The best traffic-free bike rides around La Tour-D'Auvergne

This guide features 6 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around La Tour-D'Auvergne, offering a range of experiences for different skill levels.

The trails primarily traverse the diverse volcanic landscapes of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne. You'll encounter a mix of well-maintained gravel tracks, low-traffic roads, and paths through forests, valleys, and around serene lakes. Expect varied elevation changes, typical of a volcanic region.

Yes, for those seeking a less strenuous ride, the Lac Chauvet loop from Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne is rated as easy. It's a shorter route, perfect for beginners or a relaxed outing.

For a significant challenge, consider the Lake Servières – Lake Servières loop from Rocher de l'Aigle, which covers over 80 km with substantial elevation gain. Other difficult options include the Charlannes Waterfall – The Dordogne at La Bourboule loop from La Sagne-Haute and the Besse – Lake Estivadoux loop from Super Besse.

Many routes offer stunning views of the volcanic terrain and natural features. You might encounter impressive waterfalls like the Grande Cascade of Mont-Dore or the Voissières Waterfall. The region is also known for its mountain passes, such as Courre Pass, and picturesque lakes like Lac de La Tour-d'Auvergne, Lac de Guéry, and Lac Pavin.

Yes, most of the routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Lac Chauvet loop and the Chaudefour Valley – Lac Chambon loop.

The region is excellent for gravel biking from spring through autumn. Summer offers warm weather perfect for enjoying the lakes, while spring and autumn provide vibrant colors and cooler temperatures. Winter can be challenging due to snow, especially at higher elevations, but Nordic areas like La Stèle offer cross-country skiing and snowshoeing instead.

La Tour-D'Auvergne itself offers amenities, and the proximity to spa towns like Mont-Dore and La Bourboule means there are various options for refreshments and accommodation. Many routes pass through or near villages where you can find local establishments.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.875 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the routes, the stunning volcanic scenery, and the extensive network of low-traffic roads and gravel tracks that make for an ideal gravel riding experience.

While specific public transport links directly to trailheads might be limited, La Tour-D'Auvergne and nearby towns like Mont-Dore and La Bourboule are generally accessible by regional bus services. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information on reaching your desired starting points.

Absolutely. The Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne is rich in biodiversity. Cycling through its forests, valleys, and open landscapes provides excellent opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna, especially in the quieter, no-traffic sections of the trails.