The best road cycling routes around Lac De La Palisse

The wider Pays de Lapalisse region offers a comprehensive network of over 40 road cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to very challenging ones with significant elevation gains.

You can expect a diverse range of terrain. The region features a mix of plains, river valleys like the Besbre, and the highlands of the Bourbonnaise Mountain. Cyclists will encounter numerous small lakes, woodlands, and verdant hills. Some routes may even reveal impressive basalt cliffs when water levels are low.

Yes, there are routes suitable for beginners. The region offers 2 easy road cycling routes, providing a gentle introduction to the area's scenic beauty. These routes are generally on mostly paved surfaces, ideal for all skill levels.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 24 difficult road cycling routes available. These routes often feature significant elevation gains and traverse mountainous landscapes, such as the View from Col de Meyrand – Col de Meyrand Viewpoint loop from Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne, which covers nearly 100 km with substantial climbing.

Many of the road cycling routes in the region are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Barrage de Coucouron – col de Fioulebise loop from Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne is a moderate circular route offering diverse scenery.

The Pays de Lapalisse is rich in natural beauty. You can enjoy views of small lakes, woodlands, and rivers like the Besbre. Keep an eye out for the impressive basalt cliffs near the La Palisse Dam when water levels are low. The region also features the Suc de Cherchemuse, an ancient volcano offering pleasant views of the Mézenc massif, and an interesting 'watershed line' where waters flow to either the Mediterranean or the Atlantic.

The town of Lapalisse itself is home to the magnificent Château de la Palice, a 12th-century castle with stunning Renaissance modifications and public gardens. You can also find the 19th-century Church of Saint John the Baptist, ancient mills, and 15th-century half-timbered houses. The wider region is dotted with charming villages and heritage sites like the Pourçain tower and Roman bridges.

The road cycling routes around Lac De La Palisse are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, ranging from river valleys to mountain highlands, and the unspoiled natural environment featuring numerous small lakes and woodlands.

The region's diverse landscapes, including woodlands and river valleys, make it enjoyable for road cycling across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also suitable, but it's advisable to start early to avoid the midday heat, especially on routes with significant elevation.

While the immediate Lac de la Palisse area is more focused on leisure activities like walking and picnicking, the broader Pays de Lapalisse region does offer easier road cycling routes that can be suitable for families. These routes typically feature mostly paved surfaces and less challenging elevation profiles, allowing for a more relaxed cycling experience.

Many routes conveniently start from towns and villages within the Pays de Lapalisse. For example, several routes, including challenging ones, begin in Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne or Cros-de-Géorand. The town of Lapalisse itself is also a common starting point for circuits like the 'Au Pays des "Vérités"'.