The best traffic-free bike rides around Grandrif

There are 6 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails listed around Grandrif, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult, all designed to keep you away from vehicular traffic.

Grandrif, nestled within the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park, offers diverse terrain ideal for gravel biking. You'll encounter hilly and mountainous sections, extensive forest tracks, picturesque valleys, and high-altitude plateaus like Les Hautes-Chaumes. The trails feature a mix of rustic roads, small unpaved paths, and rolling gravel, ensuring varied surfaces away from traffic.

While all listed routes are suitable for gravel bikes, their difficulty ranges from moderate to difficult. For a moderately challenging ride with beautiful scenery, consider the Col des Supeyres – Pradeaux dam loop from Col des Supeyres, which covers just over 19 km with manageable elevation.

Many routes offer stunning views and pass by interesting points. The Col des Supeyres is a prominent mountain pass offering expansive vistas and is featured on several tours, including the Plateau du Livradois-Forez – Col des Supeyres loop. You might also encounter the Jasserie du Coq Noir, a traditional hut, or the Grande Pierre Bazanne summit.

Yes, all the no-traffic gravel bike routes listed for Grandrif are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Château de Viverols loop from Viverols offers a 25 km ride with significant elevation gain, starting and ending in Viverols.

The Livradois-Forez region is excellent for outdoor activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes, making them ideal for gravel biking. Summer can also be great, especially in the shaded forest sections, though some higher plateaus might be more exposed. Winter riding is possible but requires appropriate gear for potentially colder and wetter conditions.

The region has charming villages and towns where you can find amenities. Routes starting from Ambert, such as the Ambert – Saint-Jean Church loop, will have access to cafes and pubs in the town. For routes in more remote areas, it's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, as services might be less frequent.

While this guide focuses on local no-traffic routes, the broader Livradois-Forez region is part of the Grande Traversée du Massif Central Gravel (GTMC Gravel). This significant route offers a less technical, 100% gravel-compatible version of its mountain bike counterpart, providing extensive long-distance gravel adventures that utilize the region's forest tracks and small roads.

The elevation gains vary significantly across the routes, reflecting the hilly and mountainous nature of the Livradois-Forez. For instance, the Château de Viverols loop features over 500 meters of ascent, while the Saint-Jean Church, Ambert – Departure from Ambert loop has around 300 meters of climbing over a shorter distance.

Routes often start from towns or well-known points like mountain passes, where parking is typically available. For example, routes like the Plateau du Livradois-Forez – Col des Supeyres loop begin from the Col des Supeyres, which is a common starting point for outdoor activities. Routes from Ambert or Viverols also offer parking options within the towns.

Gravel bikers frequently praise the quiet, car-free nature of the trails, allowing for an immersive experience in the natural beauty of the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park. The diverse landscapes, from deep forests to high plateaus, and the mix of rustic roads and unpaved paths are often highlighted as key attractions.