Gentle winter hikes and the heritage of Cantal

For our day hike, we'll head to the Plateau du Bois de Joubert, which overlooks Puy Griou. Located in the heart of the Cantal mountains, it offers a 360° panorama of this white volcano, a region rich in pastoral traditions. This will allow us to explore today's theme: volcanism.

For the rest of the day, Anaïs and Sylvain will show you around their farm with a tour of the farm and a cheese tasting.

Exploring the barn and learning about the antique equipment on display will immerse you in the rugged agricultural landscape of the Cantal region. It is there that Anaïs will explain the different stages of milk processing.

Your taste buds won't be disappointed either!

Built at the foot of the Bonnevie rock under the protection of its Virgin and Child statue, Murat displays its beautiful houses and other private mansions to hikers. As a legacy of the great volcano, it has preserved its three emblematic rocks and its characteristic houses built with local stone: basalt and phonolite. Nestled on the slopes of the Bonnevie "Neck," you'll have to climb to see everything! The 12th-century church of Bredons overlooks Murat from its majestic promontory. Belonging to the municipality of Albepierre, this small chapel houses magnificent stained-glass windows that are not to be missed. The picturesque path leading to it offers breathtaking views of the entire valley.

An intriguing alternative, sure to pique the interest of local food enthusiasts, a visit to the Neussargues distillery is a truly unique experience. It is in the Hautes Terres region of Auvergne that the distillery has its roots. Founded in 2022 in a former family farmhouse, the Hautes Terres distillery designs, produces, and distills organic whiskies, gins, and vermouths, following the rhythm of our harvests and wild foraging.

A volcanic plateau reshaped by glaciers, now a transhumance route where water has filled glacial depressions, transforming them into peat bogs, we will walk through these open spaces towards the horizon. Then we will discover the Art Nouveau house of La Cheyrelle , nestled on the edge of the beautiful Santoire Valley. This residence, with its unique history and listed as a historical monument, will reveal its secrets and its architecture created by Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, the renowned Liège architect and decorator, one of the masters of Art Nouveau.

First, we will set out to discover the life of the men of Haute-Auvergne through the seasons of yesteryear in the village of Coltines where a farm converted into a museum will serve as our guide to go back in agricultural times.

Next, we'll hike in the Chamalières cirque, where the term "glacial cirque" truly comes to life when you contemplate this beautiful amphitheater. Nestled between forests and mountain landscapes, untouched by human development, it retains its wild authenticity.

An iconic monument of the city of Saint-Flour, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, with its massive towers and austere basalt color, will reveal its secrets. Let its history unfold before you and explore the cathedral's hidden corners, such as the south tower, the timber frame, the terraces, and the roof. Afterwards, a hike in the surrounding area, between the Cantal mountains and the Margeride region, will allow you to better appreciate Saint-Flour, "the Volcanic."

At an altitude of 1396m , at the foot of the Plomb du Cantal , the Col de Prat de Bouc transforms with the seasons, its landscapes blanketed in snow or blooming with wildflowers. A treasure trove of biodiversity , and a hub for Nordic and alpine activities in winter, the Col de Prat de Bouc is a must -see during your stay in the Cantal region.

Departure after breakfast, rooms must be vacated before 10 a.m.