Visiting the pretty, authentic resort of Le Lioran? Generation Voyage has selected the best outdoor activities in the area.
Le Lioran is a winter sports resort in the heart of the Cantal mountains, offering a wide range of activities. The resort covers 150 hectares at altitudes of between 1,150 and 1,820 meters. The ski area is one of the best equipped in the Massif Central and attracts many winter sports enthusiasts every year.
In winter, the microclimate favors snow cover. But what about summer? Le Lioran, in the heart of the Cantal volcano (Europe’s largest) and the Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne, is a verdant destination. In summer, you can enjoy a whole host of fun activities.
It all depends on what you really want to do: which outdoor activity at Le Lioran will appeal to you? To find out, check out our top picks. Follow the guide!
Summer
Rail sledging
Photo credit: Facebook – Le Lioran – Official page
Quite original, that: rail tobogganing is one of the best outdoor activities to be enjoyed at Le Lioran. It offers the thrill of sliding down a track laid out on rails. A sort of miniature roller coaster! It’s all about twists and turns, ascents and descents, and furious acceleration.
Accessible to everyone aged five and over, it’s one of the resort’s must-sees. Just sit back, fasten your seatbelt and off you go for a 400-metre descent through the forest. Pretty cool, isn’t it?
Orienteering
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Rawpixel.com
To tell you the truth, we think it’s one of the best outdoor activities you can do at Le Lioran. It’s a sport that’s suitable for everyone, involving a circuit marked out by markers. The objective? Complete the route as quickly as possible, using a map and compass.
Three routes start from the Le Lioran resort. Maps are available directly from the resort tourist office. We recommend trying them out with friends or family for a fun-filled afternoon.
Paragliding
Photo credit: Facebook: Ambassade de France en Slovénie – F. de La Mure
So, how long are you going to wait before… taking to the skies? By paraglider, of course! A tandem flight can be organized during your stay. It’s one of the best outdoor activities you can do at Le Lioran. Access to the « déco » (take-off point) is simply by cable car.
All you have to do is join the pilot, a qualified instructor who will take the controls and give you an unforgettable experience in the middle of the clouds! The Massif Central reveals its entirety under your harness. Just make sure you don’t lose your cell phone while taking photos!
Fishing
Photo credit: Facebook – Le Lioran – Official page
For us, this outdoor activity at Le Lioran is a must. The estate and surrounding area are brimming with water courses and water features. Lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and all with fish in them! Carp, trout and pike are legion in the area.
Of course, you’ll need a valid fishing license to cast your cork in natural areas. As for equipment, it can be hired directly from the sports agencies in the resort center. There’s no better way to cool off.
Cani-kart
Photo credit: Shutterstock – kiin
If the destination appeals to you, we suggest you take up cani-karting. What does it mean? A cani-kart is a sled pulled by dogs… except that it doesn’t slide on snow. It has wheels, so you can enjoy this outdoor activity at Le Lioran in summer. Tours are organized throughout the summer season.
Don’t worry, it’s very easy to drive! And don’t you think it’s a good idea to take a relaxed tour of the bucolic undergrowth of this pearl of the Cantal region? Suitable for a wide audience, this activity is sure to delight even the youngest visitors.
Tree climbing
Photo credit: Facebook – Lioran Aventure
Looking for some height? You can enjoy one of the best outdoor activities at Le Lioran! The green jungle at Le Lioran has no fewer than nine courses accessible to everyone aged 3 and over. The great thing about summer is that you can be sure of spending a pleasant day in the shade.
Levels of difficulty can be selected according to your physical condition or simply your desires. Our advice? Try the Quick Jump! You’ll have to jump into the void from a height of 10 meters. Thrills and spills guaranteed!
Trail
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Elisabeth Holm
Hiking is fun, that’s for sure. A bit boring, perhaps? Try trail running! The idea is to cover the resort’s hiking trails in short strides. If trail running is one of the best outdoor activities you can do at Le Lioran, it’s because it lets you admire the scenery while taking care of your body.
