dossier

Cross Country Skiing in Pailherols

Saturday

We meet you at the station and take you to your hotel in Pailherols (40 mins) in time for dinner.

Sunday

An introduction this morning and your first steps on cross country skiis with Andre.  You can expect to spend most mornings improving your technique and the afternoons following gentle routes through the extraordinary and historic Park Regional des Volcans.  Today you head out towards the Plomb du Cantal, the high point of the region (1854 m) on an easy trail that skirts the woods.  Exciting views of the Puy Griou, an ancient volcano, and the Puy Mary.

Monday

Following some more tips in the morning from Andre, you set off for the plateau above the Buron de la Tuillere.  It is an easy blue trail, but, because of the extra altitude, you have spectacular views over Aubrac and northern Aveyron.  Wonderfully remote rural countryside with little old stone villages nestling in the shelter of the valleys.

Tuesday

Up through the woods to the source of the Goul today, a pretty mountain stream that trundles through the Cantal in leaps and bounds.  You follow part of its course on skis or snow shoes and, as always, there are beautiful open views of the surrounding Auvergnat and Aubrac plateaux.  Red squirrels race along low branches and finches and warblers chatter in the tree tops.

Wednesday

After a mornings' independent exploring, Andre leads you out after lunch along the Puy Gros in the afternoon with breathtaking views of the Cere valley (foxes, hares, rabbits, and roe-deer scamper through the woods and buzzards and kites circle above you).  Time for a relaxing swim and sauna before dinner.

Thursday

A full day-trip today.  Andre will take you 'off-piste' towards the Chaine du Puy where you are rewarded with an unforgettable panorama: the Puy Mary and the Plomb du Cantal to the north;  the Roland Breche to the south, and the distant Ardeche plateau to the west.  Tonight the hotel arranges a gourmen dinner dance - the gastronomic highlight of the week.

Friday

We've left the morning free for you to brush up on your technique.  Or drive to the pretty old town of Aurillac with charming historic quarter and St Etienne chateau.  In the afternoon, optional ride with Andre in his horse drawn carriage.  A lovely end to the week