The best cycling routes around Picherande

There are over 175 touring cycling routes around Picherande, offering a wide variety of options for exploring the region's volcanic landscapes, lakes, and forests.

The routes cater to various skill levels. You'll find approximately 7 easy routes, 53 moderate routes, and 115 difficult routes, many of which feature significant elevation gains through the volcanic terrain.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Picherande are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Besse – Lake Estivadoux loop from Super Besse and the Col de la Geneste (1372 m) – Lake Pavin loop from Col de la Geneste are popular circular options.

Picherande is nestled in the Massif du Sancy, offering diverse landscapes. You'll cycle through dramatic volcanic terrain, tranquil beech woods, and pastures, with views of pristine lakes like Lake Pavin and unique peat bogs. The region's quiet roads provide an immersive experience of its natural beauty.

While many routes in the area are challenging, there are around 7 easy touring cycling routes available. These typically follow quieter country lanes and offer a more relaxed pace, allowing families and beginners to enjoy the picturesque scenery without overly strenuous climbs.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Picherande offers numerous difficult routes, often featuring significant ascents through the volcanic landscape. Consider the Trail to Lac de Montcineyre – Besse loop from Super Besse, which includes over 1000 meters of elevation gain over 53 km.

Yes, the region is known for its beautiful waterfalls. The Entraigues Waterfall – Lake Pavin loop from Picherande is a great option that takes you past the Entraigues Waterfall. Additionally, the impressive Grande Cascade du Mont-Dore is also within the vicinity and can be incorporated into longer itineraries.

Cyclists can explore several natural highlights. You might encounter volcanic peaks like Puy de Sancy and Puy des Crebasses, or serene lakes such as Lac Chauvet and Lake Montcineyre. The region also features unique peat bogs and the scenic Fontaine Salée valley.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 150 reviews. Reviewers often praise the stunning volcanic landscapes, the tranquility of the routes, and the variety of terrain that caters to different cycling preferences.

Absolutely. View of Lac Pavin loop from Super Besse is a popular route specifically designed to offer vistas of the volcanic Lac Pavin. Another option is the Col de la Geneste (1372 m) – Lake Pavin loop from Col de la Geneste.

The summer months are generally ideal for touring cycling in Picherande, offering pleasant weather to explore the mountain village and its surrounding volcanic landscapes, lakes, and forests. The region's quiet roads are particularly enjoyable during this period.