Montgreleix: Hiking, Lake and Village History

Montgreleix can be explored through several specific interests: hiking, horse riding, mountain biking and fishing are among the activities available in the commune. Mont Chamaroux rises to 1,476 metres above the village; its summit offers panoramic views. This means your travel plans can combine outdoor activities with village attractions. When looking for a hotel in Montgreleix, you can consider whether hiking, the lake or village history should be the focus of your stay.

Hiking routes with different durations

Montgreleix is a stop on the Tour des Vaches Rouges circular hike, also called the Tour du Cézallier. The stage from Montgreleix to Égliseneuve-d’Entraigues is 12.4 kilometres long and takes 3 hours 30 minutes. It is considered the easiest of all the stages and descends all the way apart from the final kilometre. Before setting off, check the route conditions and waymarking, as both can change.

Another hike is Sancy Tour No. 16: this 2.5-hour route passes through the summer pastures and extensive meadows of the Cézallier and offers views of the Massif du Sancy and the Monts du Cantal. The route also offers a chance to discover Montgreleix’s traditional craft skills. For planning your time, the comparison provides a specific point of reference: the stated duration here is 2.5 hours, compared with 3 hours 30 minutes for the stage to Égliseneuve-d’Entraigues.

Mont Chamaroux and Lac des Estives

Mont Chamaroux rises to 1,476 metres above Montgreleix. Its summit offers panoramic views. Together with the Sancy Tour’s views of the Massif du Sancy and the Monts du Cantal, these provide different named mountain landmarks to consider when planning your trip.

Lac des Estives covers three hectares; a fir forest borders its upper side. The lake is home to rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and a few trophy trout. The fly-fishing reservoir at Lac des Estives is available to anglers all year round.

Church and village history

The Eglise Saint Laurent in Montgreleix was rebuilt after the fire of 1884. The church features a polychrome Baroque altarpiece. It offers a tangible link to the area’s architectural and local history, alongside its landscapes and hiking opportunities.

A description from April 2024 also mentions a tour of the church as part of the guided tour of Montgreleix. It gives the history of the village from the Neolithic period to the First World War as the tour’s theme. If you would like to include this tour in your plans, confirm that the programme is available before your trip.

You can choose your destination to suit your interests: hikes with different time requirements, mountain views, fishing at Lac des Estives, or a guided look at the village’s history. The specific route details and attractions mentioned here offer several points of reference, without suggesting that all activities have the same focus.

Discover more destinations: Ferrières-Saint-Mary, Parlan, Cassaniouze, Vèze, Coltines, Bassignac, Nieudan, Saint-Mamet-La-Salvetat.

For the general travel overview: Cantal.