Tracks and Routes

Tracks and Routes

Travelling within the volcanic area, crossing the ridges and successive valleys, was a slow and rough journey. The first crossings avoided the deep valleys and climbed towards the easiest cols. Man cleared the trees to create tracks for carts to travel between the villages. The summer tracks followed the water course of the principle valleys, with the footpaths snaking under the trees and fording rivers.

The first major routes bypassed the volcanoes. It was only in 1777 that the route through Lioran was opened, which is fundamental for travelling in the Massif. This joined the valleys of the Cère and the Alagnon, via the Font de Cère. The construction of the Lioran tunnel, between 1839 and 1847, eliminated the problem of snow closing the road in winter.

At the end of the Nineteenth Century the railway was constructed connecting the two valleys.

The tracks gradually disappeared, but others have later replaced them, often in the same place. These are the marked tracks of footpaths, bridle paths and VTT circuits, which benefit the tourists today.

Walking in the Cantal for information on walking and walks in France and the Cantal, accommodation, food and wine.
Walking in France for information on France and GR footpaths.
Auvergne active Self guided walking holidays in the Cantal
Hôtel des Chazes - 2Star and Les Sources - Table & Chambre d'Hôte, St Jacques des Blats. Both excellent bases from which to explore the Cantal.
Monts d'Auvergne-Auvergne Hills for a description and pictures of the area, with suggested walks.
Éditions Chamina for walking guides in the Massif Central.

Classic Geology in Auvergne by Peter Cattermole ISBN 1-903544-05-x available from Blackwells