The best cycling routes around Saint-Étienne-De-Carlat

There are nearly 70 touring cycling routes around Saint-Étienne-De-Carlat, offering a wide range of options for exploring the region's volcanic landscapes and verdant hills.

The terrain around Saint-Étienne-De-Carlat is characterized by its volcanic and mountainous nature, featuring rolling, verdant hills and scenic country lanes. You can expect varied elevations, providing both challenging ascents and rewarding descents. Routes include a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, traversing natural settings.

While many routes in the region are quite demanding, there are a few easier options available. You can find 3 routes classified as easy and 16 as moderate, offering less strenuous rides through the scenic landscape.

The touring cycling routes around Saint-Étienne-De-Carlat are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 30 reviews. More than 500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the challenging ascents and extensive views of the volcanic landscape.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Pas de Peyrol Pass (1,589 m) – Pertus Pass loop from Vic-sur-Cère is a challenging 70.2 km loop, and the Vixouze Castle – Rocher de Carlat loop from Place de Carbonat offers a 41.7 km ride through historical sites.

Absolutely. The region is known for its demanding routes, with 50 out of the nearly 70 available routes classified as difficult. These often feature significant elevation gains through high mountain passes, such as the Pertus Pass (1,309 m) – Mandailles loop from Vic-sur-Cère, which covers 74 km with substantial climbing.

Yes, you can incorporate natural attractions into your rides. The Roucole Waterfall is a notable natural feature in the area that can be visited. Additionally, the Cascade de Liadouze, about 21 km away, offers a picturesque stop.

The Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès is a prominent feature nearby, offering circuits with magnificent views of the water and the green Cantal hills. The 'Tour of Lake Saint-Étienne-Cantalès' is a challenging 31.3 km route ideal for scenic and demanding rides. You can find more information about the lake area at paysaurillactourisme.com.

Several routes allow you to explore historical sites. The Vixouze Castle – Rocher de Carlat loop from Place de Carbonat leads through local historical sites. Another option is the Pesteils Castle – Vixouze Castle loop from Vic-sur-Cère, which takes you past two impressive castles.

The volcanic and mountainous terrain provides numerous panoramic views. High points like those overlooking the Cantal Mountains offer impressive vistas. The Hangman's Rock is a specific viewpoint you can aim for. Routes around Lac de Saint-Étienne-Cantalès also offer magnificent views of the water and surrounding hills.

Yes, the region features interesting geological formations. The Pas de Cère Gorges is a notable natural attraction that can be explored as part of your touring cycling adventure.

Saint-Étienne-De-Carlat is a gateway to several charming towns and villages. Aurillac, about 11 km away, is a larger town. Tournemire (18 km) and Salers (27 km) are both recognized as 'Most Beautiful Villages' and offer cultural interest, historical sites, and local markets, perfect for a stop during your tour.