The best walks and hikes around Saint-Cirgues-De-Malbert

There are over 30 hiking routes in the Saint-Cirgues-De-Malbert area, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails to explore the diverse landscapes.

The terrain around Saint-Cirgues-De-Malbert is quite varied, characterized by a fertile plateau, hilly wooded areas, and river valleys. As part of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, you'll encounter volcanic landscapes, with elevations ranging from 502m to 833m, offering diverse and scenic paths.

Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families. For example, the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Château loop from Saint-Martin-Cantalès is an easy 5.9 km path offering a gentle walk with views towards the historic chapel. The region also offers bucolic, mostly shaded paths like 'Le long de l'Etze et de la Bertrande' mentioned in local guides.

Many of the trails around Saint-Cirgues-De-Malbert are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular moderate option is the Bistro St. Martin-Valmeraux – Gate gate loop from Saint-Martin-Valmeroux, which is 9.0 km long and takes about 2 hours 44 minutes.

The region offers several interesting sights. You can hike to viewpoints overlooking the Doire River, or explore routes that pass by historic structures. The Old castle of Crèvecœur – View over the valley loop from Saint-Martin-Valmeroux is a more challenging route that provides scenic valley views. Further afield, you can visit the medieval town of Salers or explore the dramatic Route du Puy Mary.

Yes, the region is home to picturesque waterfalls. The Salins Waterfall is a notable option, often part of a hike that starts with a fairly steep slope before becoming an easier, shaded walk along the river. Other waterfalls like Cascade de Liadouze and Cascades de Gimel are also within reasonable driving distance for a day trip combined with a walk.

The hiking trails in Saint-Cirgues-De-Malbert are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 70 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, the beautiful views, and the opportunities to explore both gentle paths and more challenging routes.

Generally, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is welcoming to dogs on trails, especially if kept on a leash. However, specific rules can apply within protected areas like the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park. It's always best to check local signage or with the park authority for any restrictions on particular routes or during certain seasons, especially concerning livestock or wildlife protection.

The best time for hiking in Saint-Cirgues-De-Malbert is typically from spring to autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and the trails are clear. Summer offers warm temperatures, while spring and autumn provide beautiful foliage and cooler conditions. Winter hiking is possible but may require appropriate gear due to snow and colder temperatures, especially at higher elevations.

Yes, for experienced hikers seeking a challenge, there are difficult routes available. The Old castle of Crèvecœur – View over the valley loop from Saint-Martin-Valmeroux is a difficult 17.4 km trail that leads through hilly wooded areas and can take over 5 hours to complete, offering significant elevation changes.

Parking is generally available near trailheads in and around Saint-Cirgues-De-Malbert, especially in villages like Saint-Martin-Valmeroux or Saint-Martin-Cantalès, which serve as starting points for many routes. Specific parking information is often detailed on individual route descriptions or local tourism maps.

Saint-Cirgues-De-Malbert and its surrounding villages offer local amenities including cafes, small restaurants, and accommodation options such as guesthouses or holiday rentals. For more comprehensive services, larger towns in the Cantal department are also accessible. You can find more information about the village at salers-tourisme.fr.