4.6
(89)
528
riders
92
rides
Mountain biking around Cayres offers diverse terrain across the volcanic Plateau du Devès in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The area features moderate high mountains and hills, providing varied inclines and descents suitable for mountain bike trails. Key natural features include the Lac du Bouchet, a volcanic crater lake, and proximity to the gorges of the Loire and Allier rivers. This landscape provides a mix of challenging climbs, scenic routes, and engaging singletrack.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
4.8
(12)
87
riders
45.6km
02:52
480m
480m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
38.9km
03:17
690m
690m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.4
(7)
15
riders
21.0km
01:43
420m
420m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.5
(2)
7
riders
39.4km
03:42
1,020m
1,020m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(2)
8
riders
50.7km
04:46
1,200m
1,200m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Sublime view over the valley
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Very pleasant, shaded, a restaurant, swimming possible all around the lake
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The Beaume waterfall is a unique place! This 27 meter high waterfall is the result of erosion: the waters of the Ourzie river cut into the basalt of the plateau and spring from the top of the cliff to then give rise to the Beaume, a tributary of the Loire.
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The Velay greenway follows the old railway line from Puy-en-Velay to Langogne. Leaving the town, the route runs along the Loire and offers beautiful views of the river.
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It's a real pleasure to ride a mountain bike on this greenway, no stones, no bumps, no holes and the landscape is truly magnificent.
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Arlempdes Castle is the first fortress built on the banks of the Loire. Built on a rocky peak, this 13th century construction is a jewel of Velay. The castle has been included on the list of historic monuments since 1926. During the summer, it is possible to visit it through ASACHAR (Association for the Protection and Animation of Arlempdes Castle).
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There are over 80 mountain bike trails around Cayres, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find 17 easy routes, 52 moderate routes, and 15 difficult routes to explore the volcanic landscapes of the Plateau du Devès.
The terrain around Cayres is characterized by the volcanic Plateau du Devès, featuring moderate high mountains and hills. This provides a mix of challenging climbs, varied inclines, descents, and scenic routes, often including engaging singletrack. You'll encounter diverse landscapes from agricultural areas to routes around volcanic crater lakes.
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails around Cayres are circular. For example, you can enjoy the Lake Bouchet loop from Cayres, a moderate 40.9 km path that circles the beautiful volcanic crater lake. Another option is the Old bridge of Brives (ruins) – Voie verte du Velay loop from Costaros, a 58 km moderate trail offering historical interest and scenic paths.
Cayres is rich in natural beauty. Many routes will take you past the stunning Lake Bouchet, a volcanic crater lake. You might also encounter the impressive Beaume Waterfall. The region is also close to the gorges of the Loire and Allier rivers, offering dramatic scenery.
While many routes are moderate, there are 17 easy mountain bike trails around Cayres that could be suitable for families. These trails generally feature less elevation gain and shorter distances, allowing for a more relaxed experience. Always check the specific route details on komoot for suitability for your family's skill level.
The mountain bike trails in Cayres are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 80 reviews. More than 500 mountain bikers have explored the area using komoot, often praising the diverse volcanic terrain, scenic views, and the variety of routes available for different abilities.
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region generally offers good conditions for mountain biking from spring through autumn. The moderate high mountains and hills mean that summer can be pleasant, while spring and autumn provide cooler temperatures and vibrant landscapes. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, especially for higher elevations.
Yes, you can find mountain bike routes that include waterfalls. For instance, the moderate Beaume Waterfall – Lake Bouchet loop from Cayres is a 39.4 km trail that will take you past the beautiful Beaume Waterfall, combining natural beauty with a rewarding ride.
While specific parking locations are often detailed within individual komoot tours, many trailheads around Cayres and nearby villages like Costaros or Séneujols will have designated parking areas. For routes like the Beautiful view – Voie verte du Velay loop from Séneujols, starting points in or near the villages typically offer convenient access for vehicles.
With over 80 trails, you can often find less crowded options, especially outside of peak season or by exploring some of the lesser-known routes. While popular trails like those around Lake Bouchet attract many, the extensive network across the Plateau du Devès means there are plenty of opportunities to find quieter paths and enjoy the solitude of the volcanic landscapes.
Absolutely. The volcanic Plateau du Devès and the moderate high mountains around Cayres provide numerous viewpoints. Trails like the Beautiful view – Voie verte du Velay loop from Séneujols are named for their scenic vistas, offering panoramic perspectives of the varied landscapes, including agricultural areas and distant hills.
Yes, if you're looking for a shorter ride around the volcanic crater lake, consider the Lake Bouchet – Lac du Bouchet loop from Cayres. This moderate trail is approximately 23.6 km long, offering a more compact way to experience the beauty of the lake compared to longer loops.


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