The best road cycling routes around Crandelles

There are over 280 road cycling routes around Crandelles, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored more than 5,600 of these routes.

Road cycling around Crandelles features diverse landscapes, oscillating between hills and plains. You can expect rolling, verdant hills and uncrowded country lanes. The region's volcanic and mountainous terrain provides a mix of challenging ascents and gentler stretches, often with beautiful views of the Auvergne Volcano chain and the Chaîne des Puys.

Yes, Crandelles offers several routes suitable for beginners. There are 20 easy-rated road cycling routes available, providing a gentler introduction to the region's beautiful landscapes.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Crandelles has 124 difficult-rated road cycling routes. These routes often feature significant elevation changes, such as the Le Mur de la Déboulade – Col de la Croix de Cheules loop from Saint-Paul-des-Landes, which includes over 1,000 meters of elevation gain.

Route lengths vary, but many popular routes are between 40 to 45 kilometers. For example, the Saint-Étienne Castle – Aurillac loop from Saint-Paul-des-Landes is 42.1 km and takes about 1 hour 55 minutes, while the Laroquebrou – Our Lady of Laroquebrou loop from Saint-Paul-des-Landes is 45.3 km and typically takes around 2 hours 15 minutes.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Crandelles are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Our Lady of Laroquebrou – Côte de Saint-Santin loop from Saint-Paul-des-Landes and the Roadbike loop from Crandelles.

Beyond the scenic views of the Auvergne Volcano chain, you can explore various attractions. Notable points of interest include the Himalayan suspension bridge at Lake Cantalès, the charming town of Aurillac, and the historic Fabrègues Castle. Many routes also offer viewpoints over natural features like Lake St-Étienne-Cantalès.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse landscapes, the mix of challenging climbs and gentler stretches, and the generally uncrowded country roads that offer tranquility and safety away from heavy traffic.

The 'douceur et verdure des paysages auvergnats' (softness and greenery of Auvergne landscapes) make for pleasant rides, particularly during spring and summer when the weather is generally mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant. The uncrowded roads are a year-round advantage, but warmer months are ideal for enjoying the full beauty of the region.

While many routes involve elevation changes, the presence of 20 easy-rated routes suggests options that could be suitable for families or those looking for less strenuous rides. These routes often traverse gentler plains and picturesque country lanes, providing a pleasant experience for all.

The region features charming small villages, and routes often pass through or near towns like Aurillac, where you can find local amenities including cafes, pubs, and accommodation. The Plan d'eau des Genévrières in Crandelles itself also offers an area for relaxation.