The best cycling routes around Saint-Alyre-Ès-Montagne

There are over 45 touring cycling routes available around Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences through the Cézallier massif and the Natural Regional Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne.

You can expect a varied terrain, including good tracks, country roads, and volcanic paths. The region is characterized by high summer pastures, volcanic landscapes, and the rounded slopes of the Cézallier massif, with altitudes often exceeding 1,400 meters.

While many routes are challenging, there are options for different ability levels. The Cézallier area features gentler, more rounded slopes, and there is at least one easy touring cycling route available. For example, the Col de Chamaroux – La Godivelle loop from Boutaresse, though rated difficult, offers a manageable distance for experienced riders looking for a less strenuous option compared to longer routes.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can encounter volcanic lakes like Lac de Bourdouze, Lac Pavin, and Montcineyre Lake. The area also features protected peat bogs, high summer pastures, and offers views of mountains such as Mont Chamaroux and the Signal du Luguet. You might also pass by the feudal mound of La Motte de Brion, which provides panoramic views.

Yes, several touring cycling routes will take you past volcanic lakes. The Lake Montcineyre – La Godivelle loop from Le Fraud, for instance, traverses volcanic landscapes and offers views of Lac Montcineyre and the unique ecosystem around La Godivelle, known for its two volcanic lakes and peat bogs.

Yes, the region features several beautiful waterfalls. The magnificent Saillant Waterfall, where the Bonjon stream flows over natural 'organs,' is a notable sight. Other waterfalls like Entraigues Waterfall and Bois de Chaux Waterfall are also in the vicinity and can be incorporated into your cycling plans.

The touring cycling routes in Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning volcanic landscapes, the quiet country roads, and the diverse terrain that makes for an engaging experience.

The region is best enjoyed during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early autumn, when the high summer pastures are vibrant and the weather is most favorable for cycling. While Lac de Bourdouze offers picturesque views year-round, including freezing in winter, the extensive network of routes is most accessible outside of the colder, potentially snowy periods.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne are designed as loops. Examples include the Col de Vestizoux – La Godivelle loop from Parrot and the Ascent to Col de Chamaroux – La Godivelle loop from Cascade du Saillant, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne and the surrounding villages, such as La Godivelle, offer various accommodation options. As the region is part of the Grande Traversée du Massif Central (GTMC) cycling route, you can find gîtes, chambres d'hôtes, and other cyclist-friendly lodgings. It's advisable to check local listings for specific amenities like secure bike storage.

Yes, Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne is notably situated on the Grande Traversée du Massif Central (GTMC), a renowned mountain biking route. One stage of this route spans over 40 km from Murol to Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne, offering magnificent views of volcanic lakes and high summer pastures. Another stage continues from Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne towards Chalinargues, involving a climb to the Col du Mont Chamaroux pass. You can find more details on these stages via Murol to Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne and Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne to Chalinargues.

Many routes in Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne are rated as difficult due to significant elevation gains. For example, the Chamaroux Pass – Allanche loop from Cascade du Saillant involves substantial climbing, as does the Col de Vestizoux – La Godivelle loop from Parrot, which includes over 1,100 meters of elevation gain through the Cézallier massif.