4.3
(34)
276
riders
38
rides
Mountain biking around La Chabanne offers diverse landscapes within the Montagne Bourbonnaise, a mid-mountain range with altitudes reaching over 1200 meters. This region features varied elevation, providing a mix of challenging climbs and descents suitable for mountain bike trails. Extensive beech forests characterize the area, offering scenic routes and varied terrain for riders. The geographical position between the Allier and Loire rivers contributes to a landscape ideal for outdoor pursuits.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
4.3
(8)
35
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(8)
30
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
17
riders
21.5km
01:56
430m
430m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
14
riders
17.6km
01:44
520m
520m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
21.2km
02:13
590m
590m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A very nice and pleasant pass with several climbs more or less accessible depending on the level and distance. Each side offers its share of landscapes and small villages. If you want to climb it for the beauty of the landscapes, I recommend the ascent via Les Noës or via Charrier, and for those seeking a difficult climb, Charrier also serves as the hardest side.
1
0
A long, steady climb. Almost no cars, wide roads and beautiful surroundings! Hard to find a coffee or lunch place though.
0
0
great ride but remember to charge the batteries before leaving.....
0
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The immense Bois Noirs forest offers several cycling and hiking trails for nature lovers.
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Chargueraud is a pretty village nestled in the heart of the mountains. There is a shelter for hikers. In the early 19th century, the "Charguerauds" referred to a group of independent and feared travelers from the region.
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The Puy de Montoncel is an extinct volcano, culminating at an altitude of 1,287 meters. In a notebook, I wrote about it: "Its slopes are covered with a majestic thorn forest, with an archaic, sometimes primal beauty. The rare paths that cut through the woods wind along the slopes, in the shade of the green giants. These paths are the veins of the forest. They are tunnels of abundant oxygen. From meadows to groves, I feel as if I'm floating on an ocean of nature. At the summit of the puy, I find a plateau devoid of trees as if blown by the wind, and topped with a thick thatch. A huge iron cross rises into the sky, looking mischievously at the wind turbines on the neighboring ridges, which come to life with the sound of the air." I sit down on a wide carpet of green grass, a veritable velvet to rest my body after this first, sweaty climb. I light a pipe and cheerfully observe the Auvergne volcanoes that swell the horizon. Their supple, rounded shapes give the impression of observing distant hills. Puy-de-Dôme, Monts Dore, Puy-de-Sancy, I amuse myself by guessing the roofs I was clambering over the previous year.
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The Glassworks Plateau is located at an altitude of 1,015 meters. It is a large open plateau in the Magdalen Mountains. The landscape is wild and relatively unspoiled.
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One of the beautiful passes in the area. Little traffic
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There are over 35 mountain bike trails around La Chabanne, offering a diverse range of experiences within the Montagne Bourbonnaise. These include routes for various skill levels, from easy to difficult.
The Montagne Bourbonnaise, where La Chabanne is located, is a mid-mountain range with altitudes from 500 meters up to 1287 meters at Puy de Montoncel. This means you can expect varied terrain with challenging climbs and descents, as well as extensive beech forests that provide scenic routes. Trails often feature significant elevation gains, making for engaging rides.
Yes, while many routes offer challenging climbs, there are 4 easy mountain bike trails available around La Chabanne. These routes are generally less demanding and can be a good starting point for beginners or families looking for a more relaxed ride.
The Montagne Bourbonnaise is generally welcoming to dogs on trails, especially within its extensive forests. However, it's always best to keep your dog under control, especially around wildlife or other trail users. Check local signage for any specific restrictions on individual routes or protected areas.
You can encounter several natural features and landmarks. For instance, the Réservoir du Gué de la Chaux – Col de la Rivière Noire loop offers views of the reservoir. Other notable natural attractions in the wider area include the Puy de Montoncel, the Pisserotte Waterfall, and various lakes like Lake Saint-Clément.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around La Chabanne are designed as loops. For example, the Col de la Loge des Gardes – Plateau de la Verrerie loop from Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs and the Mountainbike loop from Saint-Clément are popular circular options, allowing you to start and end at the same point.
The Montagne Bourbonnaise experiences a continental climate with warm summers and distinct seasons, making it pleasant for outdoor pursuits for much of the year. Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides warmer conditions. Winter can bring snow, transforming the area into a winter sports destination, so trail conditions may vary significantly.
Parking is generally available at common starting points for trails, such as villages like Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs, Col de la Loge des Gardes, or Saint-Clément. Specific parking information for individual routes can often be found on the detailed tour pages.
La Chabanne and the surrounding Montagne Bourbonnaise are rural areas. While some regional bus services might connect larger towns, direct public transport to specific mountain bike trailheads can be limited. It's often more convenient to travel by car to access the starting points of the trails.
Generally, no specific permits are required for mountain biking on marked trails in the Montagne Bourbonnaise. However, always respect private property, follow local regulations, and stay on designated paths to preserve the natural environment.
The mountain bike trails around La Chabanne are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 30 reviews. More than 250 mountain bikers have explored the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes and engaging challenges offered by the Montagne Bourbonnaise.
Yes, La Chabanne offers 10 difficult mountain bike routes for experienced riders seeking a challenge. These trails often feature significant elevation gains and technical sections, providing a demanding and rewarding experience within the varied terrain of the Montagne Bourbonnaise.
While La Chabanne itself is a small village, nearby towns and villages like Saint-Clément, Châtel-Montagne, or even the larger spa town of Vichy offer various amenities. You can find cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options in these areas to support your mountain biking trip.


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