Cascade de Saillant:
Hiking from Lachaux – Between Mist, Meadows and Waterfalls
We started our 15 km hike straight from our Airbnb in Lachaux, wrapped in a soft morning mist that promised to lift as the day went on. The first stretch unfolded gently across rolling hills and quiet meadows, until we reached the Cascade du Saillant — a beautiful waterfall tucked away in the lush green valley.
From there, the path meandered up and down through open fields, sometimes without a visible trail, but that’s part of the charm — just aiming for the next gate or ridge in sight. We passed slow-moving, long-haired cows who seemed perfectly at ease in their kingdom (watch your step though!).
After the waterfall, the route undulated further toward a small Byzantine-style monastery, adding an unexpected historical touch to the journey. Then came a steeper section — a mix of climbs and descents — leading us to yet another hidden waterfall before gradually ascending to the plateau.
From the top, the landscape opened wide: sweeping views, distant peaks, and that familiar Auvergne quiet where you can walk for hours without meeting a soul. The trail eventually brought us into Montgreleix, where the Auberge du Cézallier awaited — the perfect spot to refuel and toast the day with a strong coffee!
A short final stretch led us back to our Airbnb, tired but deeply satisfied. A truly beautiful hike — full of variation, solitude, and landscapes that never stop surprising you.
They call it “La Petite Mongolie” around here — little Mongolia, as the two friendly guys at the Auberge bar told us. And honestly, I get what they mean.
Lachaux is a small hamlet near Marcenat, in the Cantal department of the Auvergne region in central France. Surrounded by volcanic hills, green pastures, and dense forests, it offers a serene and authentic glimpse of rural Auvergne life. The area is known for its pure air, clear rivers, and traditional stone houses typical of the region. From Lachaux, you can explore numerous hiking and cycling trails that lead through scenic mountain landscapes and towards the Cézallier plateau — a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking peace and simplicity in the French countryside.
Al practical information about the whole trip can be found here: Trips - Lachaux
