Grand Tour 2027
Duration: 6 days and 5 nights
Europe
France
Auvergne – Self-guided
A cycling vacation at the foot of the volcanoes
Starting at
4199$
per person
Duration
13 days
12 nights
Level
Level:
4 - Advanced - rolling and mountainous - 50 to 90 km
Volcanic landforms
Auvergne is the epitome of old-fashioned rural France—with men in berets and women in aprons—a beauty largely unknown to tourists. And this peaceful way of life is set against the backdrop of Europe’s largest volcanic range, now dormant and beautifully green.
It has it all: spectacular scenery that’s tough on the calves but of exceptional grandeur. During your stay, you’ll take looped routes through Le Puy-en-Velay, the regional capital home to the famous12th-centuryNotre-Dame Cathedral; Saint-Flour, a subprefecture perched on a rocky outcrop; and Saint-Nectaire, the town that gave its name to the delicious cheese we all know. We can’t wait for Auvergne—the challenge, the culture, and the culinary delights!
Drive Self-guided
With the “ Self-guided ” package, enjoy your trip on your own terms, with complete independence. We’ll provide you with the itinerary and book your accommodations—the rest is up to you!
Another Way to Discover Europe
3 STOPOVER TOWNS: Your itinerary, designed as loops around three stopover towns, minimizes the number of trips you’ll need to make and gives you plenty of time to explore and enjoy the places where you stop. Make the most of it!
Package includes
transportation between the airport and the hotel at the destination, both on the way there and on the way back;
12 nights in a three-star hotel, double occupancy;
12 breakfasts and 2 dinners;
- luggage transport between each stopover city (one bag per person, maximum 20 kg) as well as transport of the bike box;
- GPX data, maps, and daily itineraries in electronic format;
- the transfer scheduled for Day 12;
- taxes;
- information to ensure a smooth trip: contact information and phone numbers for transportation providers at the destination, bike shops, an emergency contact number, etc.;
Not included: airfare for the passenger, their luggage, and their bicycle; equipment, such as the bicycle; a guide; mechanical assistance and access to a support vehicle; expenses incurred in the event of a mechanical or physical mishap; Coverage under the Travel Agents’ Customer Compensation Fund (FICAV), at a rate of $1 per $1,000, and the applicable discount.
Package includes
transportation between the airport and the hotel at the destination, both on the way there and on the way back;
12 nights in a three-star hotel, double occupancy;
12 breakfasts and 2 dinners;
- luggage transport between each stopover city (one bag per person, maximum 20 kg) as well as transport of the bike box;
- GPX data, maps, and daily itineraries in electronic format;
- the transfer scheduled for Day 12;
- taxes;
- information to ensure a smooth trip: contact information and phone numbers for transportation providers at the destination, bike shops, an emergency contact number, etc.;
Not included: airfare for the passenger, their luggage, and their bicycle; equipment, such as the bicycle; a guide; mechanical assistance and access to a support vehicle; expenses incurred in the event of a mechanical or physical mishap; Coverage under the Travel Agents’ Customer Compensation Fund (FICAV), at a rate of $1 per $1,000, and the applicable discount.
Additional Information
Departure/Return
Lyon Airport
Lyon Airport
Route rating: 4
Fairly difficult route;
Hilly and mountainous, with relatively steep elevation changes;
50 to 90 km.
Additional Information
Departure/Return
Lyon Airport
Lyon Airport
Route rating: 4
Fairly difficult route;
Hilly and mountainous, with relatively steep elevation changes;
50 to 90 km.
Day-by-Day Cycling Itinerary
1
Day 1
Meet at the Lyon airport and transfer to Puy-en-Velay (2 hours).
2
Day 2
A day off or a loop route via Solignac-sur-Loire, Cayres, Séjallières, St-Privat-d’Allier, Montbonnet, and Bains. Alternative route via St-Préjet d’Allier and Monistrol d’Allier. (75 to 82 km)
3
Day 3
A day off or a loop route via Les Baraques, Le Brignon, Ussel, St-Martin-de-Fugères, Les Estables, Laussonne, Lantriac, Coubon, and Le Puy (82 to 96 km).
4
Day 4
A day off or a loop route via Lavoûte-sur-Loire, Rosière, Retournac, Roche-en-Régnier, Vorey, Blanzac, Polignac, and Le Puy (83 km).
5
Day 5
Le Puy-en-Velay, Chaspuzac, Siaugues-Saint-Romain, Langeac, Chastel, Sistrières, Saint-Flour (89 km).
6
Day 6
A day off or a loop route via Le Château d’Alleuze, Fridefont, Val-d’Arcomie, the Garabit Viaduct, Combechalde, and Le Pirou. Optional route via Pratlong, La Besseyre-des-Fabres, and Ruynes-en-Margeride (61 to 75 km).
7
Day 7
Free day or loop route via Villedieu, Oradour, Ste-Marie, Pierrefort, and Paulhac. Alternative route via Brezons and Lustrande. (87 or 103 km).
8
Day 8
Saint-Flour, Talizat, Neussargues-en-Pinatelle, Allanche, Marcenat, Montgreleix, Espinchal, Besse-en-Chandesse, Saint-Nectaire (95 km).
9
Day 9
A day off or a loop route via Château de Murol, Le Mont-Dore, La Bourboule, Col de la Croix-Morand, Beaune le Froid, and Freydefont. Optional route via La Tour-d’Auvergne and Col de la Soeur (75 to 90 km).
10
Day 10
A day off or a loop route via Montaigut-le-Blanc, Saint-Floret, Issoire, St-Babel, Vic-le-Comte, Longue, Tallende, Saint-Saturnin, Olloix, and Les Arnats. (85 km).
11
Day 11
Day off.
12
Day 12
Transfer from Saint-Nectaire to Lyon (2 hours and 15 minutes).
13
Day 13
Transfer to the Lyon airport.
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