The best gravel rides around Saint-Jean-Des-Ollières
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riders
3
rides
Gravel biking around Saint-Jean-Des-Ollières offers diverse terrain within France's Auvergne region, characterized by rolling hills and verdant valleys. The area is part of the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park, featuring volcanic formations and a mix of granite, basalt, and marly-limestone rocks. This varied topography provides a dynamic environment for gravel cycling, with paths winding through undulating countryside and extensive forests. The region's landscape includes both open valleys and forested sections, suitable for varied gravel bike trails.
Best gravel bike trails around…
Last updated: July 4, 2026
3
riders
36.5km
02:48
700m
700m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
31.6km
02:17
590m
580m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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2
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
61.2km
04:51
1,310m
1,310m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Small road pass (altitude 943 m) which, like the Toutée pass, connects St-Amant-Roche-Savine and Cunlhat, but via a small road with no traffic.
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Superb village, with its imposing castles! 🏰.
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Medieval town center which has preserved its authenticity, its cobbled streets, where it is good to stroll and discover beautiful little shops full of charm.
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Erected on the line forming the edge of the Livradois plateau, a veritable western balcony, the Deux-Frères belvedere occupies one of the highest sites in the commune of Echandelys, at some 1087 meters above sea level. Occupied by an orientation table set up in 1972 by the Intercommunal Syndicate of Tourist and Economic Development of Livradois, it allows a view over the entire Limagne valley and the main geographical formations of Auvergne, from Plomb from Cantal to the Chaîne des Puys, recently listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, via the Sancy massif. Several tables allow you to have a pleasant picnic and recently installed wooden benches encourage you to enjoy the view during a pleasant break.
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Billom is a medieval town located in the heart of the Auvergne region. You can admire the beautiful half-timbered houses, the cobbled streets and the impressive collegiate church of Saint-Cerneuf. You can also discover the rich heritage of this city, which was once a thriving commercial and cultural center. Don't forget to taste the local specialty, Billom garlic, which has a mild and sweet flavor.
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If you are looking for a picturesque stopover by bike, you can go to the panoramic view of the Notre-Dame de Roche plateau. This is a hilltop viewpoint that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the castles of Mauzun, Montmorin and Coppel, the Les Puys chain of volcanoes and the town of Clermont- Ferrand.
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If you're looking for a medieval cycling adventure, you could visit the Château de Coppel, a 13th century castle ruin perched on a volcanic rock in the Puy-de-Dôme department. You can admire the remains of the round tower, the vaulted rooms and the walls made of black basalt and white arkose.
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Montmorin Castle is a medieval castle in ruins that dates from the 12th century. From its ramparts, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains, discover its ancient architecture and its history. The castle is open to visitors from July 1 to August 30, every day except Monday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. You must book a guided tour in advance, in French or English, by contacting the guide on 06 80 75 24 98 or by email at guide@chateau-de-montmorin.fr. You can also visit the small museum located inside the castle, which displays weapons, tools, furniture and archaeological objects from different eras. Classified as a historic monument since 1985, the castle is a proud heritage of the Montmorin family of Saint-Hérem, one of the most powerful noble families in Auvergne. Don't miss this opportunity to discover a hidden gem of French culture and nature!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are there in Saint-Jean-Des-Ollières?
There are a few gravel bike trails available around Saint-Jean-Des-Ollières, with two routes specifically highlighted in this guide. These routes offer diverse terrain within the Auvergne region.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around Saint-Jean-Des-Ollières?
The terrain around Saint-Jean-Des-Ollières is characterized by rolling hills and verdant valleys, set within the Parc Naturel Régional Livradois-Forez. You'll encounter volcanic formations and a mix of granite, basalt, and marly-limestone rocks, creating a dynamic environment with paths winding through undulating countryside, open valleys, and forested sections.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Saint-Jean-Des-Ollières?
The region's diverse landscapes, including forests, hills, and valleys, are enjoyable across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also suitable, though some routes might be more exposed to the sun. Winter riding is possible, but conditions can vary, especially in higher elevations.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly gravel bike routes?
The routes highlighted in this guide are generally classified as difficult, featuring significant elevation gain and substantial climbs. For those seeking a challenging experience, consider the Col de la Cabane – Cunlhat loop from Cunlhat, which covers 22.7 miles (36.5 km) with varied terrain.
Are the gravel trails in Saint-Jean-Des-Ollières suitable for families?
The gravel routes in this guide are rated as difficult due to their length and elevation gain, making them more suitable for experienced gravel bikers. Families looking for gentler outdoor activities might consider the numerous hiking trails in the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park, which offer varying skill levels.
What natural features or viewpoints can I see along the gravel bike trails?
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can expect to ride through extensive forests, green meadows, and high-altitude moors within the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park. The View of Busseol castle – Pathway by the Allier River loop from Saint-Julien-de-Coppel offers scenic views, including riverine landscapes. For panoramic views, the Pic de la Garde, a basaltic scree, provides 360-degree vistas of the Puy de Dôme, Monts Dore, and Monts du Forez.
Are there any historical sites or attractions near the gravel bike routes?
Yes, the area around Saint-Jean-Des-Ollières features several historical attractions. You can explore the ruins of Château de Montmorin, a 12th-century medieval castle, or the 16th-century Château de Lachaux. The medieval village of Billom, with its half-timbered houses and gateways, is also nearby, as are the Ruins and Stone Bridge of Le Madet.
Are there any circular gravel routes available?
Yes, the routes featured in this guide are circular. For example, the View from Dourbias – Chateau Les Martinanches loop from Cunlhat is a difficult 19.7 miles (31.7 km) route that starts and ends in Cunlhat, offering a complete loop experience.
Where can I park my car when accessing gravel bike trails?
While specific parking locations for each trail are not detailed here, routes often start from villages like Cunlhat or Saint-Julien-de-Coppel. It is generally advisable to look for public parking areas within these villages, which serve as common starting points for outdoor activities in the region.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Saint-Jean-Des-Ollières?
The gravel biking routes in Saint-Jean-Des-Ollières are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 1 review. More than 12 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, indicating a positive experience among those who have ridden here.
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