t miss: local food market with regional products –
Sunday morning.
Activities: Les Bains du Rouget, deep in the heart of
nature, discover a charming spa in an exceptional site
overlooking the lake with beaches, terraces, Jacuzzi and
sauna. +33 (0)4 71 43 04 30
Châtaigneraie Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 71 46 94 82
Laroquebrou
A medieval city at the gateway to the South, the preserved
centre of Laroquebrou is dominated by a castle and picturesque
houses. Located at the beginning of the gorges of the Cère
River, it’s a fly fisherman’s paradise.
Don’t miss: Château de Laroquebrou. During a visit
in the summer, this well-preserved 8th century castle
will take you back in time to the era of knights and
fortresses. Market: every Friday morning.
Festivities: International Boogie-Woogie Festival.
3 days and 3 nights of uninterrupted music and dancing
on stage and in the streets with internationallyrenowned musicians, beginning of August.
Châtaigneraie Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 71 46 94 82
Maurs
Also known as “Cantal’s little Nice”, this small medieval town
on the border of the Aveyron and Lot departments is brimming
with historical, cultural and natural heritage.
Don’t miss: Treat yourself to a wellness break. The
Châtaigneraie area has a wellness space open to
everyone: covered swimming pool, sauna, hammam,
Jacuzzi, fitness room, beauty treatments, massages…
+33 (0)4 71 46 25 00
Market: every Thursday morning, listed as “One of the
100 best French markets”.
Festivities: Celtic Night (July), gourmet hike (end of
July / beginning of August), Arts and Crafts Meeting
(in October)
Châtaigneraie Tourist Office +33 (0)4 71 46 94 82
Rance Valley
When leaving Maurs, the winding road along the river is a
delight for lovers of rural landscapes. The surface is very wellpaved for around twenty kilometres, much to the pleasure of
the many cyclists that will likely cross your path. Shaded areas
perfect for a picnic or a nap on the banks of the Rance River.
Marcolès
A beautiful medieval village in the heart of the Châtaigneraie
area. Lovely stone buildings and restored narrow streets make
it a charming, not-to-be-missed stop that’s much enjoyed by
visitors.
Don’t miss: Saint-Martin Church. Built in the 15th
century, this church carefully guards the relics of Saint
Martin.
Faulat Rocks: these natural megaliths are the perfect
reason to take a short walk.
Market: Friday morning.
Accommodation
Book your accommodation online
at www.auvergne-motorbike.com
/ in the section “My road trip”
Festivities: Les nuits de Marcolès festival (end of July)
Information: +33 (0)4 71 64 76 61
Léz’Arts de la Rue: street art festival with stilt walkers,
jugglers, musicians and actors taking over the medieval
town (15 August).
Châtaigneraie Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 71 46 94 82
Enter the dates
for your trip,
select your
accommodation
near the circuit for
each day and then
book online.
Lot Valley
On the border of the Cantal and Aveyron departments, the
route follows the gorges of the Lot River to the village of
Entraygues. A delight for the senses! Enjoy swimming or a ride
down the river on a canoe or rafting trip. Take a detour to Le
Fel, a lovely mountainside village with an exceptional view of
the valley.
Gourmet stops
Activities: Canoe, kayak and rafting. Guaranteed
thrills in a beautiful setting.
ASV’OLT: +33 (0)4 71 49 95 81
1 Le Champ des Vignes - This gourmet, renowned restaurant
uses the best local Cantal products. Aurillac - +33 (0)4 71 48 07 81
Nearby: Conques and its religious heritage (Grand
Site of Midi-Pyrénées) or St-Parthem and the Olt River
Centre, to discover the local and popular traditions of
the Lot Valley.
2 Hôtel-Restaurant des Voyageurs - Cuisine with a big dose
of local flavours in gourmet dishes. Le Rouget - +33 (0)4 71 46 10 14
+33 (0)5 65 64 13 22
Montsalvy
From atop its castle, Montsalvy offers several different
viewpoints of the Cantal Mountains and the Lot Valley.
