4.6
(20)
71
riders
30
rides
Touring cycling around Montcombroux-Les-Mines offers routes through the diverse landscapes of the Allier department, characterized by wooded hills, bocages, and river valleys. The region features tranquil roads and varied terrain, including the Besbre Valley and proximity to the Loire River. Cyclists encounter rural settings and elevation changes, such as the climb to Puy Saint-Ambroise, a 437-meter summit. This topography provides a range of experiences from gentle rides to more challenging routes.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
2
riders
38.2km
02:25
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
67.4km
04:10
610m
610m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.6
(5)
14
riders
27.0km
01:42
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
11
riders
27.8km
01:56
440m
440m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
8
riders
24.2km
01:38
320m
320m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
A beautifully designed aquarium with Besbre fish. You walk through the outdoor pool and can feed the fish. The walk continues through an outdoor area with information panels. The final section provides further information, not only about the fish but also addresses environmental issues. The microscope exhibition is likely only temporary.
0
0
This medieval castle was built in the 12th century and served as the residence of King John II of France. You can admire the architecture of the castle which has retained some original windows and a Renaissance-style chapel with painted vaults. The castle is surrounded by fields and forests, providing a peaceful and natural setting for your hike.
3
0
This medieval castle is located on the banks of the Besbre. The castle dates from the 10th century and belonged to the noble family of Amboise, who also owned the famous Chateau de Chaumont in the Loire Valley. You can admire the architecture of the castle, which includes two round towers, a fortified gate and a courtyard with polygonal turrets. You can also discover the remains of an old French garden with a central pond. The castle is privately owned and not open to the public, but you can enjoy the view from the outside and take some great photos. Jaligny-sur-Besbre Castle is a hidden gem that will make you feel like you've stepped back in time.
2
0
This 437 meter summit is part of the Monts de la Madeleine. From the summit, you enjoy a breathtaking view, from the Morvan in the north to the Puys chain in the southwest. It is a great place to relax, breathe fresh air and marvel at the beauty of nature.
5
0
12th and 15th centuries: What remains of the original building is from the 15th century. It originally had the shape of a parallelogram flanked by four towers. The church is adjacent to the castle.
0
0
It is one of the oldest towns in Bourbonnais. It would have been founded in the year 67 and owes its fame to an important fortified castle whose various lords played a fairly active role in history from the 12th century.
0
0
Residence of the famous Marshal de La Palice. Built on the banks of the Besbre River, the château is owned by the Chabannes family. Guided tours of the château (including coffered ceilings unique in Europe) and self-guided tours of the grounds are available.
1
0
Former castle of Bourbonnais, the castle of Chavroches, which is private, is built on a hill overlooking a small pond. You can see his dungeon from afar.
1
0
There are over 25 touring cycling routes around Montcombroux-Les-Mines, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars.
The region offers diverse terrain, from tranquil roads through pastoral landscapes in the Besbre Valley to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains in wooded hills and bocages. You'll encounter a mix of river valleys, rolling countryside, and climbs like the one to Puy Saint-Ambroise.
Yes, there are routes suitable for families. For example, the Bike loop from Trézelles is a moderate 27 km route with manageable elevation, making it a good option for a family outing. The region's quiet roads generally offer a pleasant environment for cycling with children.
Cycling routes often pass by historical sites and natural viewpoints. You can spot medieval architecture like Jaligny Castle and Château de Châtelperron. The climb to Puy Saint-Ambroise offers panoramic views stretching from the Morvan to the Chaîne des Puys.
Yes, many routes are designed as loops. A popular option is the Val de Besbre to Val de Loire Loop, which is a moderate 38.2 km route. Another is the Jaligny Castle – Puy Saint-Ambroise loop from Jaligny-sur-Besbre, covering 26.8 km through rural areas.
The Allier department generally offers pleasant cycling conditions from spring through autumn. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Summers are typically warm, ideal for longer rides, but always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a more demanding ride, the Le Donjon — loop in the Bourbonnais bocage is a difficult 67.4 km path with significant elevation gain, exploring the varied terrain of the Bourbonnais bocage.
While specific parking areas for each route are not always designated, Montcombroux-les-Mines and surrounding villages like Jaligny-sur-Besbre or Trézelles typically offer public parking facilities where you can leave your vehicle before starting your ride. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
Generally, dogs are permitted on public cycling paths and roads in the region, provided they are kept on a leash and under control. However, specific rules may apply in certain natural areas or private properties. Always ensure your dog is comfortable with cycling distances and be mindful of other cyclists and wildlife.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 17 reviews. Reviewers often praise the tranquil roads, diverse landscapes ranging from river valleys to wooded hills, and the opportunity to discover charming rural settings and historical sites like castles.
While specific routes may not directly traverse the heart of the former mining town, many routes are in its immediate vicinity, allowing you to easily visit Montcombroux-les-Mines and explore its mining heritage, including the local mining museum, before or after your ride.
Public transport options directly to the starting points of all routes might be limited in this rural area. It's recommended to check regional bus services or train connections to larger towns in the Allier department, such as Moulins or Vichy, and then cycle or arrange local transport to Montcombroux-les-Mines or your chosen route's starting point.


Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.