GR® 465, des Monts du Cantal à la vallée du Lot - De Murat à Conques

GR® 465,
From the Monts du Cantal to the Lot Valley

From Murat to Conques

As an historic route, the GR®465 is captivating for the diversity and beauty of the landscapes through which it passes. The Monts du Cantal, plateaux and mountain pastures, followed by steep-sided valleys, punctuate the 132-km route between Murat, a town in the Cantal region, and Conques, the jewel of Romanesque art in Aveyron. Two departments, Cantal and Aveyron, are united by two Jacobean routes, the Via Arverna and the Via Podiensis.

History and nature, all rolled into one

A Cluniac and Jacobean route

A Cluniac trail between Aveyron and Cantal. This route links the abbey of Bredons, near Murat, and the priory of Manhaval, further south on the route, to the abbey of Conques, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A journey back in time as you explore our religious heritage. Oratory crosses, churches, Romanesque art, ancient priories and abbeys are scattered along this historic route.

Chapel of Bredons

High mountains and steep valleys to the south

The route starts in the foothills of the Monts du Cantal, and within the first few kilometres, you’ll be climbing the highest point in the department, the Plomb du Cantal, offering a 360° panoramic view of the volcano that was forged millions of years ago. The journey continues along the ancient Roman road over ridgelines before descending to summer pastureland with flowering meadows. Near the destination, the route winds its way through steep-sided valleys and wild, narrow gorges, offering superb views over the Lot.

Plomb du Cantal

Murat, the starting point of the GR® 465 route.

The town can be reached by train (Clermont-Fd / Aurillac SNCF train line).
With your own car? a large car park near the station is available free of charge.
Murat also has all the shops and services you need to prepare for your ascent to the GR® 465 route.

The main route and its variants

The entire circuit

km : 132 km

Duration: 7 days

Departure / Arrival: Murat - Conques

May to October

Pets not recommended (crossing mountain pastures)

Typical/indicative stages:

Murat / Plomb du Cantal : 15 km - 04 hours 40 minutes
Plomb du Cantal / Pailherols : 15 km - 03 hours 45 minutes
Pailherols / Mur de Barrez : 14 km - 03 hours 40 minutes
Mur de Barrez / Murols : 18 km - 04 hours 55 minutes
Murols / Grand Vabre *Branche Sud : 60 km - 22 hours 50 minutes
Murols / Grand Vabre *Branche Nord : 44 km - 16 hours 55 minutes
Grand Vabre / Conques : 10 km - 03 hours