Lake Pavin – Col de la Geneste (1372 m) loop from Besse
Lake Pavin – Col de la Geneste (1372 m) loop from Besse
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143
riders
Lake Pavin – Col de la Geneste (1372 m) loop from Besse
02:04
39.0km
660m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Tips
Temporary access restrictions
Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.
After 4.82 km for 992 m
Closed: • during snow conditions (otherwise open)
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
349 m
Besse
Highlight • Settlement
Adorned with battlements and topped with a clock, the gate dates from the Hundred Years War.
The gate is an essential historic passage on the long-distance hiking trails that criss-cross the region.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
705 m
Historic Center of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.04 km
Bois de Tailladis
Forest
5.34 km
Lake Pavin
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
16.2 km
Ravel
Highlight • Settlement
The Sancy massif was at the time the limit of the Arvern country. In 870, the lord of Entraigues built the castle of Ravel which played an important role during the Hundred Years' War. Deserters from the English army of Robert Knolles beaten in the battle northeast of Besse-en-Chandesse came to take refuge there in 1354.
The Château de Ravel was better known as the Château de la Reine Margot. Marguerite de Valois, in disgrace, stayed there and it was long claimed that she devoured children there. It was in 1624 that Cardinal Richelieu gave the order to destroy the castle.
Today, only a few ruins remain, the revolution of 1789 having completed its demolition.
In 1782, the town had no school, charity establishment or brotherhood. The priest was appointed by the chapter of Vic-le-Comte.
From 1790 to 1800, Picherande was part of the canton of Egliseneuve d'Entraigues, abolished under the consulate.
In the 19th century, Picherande was characterized by rural exodus, young people moving to the city: Clermont-Ferrand and Paris in particular.
Today, the Château de Ravel is getting a second lease of life, thanks to the CHAZAL family who have been renovating the building since 2009 in the hope of making it habitable. The future 700 m² of living space overlooks the surrounding hills and offers a panorama that is as peaceful as it is unique.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
26.3 km
Col de la Geneste (1372 m)
Highlight • Mountain Pass
33.1 km
Super-Besse Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Translated by Google •
Tip by
39.0 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
36.5 km
2.50 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
38.1 km
292 m
274 m
250 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,360 m)
Lowest point (1,030 m)
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Weather
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Tuesday 19 May
19°C
8°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.