We wrap up the first vacation week with two scenic hikes; the first (10.6K in 3h 53mins, D+/D- 540m)  from Col du Pertus (1309m) down to Mandailles (837m) in the valley of river Jordanne (the same river that flows through Aurillac), and back up, and the second (10.25K in 3h 31mins, D+/D- 633m) from Vic-sur-Cère up to Plateau de Coyan and then to Rocher de Saint-Curiat, and back down

From Col du Pertus to Mandailles

This was really the first cold morning we’ve experienced this Fall; at 1300 meters the puddles  were frozen, and we felt like we needed gloves. The hike was very easy, with a gentle grade, and gorgeous views to the Jordanne river valley. This was an exceptional hike, since we met a couple coming up from Mandailles — on our other hikes this week we did  not see a person.

Le Rocher de Saint-Curiat

Talking about easy, the beginning of this hike was nothing but. The trail shot up directly to a very steep slope. We ascended about 300 meters in just 1.5 kilometers — it was like climbing very steep and uneven stairs, using our hands a lot to grab shrubs and rocks to pull us up. Very ‘sportif’ as they would say here!

When we reached the Plateau de Coyan the trail became more walkable but the grade was still significant; going up it was hard to notice but when coming down it was clear the trail was rather steep.

Nothing much more to say about the week one: we had some nice hikes in good weather — only one rainy morning and one gray day, but a lot of sun with chilly wind. Let’s see what the week number 2 will bring us!