161 - Péchay loop (waymark no. 10)
Start: Costaros
A short loop on the plateau, ideal for a family outing. The tracks are easy and smooth-rolling, all in a natural setting with contrasting colours depending on the season.
- Distance
- 5.2 km
- Elevation gain
- +70 m
- Elevation loss
- -70 m
- Duration
- 30 min
Route on the map
Base map © OpenTopoMap (CC-BY-SA): route licensed under ETALAB-2.0 via Données : Comité Départemental Randonnée Pédestre Haute-Loire · FFRandonnée · sportsnature.hauteloire.fr — sous licence ETALAB 2.0.
The feel of the route
The Péchay maar: This lake is in fact a maar crater. It formed when molten magma rising towards the surface met the water table: under the effect of the heat, some of the groundwater turns to steam, causing a build-up of pressure; the rock above then forms a plug that blows out violently, leaving a crater, usually round, that slowly fills with water, often stagnant and favourable to the formation of a marsh that, as it dries out, can turn into a peat bog. Close to the village of Costaros, it delights strollers looking for a peaceful corner of nature and anglers who can quietly indulge their passion.
Other hikes in the area
Other activity
Mountain biking
Mountain biking