The best traffic-free bike rides around Allanche

There are 28 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Allanche, offering a variety of experiences across the Cézallier plateau and surrounding areas. These routes range from moderate to difficult, ensuring options for different skill levels.

You'll experience diverse landscapes, from the expansive, high-altitude Cézallier plateau with its vast summer pastures grazed by Salers and Aubrac cows, to picturesque valleys like the Alagnon. The region also features volcanic formations, forests, and meadows, with the Monts du Sancy and Monts du Cantal providing a dramatic backdrop.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Allanche are designed as loops. For example, you can enjoy the moderate Allanche – Lake du Pêcher loop from Allanche, which takes you through varied terrain, or the more challenging Little Mongolia – Baladour Pass Road loop from Allanche for a longer adventure.

Many routes offer stunning natural sights. You might encounter waterfalls like the Cascade des Veyrines or the Saillant Waterfall. Several routes also pass by lakes, such as the Lac des Pêcheurs. You'll also get panoramic views, including the View of Mont Chamaroux and the Cézallier mountains.

While most routes are moderate to difficult, there is at least one easy route available. For a moderate option that is still accessible, consider the Lac du Pêcher – Lake du Pêcher loop from Instants d'Absolu, Ecolodge et Spa, which offers a pleasant 17.8 km ride with manageable elevation changes.

The period from May to October is ideal for touring cycling in Allanche. During these months, the high-altitude pastures of the Cézallier are vibrant with grazing Salers and Aubrac cows, offering idyllic, unspoiled scenery. The weather is generally favorable, making it perfect for enjoying the no-traffic routes.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Allanche, with an average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's authentic and wild charm, the sweeping panoramic views of the Monts du Sancy and Monts du Cantal, and the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes across the Cézallier plateau.

Yes, the cycling routes can lead to charming local attractions. Allanche itself is a fortified village with a Romanesque church. While not directly on a listed no-traffic route here, the wider region includes historic villages like Blesle, recognized as one of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France." You might also pass through smaller settlements like Saint-Bonnet-de-Condat.

Allanche serves as a central hub for many routes, and you can typically find parking within the village itself. For routes starting outside the main town, such as the Saint-Bonnet-de-Condat – Col de la Rieu loop from Landeyrat, parking is usually available in the respective starting villages or designated areas.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Little Mongolia – Baladour Pass Road loop from Allanche offer significant elevation gains, with over 1450 meters of ascent over 61.6 km, providing demanding climbs and stunning views across the Cézallier plateau.

While Allanche is a rural area, some regional bus services might connect to larger towns. However, for direct access to the starting points of many no-traffic cycling routes, especially those in more remote areas of the Cézallier, personal transport is generally recommended for convenience and flexibility.