Blog / Events and outings / The GR 400 around Puy Mary

The GR 400 around Puy Mary

Less well known than its illustrious cousins in the Alps, the Auvergne Volcanoes Nature Park, with its surface area of 389733 ha, is the largest of the regional parks.

Nestling in the heart of the park, the GR 400 is a series of 5 loops around Puy Mary that can be walked in one or two days. It is also possible to follow the entire route, making it a 7-day trek of around 135km and 5,500 metres of ascent.

For the more daring, it is possible to do it in 5 days, with one or two long stages. Here's an idea of the breakdown (itinerary carried out in July 2018).

A week's trek in the Canta

Day 1: From Murat to the Col de Serre - 25 km

You can park in the free car park near the hospital. The walk begins with a gentle, steady climb along the valley leading to Le Lioran. After a few kilometres through the forest, you come out onto the thatch. After the Col de Rombière, you pass the Col de Cabre to reach Puy Mary via the Brèche de Roland (the namesake of the Brèche in the Pyrenees). Magnificent 360° views. Then down to the Col de Serre. Stop for an omelette at the Buron d'Eylac. Overnight under a thatch near the pass.

Day 2: Col de Serre au Falgoux - 21 km

An early morning descent to Le Claux, where you can stock up at a small supermarket. This was a lucky day, as it was the weekly market with local produce, each more appetising than the last. A long climb back up to the ridge and descent to Le Falgoux. Overnight at the municipal campsite. Excellent meal (truffade plus divine steak) at Louis'.

Day 3: From Falgoux to Mandailles Saint Julien - 40 km

A very long day's walking with a fair amount of ascent. Forest at the start, passing Puy Violent (1592m) and descending to Le Fau for lunch at the gîte. A slightly monotonous climb at the start towards Roche Taillade (it's straight on along a track). A short, pleasant break by the river just before reaching the stubble fields where the path becomes quite steep. The route continues along a large cirque to reach Puy Chavaroche (1739m). A little further on, at a place called Le Piquet, we decide to take the shortcut that leads directly to Mandailles. Overnight at the campsite. Meal at Le bout du monde restaurant.

Day 4: From Mandailles to Thiézac - 13 km at leisure

It's going to be a hot day at the end of July. A short stage to the Thiézac campsite with its river running through the middle, perfect for chilling out all afternoon. Huge pizzas at the Pizzeria Aux Volcans (well worth the diversions).

Day 5: Thiézac to Murat - 35 km

Another long day's walk. A steady climb to Plomb du Cantal (1855m), then back down to Murat via Prat de Bouc. The end of the adventure.

In the end, there were very few people on the paths despite the summer period. At each stage, you can find a gîte or hotel for those who don't want to carry their bivouac gear. You can take your freeze-dried food with you, but at each stage you can also find restaurants serving local specialities that are perfect for feeding hungry hikers. The trek could be cut more evenly to shorten the two main stages (stopping at Le Fau on day 3 and continuing beyond Thiézac on day 4).

This GR400 may be a little less well known, but it's well worth the diversions for a week's programme. It's mid-range mountain walking, but it's sporty nonetheless. Definitely worth a visit.

Equipment used on the trek (2 people) :

- Backpack: Osprey Exos 48 and Eja 38
- Sleeping bags: Millet Trilogy Edge
- Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur 2-seater
- Mattress: Sea to Summit Ultralight
- Stove: Jetboil Flash
- Popote and utensils: Sea to Summit
- Waterproof bags: Sea to Summit
- Freeze-dried food (as a back-up): Voyager and Trek n eat range
- Walking poles: Black Diamond Distance Carbon

This is expensive equipment, but it's top quality, and means you can pack light enough to go far and fast.