Puy de Peyre-Arse, Volcanic peak in Cantal, France

Puy de Peyre-Arse is a volcanic peak in Cantal, located in the heart of the Massif Central mountain range. The summit features sheer rocky cliffs and overlooks several surrounding valleys.

Puy de Peyre-Arse is built of two trachyandesite lava flows dated to 7.8 million years ago, which cap the summit as a small cliff. These flows rest on lahars made of ash and pumice, layers now exposed on the upper slopes.

The name comes from the Auvergnat language and refers to the dark volcanic rocks that define the landscape. Local people view this peak as part of their region's volcanic heritage.

Hikers can reach the summit via the GR 4 trail that runs along the ridge connecting nearby peaks. An alternative starting point is available at Col de Cabre if you prefer a different approach to the mountain.

Until the late 19th century the summit was written Peyrarche, from peyra archa, "arched stone": seen from the east, its two points form an arc of a circle. The summit cliff is made of two trachyandesite flows, 7.8 million years old, resting on lahars of ash and pumice.