Puy Mary

Mountain Ancient volcanic peak with dramatic cirque views

Volcanic peak in the Auvergne Massif Central with steep ridges and marked trails; attracts hikers and geologists studying extinct volcanic forms.

Main image

Puy Mary is a prominent volcanic summit in the Cantal massif of the Massif Central in south-central France, rising to roughly 1,787 metres. It is a remnant of an ancient stratovolcano whose cone and radial ridges were heavily modified by glaciation.

Hikers and walkers use a network of marked trails to reach the summit ridges, which offer panoramic views over the surrounding volcanic plateaus and valleys; the site forms part of regional protected parkland.

Geologically the feature is part of the larger Cantal volcanic complex and displays volcanic rock and cirque-like valleys carved by former glaciers.

Puy Mary sits in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, within the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d’Auvergne and is accessible by local mountain roads and trails from nearby towns in the Cantal department.

  • Elevation: Rises to roughly 1,787 metres and is one of the principal peaks of the Cantal massif in the Massif Central.
  • Protected area and trails: Located within the Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne and connected to long-distance hiking routes including the GR400 circuit.
Puy Mary
Puy Mary, Cantal, Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne, France
45.1094, 2.6758
Open year-round (access depends on road and weather conditions)
Free (summit access); regional park facilities may have parking fees

How to Get to Puy Mary #

Puy Mary is accessed from the Pas de Peyrol (D17) on regional roads. Nearby towns include Aurillac (roughly 45-60 minutes by car). Parking at Pas de Peyrol provides direct trailheads to the summit.

Tips for Visiting Puy Mary #

  • Start at Pas de Peyrol early to avoid afternoon winds and to catch the best light
  • Weather can change suddenly; layers and wind protection are essential even in summer
  • The ascent involves scree and rocky ridgelines - hiking poles improve stability on descents

Best Time to Visit Puy Mary #

Best visited late spring through early autumn for hiking access and stable weather; winter brings snow and restricted access.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
Jun-Aug · 8-18°C
Warm days and long daylight; busiest season for hikers.
Late spring / early autumn (May, Sept)
May; Sept · 3-15°C
Cooler temperatures and fewer visitors; wildflowers in late spring and good fall colors.

Weather & Climate near Puy Mary #

Climate

Puy Mary's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1268 mm/year), wettest in October.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
18°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy

March

March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

April

April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

128 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (135 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

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