The best road cycling routes around Charbonnières-Les-Varennes

There are over 370 road cycling routes in the Charbonnières-Les-Varennes area. This includes a diverse range of options, with 61 easy routes, 234 moderate routes, and 75 difficult routes to choose from.

Yes, Charbonnières-Les-Varennes offers 61 easy road cycling routes. These routes typically feature rolling hills and less demanding climbs, making them suitable for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. Many of these routes offer scenic views without excessive elevation gain.

For longer road cycling tours, consider routes that explore the wider region. An example is The Puits Qui Bout Trail – Beauregard Vendon church loop from Moulet Marcenat, which covers 32.2 miles (51.9 km) with significant elevation gain, offering a challenging and extended ride.

The region around Charbonnières-Les-Varennes, being close to the Chaîne des Puys, offers 75 difficult road cycling routes with substantial climbs. Routes like The Puits Qui Bout Trail – Beauregard Vendon church loop from Moulet Marcenat feature over 900 meters of elevation gain, providing a demanding experience for advanced cyclists.

Many of the road cycling routes around Charbonnières-Les-Varennes are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Chapelle Saint-Aubin – View of the Puy de Dome loop from Moulet Marcenat and the Étang Grand loop from Moulet Marcenat.

Road cycling routes in Charbonnières-Les-Varennes offer diverse scenery, characterized by rolling hills, volcanic formations, and tranquil lakes. You can expect views of the iconic Puy de Dôme, as well as rides through valleys and past large ponds, such as those found on the Étang Grand loop from Moulet Marcenat.

While cycling, you can explore various natural landmarks. Notable natural monuments in the wider area include the Puy Pariou Staircase, the Puy Pariou summit and crater, and the Traversin Plateau, offering stunning views of the volcanic landscape.

Yes, the region is rich in history. You can find several castles and historical sites nearby, such as the impressive Château de Tournoël, Chazeron Castle, and the historic town of Pontgibaud. These can make for interesting stops during your cycling tours.

The road cycling experience in Charbonnières-Les-Varennes is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 190 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the varied terrain, which offers a good mix of challenging climbs and scenic stretches, as well as the beautiful views of volcanic hills and tranquil lakes.

While specific traffic levels can vary, many routes in the region utilize smaller departmental roads or quieter country lanes, especially those that venture into the more rural parts of the Chaîne des Puys. Routes starting from smaller villages like Moulet Marcenat often provide a more serene cycling experience away from major thoroughfares.

A popular moderate route is the Col du Boulhat loop from Moulet Marcenat. This 35.9 km route features around 500 meters of elevation gain, offering a balanced challenge and scenic views without being overly strenuous.