The best cycling routes around Aurillac

Aurillac offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 480 different trails available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 26 easy, 140 moderate, and 314 difficult options, ensuring there's a ride for every cyclist.

The terrain around Aurillac is characterized by its diverse and dramatic volcanic landscapes, part of the Cantal department. You'll encounter winding roads, significant hills, and valleys, with routes often traversing through forests and open countryside. The region is known for its challenging climbs, especially around the Monts du Cantal and Puy Mary, but also offers picturesque paths through charming villages.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Aurillac are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Aurillac and the crest road - loop offers elevated perspectives, while the Monts du Cantal — loop in the Cantal Chestnut grove provides a scenic ride through the chestnut groves.

The Aurillac region is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle towards iconic peaks like Puy Mary Summit, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramas. The Lake des Graves – Route des Crêtes loop from Aurillac will take you along the 'Route des Crêtes' for stunning views. The Jordanne Valley and its gorges, with their waterfalls, also provide spectacular natural settings. For historical views, consider the Rocher de Carlat, a majestic natural fortress.

Aurillac is a key point for longer cycling adventures. The region is part of the larger Massif Central, known for its quiet roads. Notably, the Grande Traversée du Cantal (V74), also known as "La Grande Traversée du Volcan à Vélo," allows cyclists to tackle Europe's largest extinct volcano, the Cantal Volcano. You can find more information about this route on France Vélo Tourisme.

The region is a dream destination for cycling enthusiasts, particularly from spring to autumn. Spring offers lush green landscapes, especially in the Jordanne Valley. Summer provides warm weather for exploring, while autumn brings beautiful colors to the forests. The challenging climbs, especially to Pas de Peyrol, are best tackled in milder conditions outside of winter.

While many routes in Aurillac are rated moderate to difficult due to the volcanic terrain and elevation changes, there are options for families. Look for routes with lower elevation gain and shorter distances. The area around Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès offers more relaxed sections, though the full Tour of Lake Saint-Étienne-Cantalès is rated difficult due to its length and elevation.

The touring cycling routes around Aurillac are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 200 reviews. Cyclists often praise the breathtaking volcanic panoramas, the sense of accomplishment from tackling significant climbs, and the diverse terrain that offers both challenging ascents and picturesque rides through charming villages and natural settings.

Yes, the region caters to cyclists with cycling-friendly accommodations, including "gîte d'étape" designed for touring cyclists. You'll find charming villages along many routes where you can stop for refreshments or meals. Aurillac itself offers various amenities, and smaller towns like Laroquebrou, featured in the Laroquebrou Medieval Village — Cère G route, provide opportunities for breaks.

Absolutely. Aurillac is a prime destination for challenging touring cycling. Routes like the Pas de Peyrol Pass (1,589 m) – Serre Pass loop from Mandailles involve significant elevation gain, including the ascent to Pas de Peyrol, a major highlight of the Cantal Volcano. The Col de la Croix de Cheules – Mandailles loop from Aurillac also offers a demanding ride with nearly 1000 meters of climbing.

Beyond natural wonders, you can explore historical sites. The Laroquebrou Medieval Village — Cère G route takes you through picturesque countryside to the historic village of Laroquebrou, home to the Château de Laroquebrou. The Rocher de Carlat, a majestic natural fortress, also offers historical insights and panoramic views, combining history with grandiose landscapes.

Definitely! The Pays d'Aurillac is described as a "life-size playground" for outdoor enthusiasts. Besides cycling, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and even paragliding. The Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès is a hub for water sports like paddleboarding and sailing, making it easy to combine a scenic ride with relaxation by the water.