At an altitude of 1,396 m, at the foot of the Plomb du Cantal, the site transforms with the seasons, when its landscapes are covered in snow or blooming flowers. A treasure trove of biodiversity, the starting point for the highest summit in the department, a stopover on the GR400, 4 and 465 footpaths in summer, and a popular Nordic and Alpine activity area in winter, the Col de Prat de Bouc mountain pass is an absolute must during your stay in the Hautes Terres, whatever the season!
Its name, meaning meadow and hedgerow, is particularly well-suited: the flower-filled meadows stretch out beneath the Plomb du Cantal, surrounded by groves of trees. The flora is omnipresent: this is one of the rare places where you can see the round-leaved sundew, on the banks of streams.
Autumn and spring are migration seasons! Just turn your head very gently: that little bird there, perched on a post, is most certainly a Northern wheatear! A shadow looms? Look up, a bird of prey is circling in the sky... You are in a migratory corridor, which is why species are regularly counted by the French bird protection organisation (LPO). Be sure to pick up a few tips on birdwatching.
In winter, the area transforms. Everything is calm and white, like a gentle breeze before the following spring... Put on your snowshoes, or go ski touring, cross-country skiing or downhill skiing to enjoy the pleasures of the snow in this exceptional setting!
Prat de Bouc
Fancy a bike ride? You can cycle through the mountain pass! Prat de Bouc is signposted as an 8-km cycling route from Murat and is also located on the mountain bike variant of the Main Grande Traversée du Massif Central (GTMC) mountain bike route. It is also a starting point for two mountain bike trails (Bois du Roy and Prat de Bouc).
Fancy a bit of climbing? Choose from hiking, trail running or even rock climbing! The Col de Prat de Bouc mountain pass is an ideal starting point for family outings, half-day hikes and itinerant excursions to the Monts du Cantal.
Plomb du Cantal
The Nordic area offers both family-friendly activities and more adventurous pursuits: from traditional cross-country skiing to downhill skiing, snowshoeing and Nordic ski touring and downhill skiing. There’s something for everyone!
Biathlon and even Nordic fitness are the outsiders when it comes to outdoor activities!
Nordic skiing in Prat de Bouc
At an altitude of 1,855 m, you can reach it by walking or running from the Col de Prat de Bouc mountain pass! The orientation table at the summit invites you to enjoy a 360° panoramic view at the heart of Europe’s largest volcano.
Prat de Bouc, seen from the Plomb du Cantal
In this natural environment, a new reception building opens its doors this summer 2022. The main services on offer in this building, at the foot of the Plomb du Cantal, include a reception and tourist information area, a ticket office, a heated picnic room and public toilets!
Ski pass sales point, equipment hire point (toboggan and children’s pulk), departure point for winter activities, as well as a reception area with information leaflets available.
Reception building in Prat de Bouc
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