The best gravel rides around Lac Des Bordes

The Lac Des Bordes area offers a good selection of gravel bike trails, with over 10 routes available for exploration. These routes traverse the high-altitude plateaus, pastures, and meadows of the Cézallier region.

Gravel biking around Lac Des Bordes caters to various skill levels. You'll find a mix of routes, with 5 classified as moderate and 7 as difficult, providing options for both experienced riders and those looking for a challenge.

While many routes in the high-altitude Cézallier region feature significant elevation changes, some moderate trails could be suitable for families with older children or those with good fitness. For instance, the Lake Bourdouze – Lake Montcineyre loop from Compains is a moderate 18.1 km route that offers a scenic ride through the landscape.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. A notable circular route is the Chamaroux Pass – La Godivelle loop from Brion-Haut, which covers 27.2 km and explores the open plateau landscapes.

The Cézallier region, where Lac Des Bordes is located, is a high-altitude area. The best season for gravel biking is typically from late spring through early autumn (May to October) when the weather is milder and the trails are clear of snow. Autumn offers beautiful scenery across the pastures and meadows.

While specific regulations can vary, generally, dogs are welcome on many outdoor trails in France, especially in natural areas like the Cézallier. However, as Lac Des Bordes is a Sensitive Natural Area and home to wildlife, it's always best to keep dogs on a leash to protect the local flora and fauna, especially during nesting seasons or when livestock are present in pastures.

Parking is generally available in the small villages and hamlets surrounding Lac Des Bordes, which serve as common starting points for many routes. For example, routes often begin from places like Brion-Haut or Le Fraud, where you can typically find suitable parking spaces to access the trails.

The gravel bike trails around Lac Des Bordes offer stunning high-altitude scenery. You'll ride through expansive plateaus of pastures and meadows, with panoramic 360-degree views. The lake itself is a 'blue pearl' within this landscape, and the area is known for its natural beauty and diverse plant life.

The Cézallier region is known for its vast, open spaces, which generally means trails are less crowded than in more urban or heavily touristed areas. To find quieter routes, consider exploring some of the longer, more challenging options, such as the La Godivelle – La Godivelle loop from Brion-Haut, which is a difficult 32.6 km path featuring significant elevation changes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's unique high-altitude landscapes, the sense of open space, and the engaging terrain that makes for a rewarding gravel biking experience. The diverse routes offer both scenic beauty and a good physical challenge.

Given the rural and high-altitude nature of the Cézallier region, amenities like cafes and pubs are typically found in the small villages and hamlets scattered throughout the area. It's advisable to plan your route to pass through these villages or carry sufficient provisions, as options can be sparse between settlements. Some routes, like the Col de Chamaroux – Volpilière Pass loop from Le Fraud, will take you through or near small communities where you might find local establishments.