Tour des Monts d'Aubrac

#GR®dePays

Hiking in the Aubrac Mountains

In the heart of the wilderness

Nestled at the crossroads of the Aveyron, Cantal, and Lozère departments, the Aubrac region is a land of contrasts where vast plateaus, deep forests, crystal-clear rivers, and picturesque hamlets blend harmoniously. From Aumont-Aubrac, passing by the legendary Rajas refuge, Laguiole, and Saint-Urcize, the Tour des Monts d’Aubrac GR® de Pays trail invites you to explore this authentic territory.

Whether you are a passionate hiker or simply a nature lover, this loop offers a complete immersion in one of the best-preserved regions of the Massif Central, with breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences.

Practical information

the history of the path

     An iconic loop in the Aubrac region, the GR® de Pays Tour des Monts d’Aubrac (TMA) is the ideal hike for discovering the plateau and its distinctive landscapes. With its 190 km of marked trails (yellow and red, or white and red when it overlaps with a GR), the TMA offers a comprehensive and adaptable experience for all hikers.

Created in 1979 by ADECA (Association for the Economic and Cultural Development of Aubrac), the trail was born from the desire of passionate locals to share their love of this authentic region. The route consists of loops that can be completed in 4 to 9 days, in a mid-mountain area (altitude: 900 to 1468 m).

From mountains to villages, you will traverse hills, burons (traditional stone huts), lakes, forests, and herds of cows. From the old drovers’ roads, the plateau reveals a landscape of contrasts, with gentle horizons swept by the wind and shaped by a demanding climate. A land of livestock farming and traditions, the Aubrac region tells its story at every turn, inviting hikers to discover it fully.

Accommodation information: tourdesmontsdaubrac.org

Randonnée sous la pluie de tour des Monts d'Aubrac

Aubrac Mountains Tour Loop

The complete itinerary

Plans des étapes et variantes de la randonnée des monts d' Aubrac

Complete 10-day loop:

Day 1: From Aumont-Aubrac to Prinsuéjols | 14 km
Day 2: From Prinsuéjols to Saint-Laurent-de-Muret | 14 km
Day 3: From Saint-Laurent-de-Muret to the Refuge des Rajas | 14 km
Day 4: From the Refuge des Rajas to Saint-Chély d’Aubrac | 18 km
Day 5: From Saint-Chély d’Aubrac to Laguiole | 26 km
Day 6: From Laguiole to Saint-Urcize | 18 km
Day 7: From Saint-Urcize to La Chaldette | 18 km
Day 8: From La Chaldette to Fournels | 23 km
Day 9: From Fournels to Fau-de-Peyre | 25 km
Day 10: From Fau-de-Peyre to Aumont-Aubrac | 19 km

The Tour can be completed in 4 to 8 days or in southern or northern loops following the GR65.

Alternative route via Termes / Saint-Chély d’Apcher / Aumont-Aubrac and, in the southern section, via Bonnecombe / La Canourgue / Trélans / La Croix de la Rode

I'm preparing for my hike

Practical advice

How to best prepare for your hike on the Tour des Monts d’Aubrac?

To help you plan your route, the official guidebook for the Tour des Monts d’Aubrac (ref. 616) is your essential companion. It offers numerous variations, allowing you to tailor your hike to your preferences, from 2 to 10 days of walking. This comprehensive guide includes maps, stages, tips, and practical information to help you fully experience the Aubrac region.

Available for purchase at our three tourist offices: Aumont-Aubrac, Nasbinals, and Fournels.

Guide de randonnée du tour des monts d' Aubrac

Some stages of the Tour des Monts d’Aubrac have no shops, so it’s important to stock up on supplies before you set off. Here are the main resupply points along the route:

Aumont-Aubrac: 1 grocery store, 2 bakeries, 2 butchers, 1 cheese shop, 2 delicatessens, 1 24/7 vending machine.
Saint-Chély d’Aubrac: 1 grocery store/bakery.
Laguiole: 1 supermarket, 2 butchers, 1 bakery, several grocery stores (greengrocer, general food store, etc.).
Saint-Urcize: 1 grocery store, 1 bakery, 1 butcher.
Fournels: 2 grocery stores, 1 bakery, 1 butcher, and a pizza truck (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings). All shops in Fournels are closed on Mondays.

May and September are the most pleasant months for hiking. Temperatures are mild and nature is lush and green. However, note that May is also the busiest month! Summer remains ideal for hiking, with cool, sunny days on the plateau.

On the other hand, winter is not recommended. Snow and strong winds, known as “la burle,” can make hiking dangerous, especially at higher altitudes. Furthermore, snowfall is frequent, sometimes even in spring, and can disorient hikers.

Remember: regardless of the season, nights remain cool above 1,000 meters.

In Aumont-Aubrac, several parking options are available depending on your needs:
Parking above the SNCF train station: long-term parking, free, unsupervised.
Municipal campsite: enclosed garage available from the beginning of May to the end of September, €2.25/night. Contact: +33 6 86 68 84 16.
Aubrac Auto Passion Garage: paid, supervised parking. Contact: +33 4 66 94 09 14.
GERVAIS L&D Garage: paid, supervised parking. Contact: +33 4 66 42 80 17.

Yes! Several specialized companies offer luggage transport along the GR trail. You can have your bag transported to your chosen stop, or even skip a stop if you want to rest.

Practical tip: We highly recommend booking your stops in advance to guarantee service availability.

Bivouacking (pitching your tent for a single night, from sunset to sunrise) is permitted on the Aubrac plateau under certain conditions. This differs from wild camping, which lasts several days and is prohibited on the GR (long-distance hiking trail). For peace of mind, contact the town halls of the villages you will be passing through to find out about any regulations concerning bivouacking, or pitch your tent at one of the campsites on the Aubrac!

Rules to follow:

Do not bivouac in forests, woods, protected sites, or parks.
Avoid camping within 200 meters of a drinking water source and within 500 meters of a historical monument.
Ask the landowner for permission if you are on private property. No motorized vehicles are allowed to access your bivouac site.
Be discreet and respect the environment: use lightweight tents, take all your trash with you, and leave the site clean.

Bed bugs can infest some accommodations along the major hiking trails. A little vigilance and a few simple steps are all it takes to enjoy your hike with peace of mind. To minimize the risks:

Use a natural repellent, such as Clako Bed Bugs, available at our tourist offices in Aumont-Aubrac and Nasbinals. In case of infestation, 4H or 10H Chrono tablets are also available to eliminate the pests.
Avoid placing your bag on the bed.
Follow the protocols implemented by the accommodation providers.
Once home, wash your belongings at over 60°C or freeze them for several days to eliminate any risk.

Yes! The Aubrac Mountain Guides Bureau offers guided hikes year-round, every day, for individuals or groups. It’s a chance to discover the Aubrac region in a different way, far from the beaten track.

Contact:

Phone: +33 6 32 69 02 52
Email: accompagnateursaubrac@hotmail.fr

je réserve mes étapes

Sur le Tour des Monts d'Aubrac

     Les gîtes d’étape de l’Aubrac offrent un accueil chaleureux, confort et repas à base de produits locaux, au cœur de paysages préservés. Souvent situés le long des principaux chemins de randonnée, ils constituent des étapes idéales pour se reposer et partager un moment convivial. En haute saison (mai et août), pensez à réserver à l’avance pour garantir votre place.