Don’t miss: Château de Montsalvy
Puy de l’Arbre. A peak with a stunning view of the
Cantal Mountains and the Aubrac plateaux.
Market: with local farmers (Thursday morning).
Festivities: Basket Festival: end of July.
Châtaigneraie Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 71 46 94 82
Tables Zé Komptoir - Small and friendly restaurant on the town
hall square. Aurillac - +33 (0)4 71 48 78 13
8 L’Auberge de Concasty - A follower of the slow food
movement, Martine serves refined cuisine with a menu that changes
daily. The building itself is worth the trip. By reservation only.
Boisset - +33 (0)4 71 62 21 16
Au rendez-vous des pêcheurs - On the Rance River, enjoy the
relaxing setting while savouring trout with bacon. Snack menu all
day. Boisset - +33 (0)4 71 45 69 40
12 Hôtel La Terrasse - On the Lot River, a lovely restaurant
where foodies come together in the shade of the pleasant terrace.
Viellevie - +33 (0)4 71 49 94 00
Auberge fleurie - An excellent restaurant for refined palates
and epicureans. A must in the Châtaigneraie area. Montsalvy +33 (0)4 71 49 20 02
1 /2
WE Cantal’s
beautiful villages
It’s time to go travelling again - www.auvergne-motorbike.com
Aurillac
Capital of the Cantal department, Aurillac is brimming with
sights to discover, especially in the heart of the preserved
historical city centre. The Jordanne River flows through
this town filled with brightly coloured neighbourhoods and
charming café terraces. Lovers of Auvergne’s local products will
be delighted by the cheese shops, delis and knife shops, but
the real treat for foodies is a visit to the Saturday morning food
market on the town hall square.
Town
Total KM
AT CROSSROADS
FOLLOW
In:
Montsalvy
D920
aurillac
KM
0.0
1
for
5 km
AT CROSSROADS FOLLOW
At the Auberge
de Pont la Vieille
2 /2
WE Cantal’s
beautiful villages
D57
BREZONS
KM
63.5
for
9,6 km
7
Montsalvy
Near:
Ladinhac
KM
5.0
Town
Total KM
D28
leucamp
then
D28
teissières les b.
for
2
1,5 km from:
Teissières
15,3 km
D32
aurillac
KM
20.3
2,7 km
for
3
Entering:
Brezons
D39
MurAT
KM
73.1
8
par Col de la Griffoul
for 27,3
Brezons Valley / Vidèche
viewpoint / Prat de Bouc
Murat
Entering:
Murat
D3
salers
KM
100.4
for
9
In the locality
of: La Joyeuse
KM
23.0
carlat
then
D990
raulhac
for
4
In the locality
of: Goul
KM
47.1
24,1 km
D59
PAILHEROLS
then
D54
LACAPELLE B.
for
5
14 km
Pailherols
In: LacapelleBarrès
KM
61.1
D990
PONT LA VIEILLE
for
2,4 km
D680
salers
KM
108.4
(Pas de Peyrol)
for
35 km
Dienne
Pas de Peyrol / Salers
10
In :
Salers
D35
FONTANGES
KM
143.4
then
D35
COL de legal
for
18 km
11
In:
Col de Légal
D35
AURILLAC
KM
161.4
12
6
8 km
Murat
Near:
Dienne
D32
km
then
Centre Ville
for
27,3 km
St-Cirgue-de-Jordanne
Graves Lake / Aurillac
Murat
CANTAL’S MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES
ROUTE / Cantal / 2 of 2
Departure > Montsalvy (15)
D920 - Garage Renault
Arrival
> Aurillac (15)
Free download at www.auvergne-motorbike.com
Not for sale, in accordance with terms and conditions of use.
