Equustur trail

What about discovering Cantal’s great volcano on horseback? The Equustur Trail is ideal with 90 km of bridleways across the Monts du Cantal. Carladès is one of the first areas in France to have introduced bridleways. This circuit is part of the 3 sites in France to be part of the European Equustur Network. Over the course of the different stages, you will discover all sorts of different forms of accomodation and places to eat.

A flexible circuit to suit you!

Set out to discover wide open spaces and head out on an adventure on horseback across the plains of Pailherols or Badailhac. Feel the wind in your face and breathe in the pure air. A wonderful opportunity to enjoy amazing scenery. Are you ready for this unforgettable experience?

3 or 5 stages are possible: the itinerary is up to you!

Horse riding in Carladès!

We have selected a 3-day itinerary in the heart of the Carladès area: heritage sites, nature, landscapes… Read on to find out more about this trail.

Day 1/ Polminhac – Pailherols via the Thuilière (31.2 km)

Departure from the Lascourtines Riding School in Polminhac. The traditional 17th century farm buildings offer an idea of the architectural wealth of this region.  The trek will take you towards the Puy Gros at an altitude of 1,400 metres. The climb is relatively easy with a magnificent view over the volcano and exceptional viewpoints over the Cantal summits: Puy Griou, Plomb du Cantal, Peyre Arse…

Your first day will finish in the village of Pailherols, a small and unspoilt village with excellent facilities for visitors.

Day 2/ Pailherols – Ronesque (25 km)

On the second day of the trek, you’ll cross the river Goul that meanders its way across the Carladès area. You can stop for a break in the village of Raulhac, whose traditional architecture can be admired as you wander along the little streets. The trek continues to Messilhac Castle. This castle plays an important part in local history, particularly during the 100 Year War when it was occupied by English soldiers and also during the religious wars. You can also note that you are in a décor that inspired film-makers… do you know the name of the French film that was made at Messilhac Castle?

Day 3/Ronesque – Polminhac (25.3 km)

Ronesque presents a geological particularity in that it is a balsalt rock table in the shape of a heart and the result of a relief effecté, a volcanic phenomenon due to erosion. This spot will enable you to understand a little more easily the fact that Ronesque was located at the bottom of the valley with the Cantal Volcano culminating at a height of around 3,600 metres. The view over the Carladès area is exceptional from this vantage point and the viewpoint table will help you learn more about the summits rising up in the distance. The next stage on the trek is the village of Badailhac. This is the last stop before heading back down into the valley of the River Cère and the village of Polminhac. In this village you can see the remains of the tracks for the horse drawn carriages that would join the villages in the east with those in the west. These was even a posting station in the village of Badailhac, as shown by the painting on the walls of one of the houses there.

The last part of the trek will take you towards Polminhac with the magnificent Pesteils Castle.

Practical information:
This horse riding trek can be done all year round except in the event of bad weather conditions. You can download the information leaflets and itineraries directly on your hiking SatNav system!

Click here for further information and alternative routes on the website of Randonnée à Cheval en Auvergne: www.randonnee-cheval-auvergne.fr