Independent Walking
Tranquil Auvergne Trail
T he Haute Loire, in the southern Auvergne provides the walker with a truly unique experience in la France Profonde. For the most part this is a gently undulating plateau of farmland providing gentle walking across a remote and wild scene whose seemingly endless views leave you with a sense of horizontal vertigo. These wide open spaces are punctuated by small volcanic hills( known as Sucs), circular lakes, woodland and secluded valleys with tumbling streams. As you go south east so you gradually rise to Mont Mézenc. The eastern edge of the plateau is broken in a spectacular fashion as the slopes fall away into Ardeche, providing breath-taking views. Sturdy stone buildings, covered in stone tiles or thatch, pepper the landscape. Your walk starts and finishes in Puy en Velay, the remarkable world heritage town, known for its volcanic spires topped by religious monuments.
Independent Walking
Walks: day-by-day
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome at hotel in Puy en Velay.
Day 2: Puy en Velay- St Julien Chapteuil
Explore the amazing Puy en Velay a world heritage site, then transfer to Laussone. A gentle afternoons walk crossing a picturesque countryside of volcanic hills. Finish the day in the pretty village of St Julien Chapteuil with its beautiful church. Option of longer walk via St Pierre Eynac for those who have an extra day in Puy en Velay. 12-19km, + 290m.
Day 3: St Julien Chapeuil- Bigorre
Today starts with a climb onto a pretty ridge before descending to the pretty historic village of Montusclat with its dark stone buildings. Your trail winds around valleys and ridges to reach the tiny hamlet of Bigorre, made up of traditional thatch properties, where you’ ll find your guest house. 19km, + 570m
Day 4: Bigorre- Moudeyres
Climb onto the plateau where the views reach for miles. Visit the pretty village of St Front clinging to the hillside before heading north watched by grazing cattle munching on rich grassland. You’ ll then climb to the historic village of Moudeyres with its wonderful stone and thatch buildings dating back centuries. A short walk brings you to your beautiful guest house in a magnificent stone property, immaculately restored. 18km, + 320m
Day 5: Moudeyres- Les Estables
Today is a shorter day giving you the chance to ascend Mont Mézenc and take in exceptional views that, on a clear day, stretch to much of southern France. Gaze in wonder upon the Alps and much of the Massif Central. Descend to the pretty village of Les Estables and your auberge in a traditional stone building. 11- 15km, + 380m- + 630m
Day 6: Les Estables- Monastier sur Gazeille A long but gentle day’ s walking across open undulating farmland heading away from the heights to the historic village of Monastier sur Gazeille. A great days walking with marvellous views all the way. 22km, + 230m
Day 7: Monastier sur Gazeille- Puy en Velay A fine ridge walk that follows a smaller scale landscape, then great views over the Loire valley. Numerous historic chateaux on route before returning to Puy via an old railway line. 24km, + 360m
Day 8: Departure- Explore the world heritage town of Puy en Velay.( Option to book an extra night to have more time in the town.) Transfer to Train station
♦ World heritage site- Puy en Velay with volcanic spires topped by religious monuments
♦ Unique circuit through open, wild and remote upland countryside punctuated by volcanic hills and secluded valleys
♦ Beautiful historic villages and hamlets with a distinct rural architecture and chateaux
♦ A rich upland flora and fauna
♦ Friendly, authentic guest houses
At a Glance
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT Price: Grade: Profile:
Dates: 15 May
See Price List
15 Oct
Price P / P
Walking Profile
Holiday Profile
See Price List or Web Site for details
6 days self-guided walking moving between guest houses. The walks average 15 to 22 km over gently undulating terrain. They are quite long for the grade but with limited ascents and descents which are generally no more than 250m at a time. Mixture of paths, tracks and quiet roads. The holiday is suitable for the occasional walker with a reasonable level of fitness as well as those who walk more regularly.
7 nights: 6 days self-guided walking moving between guest houses.
Accommodation
Six different guest houses; either B & B’ s, auberges or small hotels. They are 2 and 3 star equivalent in quality offering authentic and comfortable accommodation. In the main they are in wonderful historic properties that have been lovingly restored where you ' ll be reserved a warm welcome and enjoy home cooked fresh cuisine. Example: Moulinou is a lovely old farmhouse built from volcanic stone in a great location with fine hospitality- see pages 4 & 5.
Included 7 nights accommodation, including all breakfasts, four evening meals four lunches, transfers from Puy en Velay to start of walk, full
walking notes and maps, transport of luggage
What’ s not included
Travel to Puy en Velay, France; lunches on arrival and departure days plus 2 other days, 3 evening meals, visits or excursions, travel insurance contact @ highpointholidays. co. uk
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