The best traffic-free bike rides in Volcans D'Auvergne

The Volcans D'Auvergne region offers a wide selection of car-free gravel bike trails, with over 90 routes available. These range from moderate to difficult, ensuring options for various skill levels.

You can expect a dynamic and engaging ride due to the region's volcanic landscape. Trails feature a mix of surfaces, from smooth gravel and dirt tracks to unpaved and sometimes technical segments. The terrain often includes virtually non-stop ups and downs, providing significant elevation gains.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes in Volcans D'Auvergne are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. An example is the challenging Lake Servières – Lake Chambon loop from Aurières, which covers nearly 59 km with over 1200 meters of elevation gain.

The region is rich in natural beauty and offers stunning views. You can ride past volcanic formations, picturesque valleys, and charming villages. For panoramic vistas, consider a route like the View of the Puy de Dôme loop from Les Maisons Rouges. The Puy de Dôme itself offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Chaîne des Puys.

Absolutely. The Volcans D'Auvergne region is dotted with volcanic lakes and impressive waterfalls. You could explore the Charlannes Waterfall – The Dordogne at La Bourboule loop from La Sagne-Haute, which takes you past a beautiful waterfall. Many routes also pass by volcanic lakes such as Lac Pavin, Lac Chambon, and Lac d'Aydat.

The best time to visit for gravel biking is generally from spring to autumn. During these seasons, the weather is more favorable, and the trails are typically in good condition. While some trails might be accessible in winter, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially challenging conditions, especially at higher elevations.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Volcans D'Auvergne, with an average score of 4.4 stars from 95 ratings. Riders often praise the stunning volcanic landscapes, the sense of immersion in nature on quiet roads, and the diverse terrain that offers both challenging climbs and rewarding descents.

Yes, while many routes are challenging, there are moderate options available. For instance, the Puy de la Vache – Gravel between the puys loop from Aydat is a moderate 31.7 km route with around 440 meters of elevation gain, offering a great way to experience the volcanic scenery without extreme difficulty.

Yes, the region offers several interesting natural attractions. You can find various caves, such as the Jonas Caves or Clierzou Caves, which are fascinating geological sites. Additionally, the area is home to numerous mountain passes like the Courre Pass or the iconic Pas de Peyrol Pass, offering stunning views and challenging climbs.

Absolutely. The Puy de Dôme is a central feature of the region, and many gravel routes offer spectacular views of this iconic volcano. The Gravel between the puys – View of Puy de Dôme loop from Randanne is a moderate 41.4 km route specifically designed to showcase these impressive vistas.