The best road cycling routes around Lac Des Bordes

The road cycling routes around Lac Des Bordes are primarily situated on the expansive Cézallier volcanic plateau. You can expect open landscapes characterized by rolling hills and grasslands, with an altitude of nearly 1186 meters. This provides a mix of ascents and descents across volcanic formations, offering varied terrain for cyclists.

There are over 20 road cycling routes available around Lac Des Bordes. These routes cater to various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult options, allowing cyclists to choose paths that best suit their experience.

Yes, the region offers several challenging routes. For instance, the La Godivelle – Chamaroux Pass loop from Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne is a difficult 48.0-mile (77.2 km) trail featuring significant elevation gain through the volcanic landscape.

For a balanced ride, you can explore moderate routes like the La Godivelle – La Godivelle loop from Valbeleix, which is 22.4 miles (36.0 km) long and takes you through the region's characteristic rolling hills. Another popular moderate option is the Besse – Lake Bourdouze loop from Compains, a 17.1-mile (27.6 km) trail across the Cézallier plateau.

The routes in Lac Des Bordes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 15 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain and the unique volcanic landscapes that define the region.

The Cézallier plateau offers seasonal beauty. Spring, particularly April, is lovely as the lake is adorned with daffodils. Autumn can also be a great time, especially for birdwatching, with over a hundred species of migratory birds observed. Summer provides generally good weather for cycling, while sunsets over the Sancy mountains are noted as particularly beautiful year-round.

While cycling, you'll be surrounded by the expansive Cézallier volcanic plateau, offering wide-open landscapes and rolling hills. Lac des Bordes itself is known for its unique peatlands and inaccessible floating islands called 'tremblants,' which are fascinating ecological features. The area is also a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including many species of dragonflies and migratory birds. Sunsets over the Sancy mountains provide stunning views.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Lac Des Bordes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the La Godivelle – Chamaroux Pass loop from La Godivelle and the La Godivelle,lac d'en bas – La Godivelle loop from La Godivelle.

The region offers a mix of difficulties. While some routes are challenging, there are also moderate options that might be suitable for families with older children or those looking for a less strenuous ride. It's best to check the specific route details, including distance and elevation gain, to ensure it matches your family's ability.

Specific parking information for individual routes is often available on the detailed komoot tour pages. Generally, you can find parking in the villages and towns near the starting points of the routes, such as Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne, Valbeleix, or Compains, which serve as common access points to the Cézallier plateau.

The villages and small towns scattered across the Cézallier plateau, such as La Godivelle, Compains, or Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne, typically offer local amenities including cafes, restaurants, and various accommodation options like gîtes or small hotels. These can serve as convenient stops or overnight stays for cyclists exploring the region.