• Rural Tranquility in Southern Auvergne

• Everyday (depending on availability) from 15 May to the end of September

• £610 p/p based on 2 sharing - (single supplement £165)

• 7 nights: 6 days independent walking in a circuit moving between guest houses

• The world heritage town of Puy en Velay with its volcanic spires topped by religious monuments
• Unique circuit through open, wild and remote upland countryside punctuated by volcanic hills, secluded valleys and historic settlements
• Gently undulating terrain giving easy and moderate walking
• Historic villages and hamlets with a specific rural architecture and chateaux lining the upper Loire Valley
• A rich upland flora and fauna
• Friendly, authentic guest houses full of local character

• Each night you'll be staying in a different guest house; either B&B or Auberge. They are 2 and 3 star equivilant in quality offering authentic and comfotable accommodation. They are historic properties that have been lovingly restored where you'll be reserved a warm and generous welcome and enjoy home cooked fresh cuisine.

1. Transfer between the train station at Puy en Velay and first and last accommodation, 7 night's accommodation. B&B in Puy en Velay, full board whilst on trek. Full walking notes and maps, transport of luggage between guest houses

1. Travel to Puy en Velay, France. Lunches on arrival and departure days, plus two evening meals in Puy en Velay. Drinks in some guest houses. Any excursions and entrance fees.

Walks

The walks average 15 to 20 km over gently undulating terrain. Individual ascents and descents are generally no more than 250m at a time. The paths are generally good, although they can be rough and stony in places. The holiday is suitable for the occasional walker as well as those who walk more regularly. The walk is relatively long for the grade, although the ascents and descents are relatively gentle. Mont Mezenc reaches a height of 1753m.

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome in Puy en Velay and transfer to guest house

Day 2: Puy en Velay to St Pierre Eynac or Queyrieres

A gentle day’s walk eastwards crossing the Loire and meandering between the isolated summits that pepper the rolling farmland

Day 3: St Pierre Eynac - St Front

Today's walk starts to climb up on to the plateau proper where you'll pass through ancient forests and rugged farmland to reach the beautiful circular lake of St Front, of volcanic origins and the village with its romanesque church. You'll stay in a remote and ancient hamlet built from volcanic stone and thatch.

Day 4: St Front - Les Etables

A longer day takes you to the edge of the plateau and the breath taking valleys that lead towards the Rhone. You then have the chance to ascend Mont Mézenc and take in views that, on a clear day, stretch far and wide. Your walk takes you to the edge of the Cirque des Boutieres before descending to your guest house.

Day 5: Les Etables - Moudeyres

A varied day of protected woodland, secluded valleys and historic villages takes you to the parish of Moudeyres .

Day 6: Moudeyres - Le Monastier sur Gazeille

A gentle day’s walking across open undulating farmland passing through the village of Moudeyres with its 16th century farm buildings to the historic and picturesque village of Monastier sur Gazeille

Day 7: Le Monastier sur Gazeille - Puy en Velay

A walk that follows a smaller scale landscape of fields and copses close the young Loire Valley overlooked by historic chateaux takes you back to Puy en Velay.

Day 8: Departure

Exploration of the world heritage town of Puy en Velay. (Option to book an extra day to have more time in the town.) Transfer to Train station.

Please note that the exact location of some night's accommodation may change according to availability.