Starting at
per person
Duration
12 nights
Level
4 - Advanced - hilly and mountainous - 50 to 90 km
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 lush with greenery.
The scenery here is spectacular—challenging for the calves but truly breathtaking. During your stay, you’ll take a loop 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!
With the Self-guided option, enjoy your trip at your own pace and on your own terms. We’ll provide you with the itinerary and book your accommodations—the rest is up to you!
3 STOPOVER TOWNS: Your itinerary, designed as a loop around three stopover towns, minimizes the amount of travel and gives you plenty of time to explore and enjoy the places you visit. Make the most of it!
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;
Not included: airfare for the passenger, their luggage, and their bicycle; equipment, such as the bicycle; the services of a guide; mechanical assistance and access to a support vehicle; costs incurred in the event of a mechanical or physical mishap; Coverage under the Travel Agents’ Client Compensation Fund (FICAV), i.e., $1 per $1,000 and the applicable discount.
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;
Not included: airfare for the passenger, their luggage, and their bicycle; equipment, such as the bicycle; the services of a guide; mechanical assistance and access to a support vehicle; costs incurred in the event of a mechanical or physical mishap; Coverage under the Travel Agents’ Client Compensation Fund (FICAV), i.e., $1 per $1,000 and the applicable discount.
Lyon Airport
Lyon Airport
Route rating: 4
fairly difficult route;
hilly and mountainous, with relatively steep climbs;
50 to 90 km.
Lyon Airport
Lyon Airport
Route rating: 4
fairly difficult route;
hilly and mountainous, with relatively steep climbs;
50 to 90 km.
Day 1
Meet at Lyon Airport and transfer to Puy-en-Velay (2 hours).
Day 2
A rest day 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. (75–82 km)
Day 3
A rest day or a loop via Les Baraques, Le Brignon, Ussel, St-Martin-de-Fugères, Les Estables, Laussonne, Lantriac, Coubon, and Le Puy (82–96 km).
Day 4
A day off or a loop via Lavoûte-sur-Loire, Rosière, Retournac, Roche-en-Régnier, Vorey, Blanzac, Polignac, and Le Puy (83 km).
Day 5
Le Puy-en-Velay, Chaspuzac, Siaugues-Saint-Romain, Langeac, Chastel, Sistrières, Saint-Flour (89 km).
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. Alternative route via Pratlong, La Besseyre-des-Fabres, and Ruynes-en-Margeride (61–75 km).
Day 7
A day off or a loop via Villedieu, Oradour, Ste-Marie, Pierrefort, and Paulhac. Alternative route via Brezons and Lustrande. (87 or 103 km).
Day 8
Saint-Flour, Talizat, Neussargues-en-Pinatelle, Allanche, Marcenat, Montgreleix, Espinchal, Besse-en-Chandesse, Saint-Nectaire (95 km).
Day 9
Rest day or loop route via Château de Murol, Le Mont-Dore, La Bourboule, Col de la Croix-Morand, Beaune-le-Froid, and Freydefont. Alternative route via La Tour-d’Auvergne and Col de la Soeur (75–90 km).
Day 10
A day off or a loop via Montaigut-le-Blanc, Saint-Floret, Issoire, St-Babel, Vic-le-Comte, Longue, Tallende, Saint-Saturnin, Olloix, and Les Arnats. (85 km).
Day 11
Day off.
Day 12
Transfer from Saint-Nectaire to Lyon (2 hours 15 minutes).
Day 13
Transfer to Lyon Airport.
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