The best cycling routes around Allanche

There are over 20 touring cycling routes around Allanche, offering a variety of experiences across the region's diverse landscapes. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews.

The Allanche region, nestled at the foot of the Le Cézallier plateau, offers authentic, wild landscapes. You'll experience expansive summer pastures and meadows with panoramic views of the Monts du Sancy and Monts du Cantal. The area has a 'mid-mountain' charm, featuring notable elevation gains, rocky outcrops, and the scenic Alagnon Valley.

The touring cycling routes around Allanche cater to various skill levels. While there are no easy routes listed, you'll find 5 moderate routes and 16 difficult routes. This means cyclists can expect a good challenge with significant elevation gains, typical of a mid-mountain terrain.

Yes, the Allanche region is home to beautiful waterfalls. You can explore routes that pass by natural attractions like the Cascade des Veyrines and the Saillant Waterfall. For example, the Chamaroux Pass – Saillant Waterfall loop from Allanche is a difficult 43.5 km route that includes this natural feature.

Absolutely! The vast summer pastures and meadows of Le Cézallier Plateau provide expansive 360° views. Many routes offer stunning vistas, such as the View of Mont Chamaroux and the Cézallier mountains. The higher passes, like Col du Baladour, also offer impressive panoramic views of the Monts du Sancy and Monts du Cantal.

Yes, you can find routes that include picturesque lakes. The View of Lake Jolan – Lake du Pêcher loop from Allanche is a popular moderate route that takes you past Lake du Pêcher. Other lakes in the vicinity include Lac Sauvage.

Beyond the natural beauty, Allanche and its surroundings offer cultural points of interest. You can visit the fortified Romanesque church of Saint-Jean Baptiste in Allanche, built on basalt flows, or see the Monument de l'Estive, a volcanic stone tribute to local Salers cattle. The picturesque village of Murat is also nearby, and the innovative vélorail activity provides a unique way to experience the region's railway heritage.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Allanche are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the popular Col de Vestizoux – Ascent to Col de Chamaroux loop from Allanche and the Serre Pass – Pas de Peyrol Pass (1,589 m) loop from Allanche. These circular routes make planning your ride convenient.

While many routes in Allanche feature significant elevation gains and are rated moderate to difficult, there are options for families. The Allanche – Lake du Pêcher loop from Allanche is a moderate 23.9 km route with less elevation than some of the more challenging options, making it potentially more suitable for families seeking a scenic ride without extreme difficulty.

Given Allanche's altitude of 1,100 meters and its mid-mountain terrain, the warmer months are generally best for touring cycling. Summer and late spring/early autumn offer more favorable weather conditions, allowing you to fully enjoy the vast summer pastures and panoramic views without the challenges of colder temperatures or snow.

Yes, Allanche serves as a starting point for significant cycling adventures. The 'Grande Traversée du Volcan à Vélo' commences in Allanche, involving a climb to the Col du Baladour before traversing the Cézallier Plateau. For mountain biking, the Grande Traversée du Massif Central route also covers the Auvergne's volcanoes, Sancy Range, Cézallier Plateau, and Cantal Mountains, offering a multi-day experience.

Yes, for broader information on cycling destinations within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, you can refer to resources like France Vélo Tourisme, which provides details on various routes and areas suitable for cycling in the wider region.