In summer, the narrow, winding road from Lavigerie reaches the foot of Puy Mary; in winter, it ends at Col de Serre. The season is therefore one of the first things to consider when planning your trip. In winter, you can snowshoe from Col de Serre to the Eylac glacial cirque, provided snow conditions allow. When planning your stay, it makes sense to take the road route and snow conditions on your intended travel dates into account.

Hikes between valley, cirque and burons

Two different hiking themes begin at La Gravière. The Tour de la vallée de l’Impradine starts there, below the village of Lavigerie, and passes through a green valley overlooked by Puy Mary. The hike to Buron de Peyre-Arse also starts at La Gravière; the out-and-back route covers 5.4 km and climbs 340 metres. One option focuses on the valley and architecture, while the other gives precise distance and elevation figures. This contrast makes it easier to choose based on the landscape or the stated route profile.

The Les chamois route passes through the Petite Rhue cirque below Puy Mary. The hike to the Fours de Peyre Arse is an exceptional tour connected with Europe’s largest stratovolcano. If you would like to include a geological feature in your choice of hikes alongside valleys and cirques, this offers a distinct focus.

Architectural heritage and regional produce

Lavigerie has numerous burons. Some are visible from the road, while others can be reached by experienced hikers. This gives you two different perspectives on this local heritage: the buildings you can see from the road and the burons accessible to experienced hikers. The Church of Notre-Dame de la Visitation was built in 1830 on the site of an older chapel. The entire Maison Saury estate is listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. The local history therefore brings together a specific construction date and the listing status of a complete estate.

At the foot of Puy Mary, in the Eylac cirque, lies Buron d’Eylac. Local agricultural and artisan products are sold there seasonally. The specialities of Buron d’Eylac include cured meats, bourriols, cheese and pachades. Since sales are seasonal, check before your trip whether they will be available during your travel dates.

Plan your travel dates and holiday rental together

When looking for a holiday rental in Lavigerie, you can start by planning around the season: the road’s endpoints change with the season, and the snowshoe hike from Col de Serre depends on snow conditions. Then decide what you would like to focus on—for example, a hike with a stated distance and elevation gain, or trails whose descriptions highlight valleys, cirques and traditional heritage. This helps you match your travel dates and outing preferences with a targeted search for a holiday rental.

Discover more destinations: Ytrac, Neuvéglise, Laroquebrou, Montmurat, Valette, Montgreleix, Virargues, Trémouille

Back to the regional travel overview: Cantal.