The best road cycling routes around Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze
4.7
(63)
2,951
riders
231
rides
Road cycling routes around Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze traverse a landscape shaped by its volcanic past, offering varied terrain in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The area features volcanic plateaus, river valleys, and ascents, providing a diverse environment for road cyclists. This region is known for its cycling infrastructure, with routes ranging from moderate to challenging.
Best road cycling routes around Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze
- The most popular road cycling route is Lake Bourdouze – Besse loop from Les Deux-Rives, a 37.6 miles (60.6 km) trail that…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
5.0
(1)
53
riders
60.6km
02:57
870m
870m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
33
riders
34.4km
01:39
470m
470m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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8
riders
45.8km
02:32
1,000m
1,000m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
28.6km
01:29
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
34.2km
01:46
440m
440m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Very pretty landscape. Worth seeing.
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Very pretty town center. A must-see.
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The city center is beautiful, you can visit it by bike. It is worth stopping there, there are also several very good restaurants
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Issoire is a charming town in Auvergne. The town is now labeled “Most Beautiful Detour of France”. Admire its Saint-Austremoine abbey church which dates from the 12th century, or its Clock Tower. at the bend of an alley you will surely come across a reach which irrigates orchards and gardens in the city center.
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The Lac de Bourdouze is located at an altitude of 1170 meters, in the Massif du Sancy. You can get a good view from the road, and if you want to get closer you can, but it will be on a gravel road. You can access the lake year-round, but it freezes during the winter months.
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Standing south of the historic center, the belfry of Besse is the only memory of the three old fortified gates of Besse. Adorned with battlements and topped with a clock, the gate dates from the Hundred Years War. The gate is an essential historic passage on the long-distance hiking trails that criss-cross the region.
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The remains of the castle of Marchidial and the Saint-Jean church dominate Champeix and offer a pretty panorama.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze?
There are over 200 road cycling routes in and around Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze, catering to various skill levels. The komoot community has explored 229 routes in total, with options ranging from moderate to challenging.
Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze?
Yes, Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze offers a selection of easier routes. There are 25 routes classified as 'easy' and 94 as 'moderate', providing options for those new to road cycling or looking for a more relaxed ride. These routes often feature manageable elevation gains and well-paved surfaces.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in this region?
The terrain around Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze is diverse, shaped by its volcanic past. You can expect to cycle through volcanic plateaus, river valleys, and experience ascents. The region is known for its unique geological features, including basalt columns and ancient volcanoes, offering varied and scenic landscapes.
What are some notable natural attractions or landmarks I can see while cycling?
The region is rich in natural wonders. You might encounter impressive basalt organs near Chilhac, explore the picturesque Couty Valley, or see the unique Fairy Chimneys of the Vallon des Fosses. Other natural sites include the Puy d'Ysson and the distinctive Source salée de la tête de lion (salty spring).
Are there any challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For experienced riders, there are 110 routes classified as 'difficult' around Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze. These routes often feature significant climbs and traverse high mountain passes and volcanic plateaus, providing a demanding and rewarding cycling experience. An example is the Château de Lachaux – La Godivelle loop from Les Deux-Rives, which includes over 900 meters of elevation gain.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze?
August is a favored month for road cycling in Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze, offering generally pleasant weather conditions. However, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region provides good cycling opportunities throughout the warmer months, allowing you to enjoy the diverse landscapes.
Are there circular road cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the routes around Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For instance, the popular Lake Bourdouze – Besse loop from Les Deux-Rives is a 60.6 km circular route, and the Vic-le-Comte – Village of Corent loop from Les Deux-Rives offers a 50.4 km circular ride.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze?
The road cycling routes in Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the scenic views of volcanic landscapes and river valleys, and the well-maintained surfaces suitable for road bikes.
Are there any charming villages or historical sites to visit along the routes?
Yes, the region is dotted with charming villages and historical sites. You can cycle through places like Lavoûte-Chilhac, known for its priory, or explore nearby towns such as Issoire. The Montpeyroux: Medieval Village and Tower is another interesting historical site you might encounter.
What is the typical distance for road cycling routes in the area?
Route distances vary significantly. You can find shorter rides, such as the View of Ronzière – Issoire loop from Les Deux-Rives at 34.4 km, or longer, more challenging tours like the Lake Bourdouze – Besse loop from Les Deux-Rives, which covers 60.6 km. There are options for various preferences and fitness levels.
Where can I find information about cycling infrastructure in the wider Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region?
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region boasts an extensive cycling infrastructure, including nearly 3,000 km of cycle routes and paths, with 580 km of EuroVélo routes. For more detailed information on the regional cycling network, you can visit France Vélo Tourisme.
Most popular routes around Saint-Cirgues-Sur-Couze
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