If you like a challenge, you can time yourself on the ascent of the Plomb du Cantal from Le Lioran. 6 km and 680 m of ascent to be completed as quickly as possible using an app and DéfiTrail markers positioned along the route. A real sporting challenge!
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Photo credit: Facebook – Le Lioran – Official page
If it’s one of the best outdoor activities to do at Le Lioran, it’s first and foremost for the beauty of the place. And because mountain biking is king here! From trekking to downhill and enduro, kilometers of marked trails await you. What’s more, seven trails of varying levels are available for thrill-seekers.
The little extra? Two lifts run every day from June to September, so you can save your energy. All you have to do is go down – more or less quickly, that’s for sure…
Winter
Nordic skiing
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mikadun
And why not take advantage of this outdoor activity at Le Lioran, one of the best in the region? Le Lioran has 20 kilometers of cross-country trails from the resort and 55 km from the Col de Prat de Bouc. The Nordic ski area has nothing to envy the best in the Alps!
The groomed trails are ideal for skating, a technique that can be admired at the Winter Olympics. Groomed, signposted and safe, the variety of trails is perfect for beginners, advanced skiers and even those preparing for the world championships?
Icefall
Photo credit: Shutterstock – MID4552
It’s a thing of beauty! Icefalls are formed by waterfalls made icy by the biting winter cold. Ice climbing is one of the best outdoor activities at Le Lioran. A small, ten-metre waterfall freezes there from January to February. Although modest in size, it’s an ideal introduction to ice climbing.
Crampons, ice axes and harnesses are provided by the instructors, who organize one-hour courses during the winter. Don’t forget to get your picture taken!
Sled
Photo credit: Shutterstock – TravnikovStudio
Youhou! Tobogganing is undoubtedly the favorite winter activity. With its three runs, it’s one of the best outdoor activities at Le Lioran. Normally, it’s a family activity, but if you want to go head-to-head with your friends, you’re more than welcome to join in!
The one in the center of the resort has a conveyor belt for effortless ascent. Sledges are available for hire at the resort center.
Night skiing
Photo credit: Facebook – Le Lioran – Official page
Many visitors have made no mistake: this outdoor activity is one of the best you can do at Le Lioran. Night skiing takes place on Mondays and Thursdays during the school vacations, until 8.30pm. Two slopes are lit right in the heart of the ski area: one green and one red.
The beauty of the starlit skies and the unreal feel of night skiing are what make night skiing so appealing. If you’re visiting Le Lioran during the vacations, don’t hesitate to extend the pleasure.
Ski joëring
Credit: Shutterstock – Edgar G Biehle
Ski joëring? Well, it’s simply one of the best outdoor activities you can do at Le Lioran, that’s for sure. The idea is to let yourself be pulled, on skis, by a horse (which doesn’t have one, in case you were wondering). Rides are organized on certain trails normally reserved for cross-country skiing.
One variant is particularly suitable for toddlers: pony sledging, based on the same principle. A great opportunity to vary the pleasures, don’t you think?
Snowmobile
Photo credit: Facebook – Le Lioran – Official page
Vroom-vroom! You’ll follow an experienced instructor on a lovely night-time ride illuminated by the light of headlamps. Your motorized excursion will take you to the Buron du Baguet, at an altitude of 1,400 meters.
Three departures take place daily in winter: at 6pm, 7pm or 8pm. In the latter case, you’ll be treated to a succulent authentic meal in a high-altitude chalet. The cold digs in!
Snowshoe trekking
Photo credit: Shutterstock – zhukovvlad
Here’s one of the best outdoor activities at Le Lioran, selected for you by Generation Voyage. Isn’t snowshoeing the easiest way to explore this beautiful area? There are several routes between Le Lioran and the Col de Serre, offering beautiful panoramic views of the Cantal mountains.
The icing on the cake: no special technique is required. You can treat yourself to a snowshoe outing for as little as €15! Enjoy the ride!