Located in the Cantal massif, at the heart of Europe's biggest stratovolcano, the Puy Mary is one of the highest points in Cantal at 1,780 metres in altitude. Seven glacial valleys surround its summit in a star pattern: the Aspre, Bertrande, Impradine, Jordanne, Santoire, Maronne, Mars and La Petite Rhue.
Part of an old, dormant volcano with a diameter of nearly 80 kilometres, the iconic and majestic Puy Mary is a protected site, certified a Great Site of France since 2012. Its summit is accessible from the Pas de Peyrol, the highest road pass in the Massif Central. Before making your ascent, you can visit the Pas de Peyrol Site House, open from May to the end of October, which tells the story of the volcano's formation through an audiovisual show.
Starting at the pass, a landscaped path will lead you to the top in about forty minutes: from the orientation table, the 360° view of Auvergne is amazing, and in fine weather, you can even see Mont-Blanc!
Located right at the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, the Puy Mary, with its distinctive pyramid shape, is ideal for outdoor activities. As well as walking, you will be able to go cycle touring, mountain biking, horse or donkey-riding, paragliding or fishing in the massif's lakes. In the winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoe walking in the Haut Cantal Nordic ski area.
