The best cycling routes around Pulvérières

There are over 150 touring cycling routes around Pulvérières, offering a wide range of options for exploring the unique volcanic landscapes of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne.

The terrain around Pulvérières is primarily shaped by its volcanic origins, featuring rolling hills, deep forests, open plateaus, and serene valleys. You'll encounter numerous volcanic peaks, known as 'puys,' which provide both challenging ascents and scenic descents. The region is also known for its 'poetic country lanes' and wooded areas.

The routes in Pulvérières cater to various abilities. While there are a few easy routes, the majority are moderate (around 50 routes) to difficult (over 90 routes), reflecting the volcanic and hilly nature of the region. This means experienced cyclists will find plenty of challenging options.

Yes, Pulvérières offers many challenging routes. For example, the View of Clermont-Ferrand – Montchany loop from Volvic is a difficult 25.2-mile (40.6 km) path with significant elevation gain, providing expansive views towards Clermont-Ferrand. Another demanding option is the Fountain loop from Volvic, covering 44 km with over 800 meters of ascent.

The region is rich in natural landmarks due to its volcanic history. You can explore various 'puys' like Puy de Jumes or Puy des Gouttes, which offer exceptional views. The The Traversin Plateau is another notable viewpoint. The Étang Grand (Grand Pond of Pulvérières) is a protected wetland and an ecological haven, perfect for a picturesque stop.

Beyond the natural beauty, touring cyclists can incorporate visits to nearby attractions. These include the Cave of the Volvic stone, the Volcano Park of Lemptégy, and the historic Château de Tournoël. Within Pulvérières, you can find the arboretum with its lava stone sculpture 'Compresser' and the 'Mémoire et Résistance' space in Espinasse for cultural pauses.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in the area are loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. A popular example is the Ceyssat Pass – View of Puy de Côme loop from Volvic, a 31.5-mile (50.7 km) trail offering views of volcanic peaks. Another is the View of Puy de Côme loop from Saint-Ours, leading through diverse volcanic landscapes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 70 reviews. Reviewers often praise the unique volcanic terrain, the blend of challenging ascents and scenic descents, and the diverse natural features found within the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne.

Yes, the volcanic topography around Pulvérières, including peaks like Puy des Gouttes, offers exceptional views of the iconic Puy de Dôme. Many routes traverse areas where you can enjoy these panoramic vistas of the UNESCO World Heritage site Chaîne des Puys - Faille de Limagne.

Yes, some routes will bring you close to the notable features of Puy Pariou. You can find highlights such as the Puy Pariou Staircase and the Puy Pariou summit and crater, which are popular points of interest in the area.

For those looking to explore the southern part of the Puys chain, the Puy de Verrières – South Puy de la Baneyre loop from Volvic is a challenging option. This 37.8 km route offers a significant elevation gain and takes you through this distinctive volcanic landscape.