Lake Pavin – Lac Chauvet loop from Besse
Lake Pavin – Lac Chauvet loop from Besse
4.4
(8)
58
riders
Lake Pavin – Lac Chauvet loop from Besse
02:54
41.5km
710m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: June 20, 2026
Tips
Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route
After 34.1 km for 185 m
After 34.5 km for 111 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
7.13 km
View of Lac Pavin
Highlight • Other
7.43 km
Lake Pavin
Highlight • Lake
Due to its volcanic nature and its meromictic character (the surface waters do not mix with the waters of the depths themselves loaded with toxic gas), it has also long been the subject of numerous studies and scientific hypotheses which can sometimes explain the legends.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.69 km
Lake Pavin
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
16.6 km
Lac Chauvet
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
19.3 km
Bei La Prade
Highlight • Other
20.4 km
Ravel
Highlight • Settlement
The Sancy massif was at the time the limit of the Arvern country. In 870, the lord of Entraigues built the castle of Ravel which played an important role during the Hundred Years' War. Deserters from the English army of Robert Knolles beaten in the battle northeast of Besse-en-Chandesse came to take refuge there in 1354.
The Château de Ravel was better known as the Château de la Reine Margot. Marguerite de Valois, in disgrace, stayed there and it was long claimed that she devoured children there. It was in 1624 that Cardinal Richelieu gave the order to destroy the castle.
Today, only a few ruins remain, the revolution of 1789 having completed its demolition.
In 1782, the town had no school, charity establishment or brotherhood. The priest was appointed by the chapter of Vic-le-Comte.
From 1790 to 1800, Picherande was part of the canton of Egliseneuve d'Entraigues, abolished under the consulate.
In the 19th century, Picherande was characterized by rural exodus, young people moving to the city: Clermont-Ferrand and Paris in particular.
Today, the Château de Ravel is getting a second lease of life, thanks to the CHAZAL family who have been renovating the building since 2009 in the hope of making it habitable. The future 700 m² of living space overlooks the surrounding hills and offers a panorama that is as peaceful as it is unique.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
29.8 km
Col de la Geneste (1372 m)
Highlight • Mountain Pass
37.5 km
Lac Pavin
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
41.5 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
37.2 km
3.83 km
194 m
144 m
123 m
Surfaces
38.1 km
1.75 km
1.28 km
319 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,360 m)
Lowest point (1,040 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Tuesday 7 July
31°C
18°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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