In the cradle of volcanoes of Massif Central - 4 days
A perfect way to discover this beautiful and untouched region of France: the "Massif central", cradle of the volcanoes.
Is there any better period for bikepacking trips than September, when the sun is still warming you but not burning, when the fall colours are starting to shine, when the days are still long but not...too long ?
We decided it was perfect time to get our bikes out, and to cycle to Auvergne, also well-known for its delicious food (and wines, as usual, France, right?).
Our budget was restricted (summer has taken it aaaall), so the idea was quite appealing: going to a remote countryside, while enjoying the beautiful hills and cheap (but delicious) food.
Beautiful 4 days of bikepacking, in a hilly landscape (hilly is far from flat though, as I discovered on Puy Mary (12% average on the last two kilometers...).
Global gpx file:
Stage 1: St Saturnin to Besse-et-St-Anastaise
40km, 925m d+
Stage 2: Besse-et-St-Anastaise to Mandailles St Julien
123km, 2'400m d+
Stage 3: Mandailles St Julien to Blesle
87km, 1'500m d+
Stage 4: Blesle to St Saturnin
57km, 600m d+