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!
Start/Finish: | Clermont-Ferrand |
Nearest airport: | Aéroport de Clermont-Ferrand |
Duration: | 10 nights |
Route: | safe and well-maintained cycle paths, forest roads and roads |
Accommodations: | charming and carefully selected hotels |
Highlights: | Gorges de l`Allier, Church of Monbonnet, Manufacture Forge de Laguiole, Forge de Laguiole, Le Bousquet Castle, Conques, Figeac, Rocamadour |
Minimum number of participants: | 8 Please note paragraph 6.4. a) of our terms and conditions of travel to find out more about the cancellation of tour through Edelweiss Bike Travel when the minimum number of participants is not reached - Terms and Conditions |
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. |
DAY 7: | Vieillevie - Figeac As we pedal west we will ride along rich wines on the river beds. The river was a main traffic artery, which connected Auvergne and Cahors with the wine trading city of Bordeux. When we reach the mysterious stone pillars on the hills of Figeac we have almost reached our goal for today. |
DAY 8: | Figeac - Rocamadour The village of Rocamadour is located on a limestone rock. It majestically towers above the Canon of Alzou. To reach the churchyard and the seven sanctuaries we have to climb 216 steps, the "Grand Escalier". Rocamadour is also world-famous for its goat's milk cheese. |
DAY 9: | Rocamadour - Aurillac Along small villages we will arrive at Le Rouget. There we will enter the train to Aurillac and approach the Monts du Cantal. These are the remains of an enormous volcano that spread its basaltic lava within a radius of 70 km to form basalt organs and towers. |
DAY 10: | Aurillac - Clermont-Ferrand The little river Jordanne, north of Aurillac, cut the Valle de Mandailles into the volcano rock. We now approach the "Pyramid of the Auvergne", the Puy Mary. Is this really our last day? In Murat we will return our bicycles, enter the train to go back to the Michelin city of Clermont Ferrand. |
DAY 11: | Departure from Clermont-Ferrand Let’s enjoy our final breakfast together and then set off on our journey homeward. |
Price for rider in double room | |
---|---|
Own Bike | $ 4.060,- |
Riese & Müller Charger Riese & Müller Charger Mixte Riese & Müller Homage Riese & Müller NEVO | $ 4.440,- |
Single room supplement | $ 720,- |
Price for rider in double room | |||
---|---|---|---|
Own Bike | $ 4.060,- * | ||
Riese & Müller Charger Riese & Müller Charger Mixte Riese & Müller Homage Riese & Müller NEVO | $ 4.440,- * | ||
Single room supplement | $ 720,- * | ||
* Please note the dates and tour prices for 2025 not being confirmed yet. The shown figures are preliminary and subject to change. If the final tour price in 2025 includes an increase of more than 5% compared to the previous year´s tour price, you can cancel your booked participation free of charge until October 31, 2024.
CUSTOM TOURS: For custom tour bookings please refer to the pricing included in the special tour offer of your tour. If having any questions please contact our service team at customtours@edelweissbike.com! |
07.07. - 17.07.2024 |
01.09. - 11.09.2024 |
13.07. - 23.07.2025 |
07.09. - 17.09.2025 |
We are in Clermont Ferrand, Michelin city, capital of the Auvergne. The city is also called the black city as many buildings are ...