The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Étienne-Aux-Clos

There are 20 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes detailed in this guide for the Saint-Étienne-Aux-Clos area. These routes allow you to explore the beautiful, unspoiled landscapes of the Plateau de Millevaches with minimal vehicle interference.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Étienne-Aux-Clos are generally challenging, reflecting the hilly terrain of the Plateau de Millevaches. This guide features 8 moderate routes and 12 difficult routes, with significant elevation gains. For example, the Bort-les-Orgues Dam – Road to "les orgues loop from Ancien prieuré de Port-Dieu" is classified as difficult, covering over 63 km with more than 1300 meters of ascent.

While many routes in this guide are moderate to difficult due to the region's hilly nature, the focus on 'no traffic' ensures a safer and more pleasant environment for families. For a slightly shorter, moderate option, consider the Les Roches loop from Saint-Exupéry-les-Roches, which is 22.7 km long with 362 meters of elevation gain, offering a good balance for active families.

You can expect varied and often hilly terrain, characteristic of the Plateau de Millevaches. Routes will take you through heavily wooded areas, past numerous lakes and peat bogs, and along the Chavanon river. The region's natural beauty means you'll encounter both ascents and descents, providing a rewarding cycling experience away from main roads.

The region is rich in natural beauty. Along various routes, you might encounter the Confluence of the Dordogne and the Arpiat, offering picturesque river views. You can also find viewpoints like the View of Lake Bort with Bench, perfect for a scenic break. The broader Plateau de Millevaches is known for its peat bogs and wild landscapes.

Yes, some routes pass by historical sites. For instance, the Ussel church loop from Ussel will take you near the historic Ussel church. The region also has Gallo-Roman ruins, such as those at Les Cars, which can be explored as part of longer cycling circuits in the Millevaches regional natural park.

The best time to visit for touring cycling is typically from spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally milder and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant. The wooded and hilly terrain provides pleasant shade in summer, while spring and autumn offer beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures for longer rides.

Yes, many of the no-traffic routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Ussel church – Les Roches loop from Ussel, which is a substantial 63.8 km, or the shorter Lake Ponty – Ussel church loop from Ussel at 27.3 km.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4 stars from 19 ratings. Reviewers often praise the region's unspoiled nature, the quiet roads perfect for touring, and the challenging yet rewarding hilly landscapes of the Plateau de Millevaches. The sense of tranquility and immersion in nature on these no-traffic routes is a frequently highlighted aspect.

Saint-Étienne-Aux-Clos is a rural commune within the Corrèze department. While direct public transport links to specific trailheads might be limited, major towns in the region, such as Ussel, may offer more connections. It's advisable to check regional bus services or train connections to larger hubs and plan your cycling route from there, or consider driving to a starting point with parking.

Generally, no specific permits are required for cycling on public roads or designated cycling paths in the Corrèze department. However, if any route passes through private land or a highly protected natural reserve, always look for signage indicating specific rules or restrictions. The routes in this guide are selected for public access.