Itinerary from great hike, the Tour des Monts d'Aubrac is an emblematic path that crosses the large expanses of pasture between the three departments of Lozère, Aveyron and Cantal. For walking enthusiasts, this GR® de Pays will take you through the identity landscape of Aubrac, between drailles, burons, forests, herds and picturesque villages. Discover this wild territory.
This route in roaming is composed of loops ranging from 2 to 8 days of walking, which can go up to 165 km and stop in the emblematic villages of the plateau. Signposted yellow and red (GRP®) or white and red on the parts that take the GR® 60 or the Way of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle (GR® 65), it is a simple route, accessible to all person accustomed to walking on varied terrain.
Before leaving
The essentials to have in your backpack
The territory on which you walk is in the middle of the mountains, the altitude being between 900 and 1 meters. Appropriate equipment is therefore essential. The climate of the plateau can be capricious and harsh, so be prepared for temperature variations, the nights can be cold even in the middle of summer. Bring warm, waterproof clothing and good shoes for walking.
- Water and snacks
- Function
- Knife
- First aid kit
- Flash light
- Garbage bags
- Backpack protectors (rain cover)
- Hat, cap, beanie, gloves, sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Blanket
- Sleeping bag
- Walking sticks recommended
Without forgetting the essential and essential Topoguide published by the French Hiking Federation pedestrian. You can get it in bookstores or at our Tourist Information Offices (€18,40).
Recommended periods
The period ofApril to November is more favorable to carry out this GRP®. In spring, the plateau is covered with a thousand flowers and colors. From the end of August and during September, when the coolness returns, it is ideal to explore the plateau which begins to show its autumn colors. Avoid periods of heat wave, there is little shade on the Aubrac. On the other hand, the winter period from December to March is not recommended to practice this route because of the snow and the harsh climatic conditions.
Transport of luggage and people
To facilitate your travels or in case of need, luggage and transport services criss-cross the Tour des Monts d'Aubrac:
- La Postal trunk transport of luggage and people 04 71 04 21 79.
- Baggage transfers, transport of luggage and people 04 66 65 27 75.
- Carabasse Taxi in Laguiole, passenger transport 05 65 44 33 34.
- Aubrac-Taxi in Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac, passenger transport 06 72 00 25 71.
The stages of the tour of the Aubrac mountains
The main loop: 8 days of walking
To make the most of the landscapes offered by the Tour des Monts d'Aubrac, the best thing is to go on an 8-day hike. On the program: crossing pastures, large expanses of desert, dense forests, picturesque villages and breathtaking views.
See the details of the main steps below:
Other ideas for a stay over a few days
Two days loop (37 km)
1er day : Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac/Aubrac/Nasbinals 17 km.
2nd day : Nasbinals/Aubrac/Les Enfrux/Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac 20 km.
Four day loop (78 km)
1er day : Les Quatre Chemins/Le Mazel 20.5 km.
2nd day : Le Mazel/Les Rajas 19.5 km.
3nd day : Les Rajas/Aubrac 13 km.
4nd day : Aubrac/Les Quatre Chemins 25 km.
Five day loop (104 km)
1er day : Aumont-Aubrac/Prinsuejols 16km.
2nd day : Prinsuejols/Les Rajas 28km.
3nd day : the Rajas/Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac 18km.
4nd day : Saint-Chely-d'Aubrac/Nasbinals 17km.
5nd day : Nasbinals/Aumont-Aubrac 25 km.
The villages crossed in Aveyron
Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac
Small village nestled in the heart of the valley dug by the Boralde, its heritage is strongly linked to pilgrimage, the church and the Pilgrims' Bridge are the main witnesses and essential passage of the Way of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Services:
- The Tourist Information Office of Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac welcomes you to answer your questions.
- A cash dispenser/ATM
- Toilets and water point
- Pharmacy
- Hiker shelter
- Bakery/Grocery
Laguiole
Capital of the Aubrac plateau, its knife makers will open their doors to you to share their know-how, the Jeune Montagne cheese dairy, which produces the famous Laguiole PDO cheese offers a tour of the cheese dairy and the distillery of Twelve whiskey will show you the manufacturing steps of this local product through a guided tour.
Services:
- The Tourist Information Office of Laguiole welcomes you to answer your questions.
- ATMs
- Toilets and water points
- Pharmacies
- Shops (greengrocers, butchers, bakeries, cheese dairies, clothing, shoes, artisans, bookstores, etc.)
- A supermarket
Accommodations
Iconic landscapes
Through this route, you cross the great expanses of pastures identity of Aubrac. Hilly landscape, punctuated by erratic blocks, low stone walls which form the paths also called dragilles and boraldes flowing towards the Lot. In spring, covered with flowers and inhabited by herds of Aubrac cows, you will appreciate the tranquility of these landscapes and its panoramas. Another characteristic of the heritage of Aubrac, the burons which punctuate the plateau testify to the pastoral activity, formerly used in the manufacture of the tome of Aubrac. You will also see many crosses and statues made of volcanic stone. Finally, the forests are also an integral part of Aubrac.
Tips
The Aubrac plateau is an environment to be shared with its users, in particular farmers and herds whose tranquility and work are to be respected. For this, some tips for good use:
- Hold a distance from the herds, close the barriers firmly behind you and avoid trampling on the summer pastures and meadows which provide food for the herds.
- Keep your trash on you until you find trash cans, even for degradable waste.
- Dogs are allowed, except on certain portions and in certain accommodations.
- Fires are prohibited.
- La bivouac regulations applies: it is prohibited to camp near a water point or a listed monument, on private land or in a place that blocks passage. For more information, contact the town halls of the various municipalities crossed, they will inform you about any orders taken concerning the bivouac.
- Respect the private property and do not camp without permission from the owner.
- Hygiene products must not end up in waterways or drinking troughs.
- The weather can be unpredictable (fog, storm, rain, extreme heat), watch the weather before each departure and do not commit any carelessness.
- To enjoy your stay peacefully, book your accommodation in advance.