Distance
Duration
>
>
189 km
3h / 6h
CANTAL’S MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES ROUTE / Cantal / 2 of 2
Departure > Montsalvy (15)
D920 - Garage Renault
A
t the edge of the Cantal Mountains, discover the towns of Salers, Aurillac and Murat. Then ride on to the Chataigneraie Cantalienne area on
the border of the Lot and Dordogne departments with the charming villages of Laroquebrou, Marcolès, Maurs and Montsalvy. There are so
many lively and exciting treasures to uncover. Stop in the shadow of a fountain to marvel in the beautiful stonework and bell towers. Take the time
to breathe in the fresh air, then head to the market to meet the locals and learn about their rural ancestors to truly get the feel for this authentic
landscape filled with history.
Arrival
>
Aurillac (15)
Distance
Duration
>
>
189 km
3h / 6h
Free download at www.auvergne-motorbike.com - Not for sale, in accordance with terms and conditions of use.
This charming mountain village at an elevation of 1000 m
is full of discoveries. In particular, its famous Chesse and
Traditions Festival that welcomes lots of visitors to the town
each year (beginning of June).
Brezons Valley
With its distinct U-shape, it’s one of the most beautiful glacial
valleys in Europe, according to the famous volcanologist
Haroun Tazieff. Around fifty springs come together to form
the stream known as the Brezons. The valley is dominated
by a giant volcanic plug in the form of a lion’s head when
viewed from the Col de la Griffoul mountain pass near the
village of Arzaliès.
Don’t miss:
Discover the area along the road from Saint-Martinsous-Vigouroux to the Col de la Griffoul.
The upper valley site with 5 waterfalls, the Borie
and Montréal waterfalls: trails and recreational areas,
not-to-be-missed.
Two villages: Brezons with its Romanesque church and
Saint-Martin-sous-Vigouroux.
Pierrefort Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 71 23 38 04
Vidèche viewpoint
Panoramic view of the valley and the Cantal Mountains.
Prat-de-Bouc
The Prat de Bouc mountain pass (1392 m), located at the
foot of the summit of the Plomb du Cantal, is a remarkable
natural site (bird migrations, mountain fauna and flora). A
delight in both summer and winter, the area is of particular
ecological interest.
Murat
Overlooking the circuit is the charming medieval town of
Murat, perched on a wide hillside. Filled with festive traditions,
stop in on Friday for the market or any time in the eventfilled summer. Don’t miss the Cone Festival on the 3rd Sunday
in September.
Pays de Murat Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 71 20 09 47
Dienne
At the foot of the mountains, the traditional Cantal village
of Dienne is worth highlighting. Guarding over the town is
the surprising church, one of the more unusual examples of
Auvergne’s Romanesque style.
Activities:
3 paragliding schools nearby: Cantal Air Libre
in Mandailles, Thang-ka in Dienne and Parapente Puy
Mary in Le Claux.
Pas de Peyrol
The view is breathtaking from this mountain pass, the
highest point of the circuit at an elevation of 1589 m.
It’s most certainly the best view of all of our routes in
Auvergne. A stop here is a must after the challenging climb
to the pass, but also to simply gaze upon the summits.
Puy Mary Grand Site: +33 (0)4 71 47 93 52
Salers
Listed as a “Most Beautiful Village in France”, the medieval
town of Salers is one of Auvergne’s treasures and a must-see
stop on the circuit. Enter the upper town through the belfry,
then stroll through the narrow streets filled with shops, each
one more welcoming than the last. Marvel at the charming
turret houses and the corbelled architecture, and make your
way to the Barrouze esplanade for a spectacular view of the
Maronne and Aspre river valleys. The pride of Cantal’s tourist
sites, Salers lends its name to the iconic cattle breed of the
Cantal Mountains, famous for its mahogany red coat, tender
meat and tasty cheese.
Festivities:
1st weekend in May:
Salers hosts the fair for the “Remarkable Taste” sites.
Tourist office: +33 (0)4 71 40 58 08
Saint-Cirgue-de-Jordanne
This village at an elevation of 800 m has a front-row view of
the Jordanne Gorges.
