The best road cycling routes around Besse

There are over 40 road cycling routes around Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, offering a diverse range of experiences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 20 reviews.

Road cycling around Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise offers stunning volcanic landscapes within the Parc naturel régional des volcans d'Auvergne. You'll encounter ancient volcanoes, picturesque lakes like Lac Pavin and Lac Chauvet, and varied topography, including challenging climbs and scenic loops.

Yes, the region is known for its challenging climbs. For instance, the ascent to Super Besse is a notable climb, featuring an average gradient of 6.4% over 1.5 miles, with some sections reaching 11.1%. Many routes, such as the Col de Saint-Georges (954 m) – Col de Légal loop from Saint-Martin-Valmeroux, also include significant elevation gains, making them suitable for advanced riders.

Absolutely. Many routes feature the beautiful volcanic lakes, such as Lac Pavin and Lac Chauvet, which are central to scenic loops. The historic village of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise itself, with its medieval architecture and belfry, provides a charming backdrop. The resort of Super Besse, located on the slopes of Puy de Sancy, is also a prominent feature on several routes.

The road cycling routes around Besse cater to moderate to difficult ability levels. Out of over 40 routes, 24 are classified as moderate and 18 as difficult, ensuring a good challenge for most road cyclists. There are no easy routes listed, indicating a focus on more active and experienced riders.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in the Besse area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Col de Saint-Georges (954 m) loop from L'Hopital and the Neronne Pass – Route du Puy Mary loop from Loupiac, which offer varied terrain and scenic views.

The warmer months are generally the best time for road cycling in Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise. While the region is a winter sports hub, the roads are clear of snow and ice in spring, summer, and autumn, providing ideal conditions to explore the volcanic landscapes and challenging climbs.

While there are no routes specifically classified as 'easy' in our current selection, active families with some cycling experience may find the moderate routes enjoyable. These routes typically involve significant elevation gains, so a good level of fitness is recommended. Always check the route details for distance and elevation before heading out.

You can typically find parking in the village of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise itself, which serves as a common starting point for many routes. Additionally, areas around Super Besse and other smaller villages that serve as route origins often have designated parking facilities for visitors.

The historic village of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise offers various cafes and restaurants where you can refuel. Many routes pass through or near other small towns and villages in the region, providing opportunities for refreshment stops. It's always a good idea to check opening times, especially in smaller, more remote locations.

When road cycling on paved roads within the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park, dogs are generally permitted, provided they are kept under control, ideally on a leash, and that you clean up after them. However, specific rules might apply to certain natural sites or protected areas, so it's always best to check local signage.

The duration of road cycling routes around Besse varies significantly based on distance, elevation, and your pace. Moderate routes, such as the Stone Archway and Balcony loop from Saint-Martin-Valmeroux (48.6 km with 595 m elevation), can take around 2 hours 20 minutes. More challenging routes, like the Roadbike loop from Saint-Martin-Valmeroux (28.9 km with 495 m elevation), might take closer to 1 hour 35 minutes, depending on the specific climb profiles.