The best cycling routes in Cantal

Cantal offers a wide array of touring cycling routes, with over 1,100 options available. These routes traverse the region's diverse volcanic landscapes, from challenging mountain passes to more gentle rides through valleys and plateaus.

The touring cycling routes in Cantal cater to various skill levels. While the region is known for its challenging volcanic terrain, featuring significant elevation changes, you can find options ranging from easy to difficult. Approximately 50 routes are considered easy, over 300 are moderate, and more than 750 are difficult, offering something for every cyclist.

Cantal's terrain is largely shaped by its ancient volcanic past, offering a dramatic and varied cycling experience. You'll encounter high plateaus like the Cézallier, deep U-shaped valleys carved by glaciers, and imposing peaks within the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Park. Routes often feature winding roads, challenging climbs, and scenic descents through lush landscapes.

The optimal time for touring cycling in Cantal is generally from mid-May to mid-November. This period avoids the harsher winter conditions and allows access to higher altitude passes like the Col de Pas de Peyrol, which can be closed due to snow outside these months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides warmer weather for exploring.

Yes, Cantal is rich in natural landmarks and offers numerous breathtaking viewpoints. Cyclists can encounter iconic summits such as Puy Mary Summit and Plomb du Cantal, as well as famous mountain passes like Pas de Peyrol Pass (1,589 m). These locations provide panoramic views of the volcanic landscapes and deep valleys.

Yes, Cantal offers several easy routes suitable for families or those seeking a more relaxed ride. For instance, the Narse de Lascols et Monts du Cantal — loop in the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park is an easy 19 km loop. Another great option is the Sumène-Artense Greenway Loop, which is also classified as easy and covers about 21 km.

Many touring cycling routes in Cantal are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Tour of Lake Saint-Étienne-Cantalès, the Natural reserve of the Jolan peat bogs — loop in the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park, and the Aurillac and the crest road - loop.

For those seeking a multi-day adventure, Cantal is home to the Grande Traversée du Volcan à vélo, an extensive bike touring journey through the Monts du Cantal. This challenging route, totaling 172 kilometers with significant elevation gain, is typically divided into multiple stages. Several longer routes are also available, such as the Villages of Haut Cantal — loop in the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park, which covers over 61 km.

The touring cycling routes in Cantal are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 600 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's dramatic volcanic landscapes, the variety of terrain, and the opportunity to explore charming villages and natural parks. The well-maintained roads and paths through expansive high plateaus and deep river valleys are often highlighted as key attractions.

Yes, Cantal's high plateaus offer unique cycling experiences. The Pays de Saint-Flour RBX Trail is a challenging route that explores the high plateaus and valleys around Saint-Flour, featuring significant elevation changes. The Cézallier plateau also provides serene cycling through high-altitude pastureland.

Cantal has a strong cycling legacy, having been featured in stages of the Tour de France. While specific event listings are beyond the scope of this guide, you can often find information on local cycling events and organized tours through regional tourism websites. For inspiration on routes that follow in the footsteps of professional riders, you might consult resources like hautesterrestourisme.fr.

Many routes in Cantal offer the chance to cycle through or near charming villages. Notable routes often pass through or near picturesque villages such as Salers, Aurillac, Mandailles, Maurs, and Saint-Flour. These villages provide opportunities for breaks, local specialties, and accommodation. For example, the Laroquebrou Medieval Village — Cère G route takes you past a historic settlement.