Things to do in Cantal
About
The emblematic Puy Mary pyramid (1,787 m) proudly dominates the puys, domes and rocky spurs that make up the largest volcano in Europe (2,700 km² / -13 to -2 million years). Reshaped by water and ice, the breathtaking panorama created by this fabulous erosion surprises the walker, especially at Puy Mary where 7 glacial valleys radiate around the summit. These exceptional landscapes have been protected since 1985 by the creation of the "Monts du Cantal classified site", with a perimeter of approximately 10,000 ha, which extends in a star shape along the crests from Puy Mary. After several years of commitment to the landscape, Puy Mary obtained the Grand Site de France label in 2012, and it was renewed in 2019. In 2021, the perimeter of the Grand Site will extend over 40,000 hectares and 17 municipalities.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles189 reviews
Excellent
126
Very good
47
Average
8
Poor
3
Terrible
5

Anuj_Mithani
Mumbai, India3 924 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
We drove to the maison de site at Pas de Peyrol from Salers. There was adequate parking available (4E parking sticker to be purchased, access to the the hiking trail itself is free). The trail starts at the maison itself / opposite thw cafe, and there's a stairway directly cut into the rock. The hike will test your physical fitness, and its a steep climb, but very rewarding.
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ina G
270 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Family
Beautiful place, easy hike up, especially since they actually installed stairs. Gorgeous landscape. I would recommend also hiking the summit right in front of Puy Marie- trail right behind the chalet. Also, the food at that chalet is surprisingly delicious, try the Salers beef. Personally I eould have preferred they did not install those stairs up the mountain, but I understand they were makong the trail more accessible
Written 16 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Iréna M
94 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2018 • Couples
We started from the car park at Le Masseboeuf (Font de L’agnon) headed for the refuge de Meije Costes 1450m. Continue to meander upwards past raspberry bushes then once you reach the gate go through it and turn right. I say this as the route is not clearly signposted. The terrain is at points quite narrow and easy to lose your footing if you step to allow others to pass. The views are fantastic on both sides of you. You can hear the cattle bells at different points along the way but honestly they are no threat and there were lots of people with dogs; despite the initial map reading saying “no dogs allowed”. Our dog is very obedient but still it’s a great walk for them but no bins up there. You then approach Brèche de Rolland (Roland’s breach) it’s a steep rocky descent with a flat spot where you await others traversing the opposing side it’s also one you need to use your hands to climb up and down. Continue along the path (some parts are being restored) there are a few steps to ascend and descend. Then you see the highest point with again a steep ascent where you need your hands in parts until you reach the summit 1783m. You can see for miles and a car park to the right if you don’t fancy the bigger hike and café I believe. We then made the descent, back the way we came. Some slippy sections as the stone is rough and dusty in parts underfoot and you’re on a decline but then get the occasional flat bit and the odd ascent as before.
Wear layers it can be breezy and chilly along the top, even in August. You’ll see deer and some birds of prey soaring too.

Written 20 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

janethejock
Solihull, UK423 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018 • Family
Easy but steep concrete path and steps up to one of France's iconic peaks with great views at the top. If you are looking for a quiet mountain walk, this is not it, but well worth the short climb. Friendly service at the cafe at the bottom of the Puy Mary too and always plenty going on with cyclists and vintage cars making the trip too.
Written 10 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeff and Evelyn... W
159 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018 • Couples
but worth it to say you've been there. Rather weather dependent and probably not a place to go in peak season or if its hot.
Written 20 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

345mike678
Paris, France113 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2017 • Friends
Extremely beautiful natural reserve. Amazing nature and absolutely worth the visit. Also there are plenty of local restaurants inside the park, so there is a chance to enjoy local food that was actually produced in the area. Amazing!!
Magnificent prehistoric volcanos and now amazing greenery is like nowhere else. Beautiful and breathtaking climbs. Only one word of caution, I have not seen many gas stations along the way, so be aware. An excellent all day event!!
Written 25 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

spamobile
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand616 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2016 • Couples
Location location, what a views once you reach the top! 360 degrees of stunning outlook. It is a breath taker, and not only because of the climb! Spend an hour just taking in the sights. Can be busy on weekends or holidays. Keep in mind it is very exposed, dont get cuaght in the wind or rain without protection!
Written 11 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PUY MARY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Puy Mary