The heart of southern France
France

The heart of southern France

from $4,200

Facts

Start / End
Clermont-Ferrand
Next Airport
Aéroport de Clermont-Ferrand
Tour duration
11 Days vacation, 9 Riding days
Accommodations
charming and carefully selected hotels
Route
safe and well-maintained cycle paths, forest roads and roads
Further info
Luggage transport iconTour Support Van iconRound trip icon
MINIMUM PARTICIPANTS
8
Tour Grading

Highlights

Gorges de l`AllierGorges de l`Allier
Manufacture Forge de LaguioleManufacture Forge de Laguiole
Forge de LaguioleForge de Laguiole
ConquesConques
FigeacFigeac
RocamadourRocamadour
Château le BousquetChâteau le Bousquet

Countless sanctuaries in a wild and preserved environment!

The heart of Auvergne is dominated by volcanoes. From soft cones to rugged rock needles, the landscape offers a paradise for cyclist enthusiasts. The vast highlands of the Margeride and the Aubrac have a very special charm with their pasturages, miles of stone walls and sheep and cattle herds. The green volcanoes at the gates of Clermont Ferrand, the blacksmiths in Laguiole, the famous Rocamadour cheese, the mysticism of St. James' way and the Allier gorges – all this and much more can be discovered there. Physical exercise in a wonderful landscape – this is pure relaxation!

Travel schedule

Day 1: Arrival in Clermont-Ferrand
Your adventure begins with our Welcome Briefing in the hotel at 4 pm where you can meet the group.

Day 2: Clermont-Ferrand - Salzuit
We will receive our bikes in Brassac-les-Mines. Here the upper stretch of the Allier pines its way through the southern Velay. We will cycle along the Allier gorges, which is partially hundreds of meters deep. Brioude is a lively town and has a rich, architectural heritage with nice streets and squares. It is the center of the salmon observation.

Day 3: Salzuit - Le Puy-en-Velay
Today we are welcomed by the Allier Valley. Thereafter we will leave the river behind us. Only the tourist train enters through this narrow canyon. Langeac is an authentic market spot on the Allier. Le Puy, which means ‘the summit’, will mesmerize us with its peculiar rocky needles, around which many legends are told. We are in the Central Massif. The landscape is volcanic and characterized by gentle hills, forests and pasture land.

Day 4: Le Puy-en-Velay - Peyre en Aubrac
Today's stage will take us to the solitary plains of Margeride and the southern volcanic complexes of Auvergne. The traditional food is very substantial. Hard cheese, the Tomme, honey and herbs are usually offered in the local markets. The flora of the natural highlands is absolutely worth seeing.

Day 5: Peyre en Aubrac - Laguiole
It is almost unnoticeable as the solitary mid-mountain landscape of the Margeride massif changes over into the region of the southernmost volcano of Auvergne. The local houses of gray basalt stone show the century-old architecture of the region. We meet the Road of St. James. Laguiole is the centre of the blacksmiths. A factory is located right at the entrance to the village, where we can watch local blacksmiths do their work.

Day 6: Laguiole - Vieillevie
"Le premier sourire du midi" - the first smile of the south that is what the pilgrims of the Road of Santago called the Valley of the Lot. Characterized by authentic villages, medieval castles, Romanesque churches and historic town centers. The well-known Aubrac cattle graze on the local pastures. Though it is hard to reach, we are now heading towards Conques, which is located in a side valley of Lot. It is well-known for the Abbey church of Saint Foy, "Abbatiale Ste-Foy", a historical work of art well worth a visit.

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Prices

from $4,200
per rider in double room (2025)
Single room supplement
$750

Dates

20252026
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Media

References

A real equalizer!

Viva the electric bike. It is a real equalizer. I am reasonably fit for my age, but I was worried about keeping up with a much younger group. I am happy to say that I did fine. I had an amazing time. I really appreciate the expertise and support from our tour guides.

– Betsy Kutrumbos, USA

I fell in love!

I loved the tour. The countryside was fantastic. It has been such a great tour for me. I have fallen in love with France. The food had been excellent. The route was super and I NOW LOVE E-BIKES!

– Cynthia Jenkins, USA

Great!

Great trip. Many thanks for a job well done!

– Marie Monroe, USA

Well done!

Ursula was a delight, so helpful and so patient. Plus she was very fun tob e around. This tours was a blast, very, very fun! WELL DONE EDELWEISS!

– Jill Baker, USA

So beautiful

The riding was a wonderful pace and variety-up and down-and beautiful. Tourguides were terrific, good attitude, always positive, helpful and very attentive.

– Janice Simpson, USA

Thank you for everything!

Very fun to see a place you would probably never visit on your own. Beautiful scenary and different every day. Thank you for everything. Great tour!

– Drucie Haddock, USA

Perfect, quiet, beautiful!

This was a first rate trip. Our tour guides took great care of us. I was surprised to have my luggages always in my room. What a nice treat! The route was perfect, quiet and beautiful!

– Carolyn Francis, USA

Great combination!

I love the combination of cycling (exercise) and sightseeing. Thank you! Hope to see the Edelweiss crew again!

– Tamara Barron, USA