Don’t miss:
Romanesque church, an old two-sided cross (Christ/
Pietà).
Discovery trail in the gorges of the Jordanne River:
The 4 km round trip on the trail takes you through
gorges 20 to 60 m deep. On the fisherman’s trail, a
handrail leads the way as you cross back and forth over
the river via a wooden walkway or an arched bridge,
then bypass a boulder on a floating pontoon. Climb the
30 m cliff to reach the glacial rock bar that leads to the
“blockfield”: the most untouched part of the Gorges.
Accessible from 1 June to 30 September.
+33 (0)4 71 47 93 95
Graves Lake
For thrill-seekers, there are two via ferrata routes that cross
over the peaceful lake, for a unique view of the beautiful Cantal
Mountains.
Mur-Mur Nature: +33 (0)6 09 35 21 67
Aurillac
See guide page n°1/2.
Don’t miss:
Volcano Museum
Festivities:
International Street Theatre Festival
The European Food Festival and the “Gourmet Goudots”
competition
Puy Mary Ultra Trail
Photo credits: VOLCOM Média, CRDTA, Luc Olivier, Pierre Soissons,
David Reygondeau, Joël Damase, Les demeures de montagne,
Auberge d’Aijean
Accommodation
Book your accommodation online
at www.auvergne-motorbike.com
/ in the section “My road trip”
Enter the dates
for your trip,
select your
accommodation
near the circuit for
each day and then
book online.
Gourmet stops
5 L’Auberge des montagnes - Pailherols - +33 (0)4 73 47 57 01
8 Buron de la combe de la Saure - Very impressive site. The buron mountain hut
with a corbelled arch was built in the 16th century. Restored by its owner, a lover of the
region who lives in the Brezons Valley. Col de la Griffoul, Brezons - +33 (0)6 32 03 75 59
Buron de Prat de Bouc - At the foot of the Plomb du Cantal, in a former buron
mountain hut: traditional cuisine in a cosy atmosphere: truffade, Salers meat, pachade,
bilberry tart… Col de Prat de Bouc - +33 (0)4 71 73 30 84
9 Le Jarrousset - Gourmet cuisine at very reasonable prices. Taste local products with
seasonal flavours. Virargues near Murat - +33 (0)4 71 20 10 69
10 Alta Terra - This couple has made this “gourmet coffee bar” a haven of peace with
a hammam and a sauna to book. For a meal or a snack, the restaurant is open from from
12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Le Pradel – Lavigerie – +33 (0)4 71 20 83 03
L’auberge d’Aijean - The chef must get his inspiration from the perfect setting of
this beautiful inn at the foot of the Puy Mary. Seasonal cuisine with market products La Gandilhon - +33 (0)4 71 20 83 43
Le chalet du puy Mary - High in the mountains at an elevation of 1589 m, the
restaurant has a large terrace for 120 diners. In a mountain chalet ambiance, delight in
the chef’s regional cuisine made with local products. Everything is homemade. Col du Pas
de Peyrol – summer only – +33 (0)4 71 20 82 81
11 Le Bailliage - Excellent Auvergne specialties: zander with gentiane, pounti. Rue
Notre-Dame – Salers – +33 (0)4 71 40 71 95
La Diligence - Among the Auvergne specialties on the menu, try patranque,
100% Salers beef on a stone grill or in fondue or the famous “bourriol” crepes
with cep mushrooms, all in an unforgettable atmosphere. Rue du Beffroi - Salers
+33 (0)4 71 40 70 68
Auberge du col de Legal - A house built with local stones and a flagstone roof in a
tourist site at an elevation of 1230 m, in a mountain landscape with summer grazing huts
still in use. Traditional Auvergne cuisine. +33 (0)4 71 68 16 79
2 /2
WE Cantal’s
beautiful villages
It’s time to go travelling again - www.auvergne-motorbike.com
Pailherols