The richness of the Livradois-Forez lies not only in its breathtaking panoramas, but also in the variety of its routes. You can choose between day-long loops and turnkey itineraries that will allow you to discover different facets of this unspoilt region.
If you’re a seasoned cyclist or want to push your limits, head for the summit of the Col du Béal. Situated in the heart of the Hautes-Chaumes on the crest of the Monts du Forez, it flirts with an altitude of 1,400 metres. It is also the border between the Puy-de-Dôme and the Loire. With its steep roads, it offers challenges worthy of the greatest champions. This pass was the scene of some memorable battles between Chris Froome and Alberto Contador during the Critérium du Dauphiné. These battles have written this route into cycling legend.
La cyclo les copains 2022 ALF 16itinerant hikingby bike
For a day or a weekendClimb the passes and hurtle down the slopes
Les Copains-Cyfac 2024: an absolute Auvergne experience
La cyclo les copains 2022 ALF 22
La cyclo les copains 2022 ALF
La cyclo les copains 2022 ALF 17Ride with your nose to the wind with your family
For those looking for intermediate routes, there are several options. They all allow you to explore the Livradois-Forez in slow-life mode with these family bike rides and hikes.
Put your pedal to the metal and ride through the picturesque villages. And why not take a gourmet break in a waterside restaurant? You can enjoy simple cuisine based on local produce, all by the water. What better way to refresh your feet and your ideas!
All these routes are carefully signposted, guaranteeing a safe and rewarding cycling experience.
TheWhen party meets sport
The Cyclosportive “La Cyclo – Les Copains” is a famous event that has been held every year in the Livradois-Forez massif for over 30 years. The event is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and varied routes, which attract many cycling enthusiasts, both amateur and experienced.
It is usually held on the first weekend in July. It takes place over three days and features a number of different routes, as well as entertainment and festivities for participants and those accompanying them.
The Cyclo des Copains offers a range of routes of varying distances and difficulty, from loops accessible to beginners to more demanding routes for experienced cyclists. These routes take in the picturesque countryside of the Livradois-Forez region, with some tough climbs, but always in an exceptional natural setting.
True to its name, the Cyclo des Copains is characterised by an atmosphere of camaraderie and sharing. The event is not just a competition, but also an opportunity for cyclists to meet up, exchange ideas and enjoy their passion for cycling together. As well as the sporting challenge, participants appreciate the warm welcome from the volunteers and the refreshments along the route, which often include local specialities. The volcanic landscapes, picturesque villages and warm hospitality of the Auvergne make this an unforgettable event for cyclists.
From a few days to a weekThe Via Allier : A unique crossing along a wild river
The Via Allier is a cycle route that forms part of France’s national network of cycle routes and is an exceptional itinerary for cycle tourism enthusiasts. It is a section of the V70 cycle route, and offers a unique experience. It follows the course of the River Allier for 455 kilometres, from Nevers on the banks of the Loire to Langogne in the Lozère. The route passes through a variety of towns, villages and landscapes.
The Via Allier is accessible to cyclists of all abilities.
The sections near Nevers and Moulins are relatively flat, ideal for families or beginners. This cycle route offers plenty of options for relaxing by the water. Don’t miss Moulins, the historic capital of the Bourbonnais region. Here you can discover the majestic Notre-Dame cathedral , the Centre National du Costume de Scène (National Centre for Stage Costumes) and stroll through its medieval streets. The road from Nevers to Moulins crosses fertile plains and offers views of the region’s typical agricultural landscapes.
Stop off in Vichy: famous for its thermal springs and Belle Époque architecture, but also for its pastilles and candy canes! You then arrive at the gateway to the Livradois-Forez region, between Puy-Guillaume and Pont-du-Château, where the Via Allier marks a transition between the fertile plains of the Varennes and the Limagne. You’re facing the Chaîne des Puys, the volcanoes of the Auvergne. Take a diversion via Joze or Lezoux for some interesting sights, including the Departmental Museum of Ceramics, and cool off in the shade of the nearby ponds.
Further south, head for Brioude, with its Saint-Julien basilica, a jewel of Auvergne Romanesque art. The town is also a gateway to the Allier gorges, where the relief becomes more marked and the river begins to carve out deep valleys. This part of the Via Allier offers an extra challenge for experienced cyclists. Langogne, in Lozère, is the finishing point of the Via Allier. This small town, nestled between the mountains of the Massif Central, offers a wilder setting, where cyclists can enjoy the vast forests and high plateaux characteristic of this region.
