The best traffic-free bike rides around Lac De Lastioulles

There are 4 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Lac De Lastioulles featured in this guide. All of them are rated as moderate difficulty, offering a good balance for most road cyclists.

The routes wind through the unique landscapes of the Artense plateau, characterized by its 'hollows and bumps, stones and lakes'. You'll cycle through forests and pastures, often spotting local red-coated cows, all within the stunning Volcans d'Auvergne Regional Nature Park. The area is known for its distinct 'Little Scandinavia' ambiance due to its collection of lakes.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Lac de Lastioulles loop from Les Boussous offers a 33.8 km ride directly around the lake, and the Lac de la Crégut – Entraygues Waterfalls and Lake loop from Marchal is a longer 64.3 km circular option.

The region is best enjoyed from spring through early autumn. During these months, the weather is generally mild, and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant. Summer also offers the opportunity for a refreshing swim at the Blue Flag beach on Lac de Lastioulles after your ride.

Absolutely. The routes often provide views of the various lakes, including Lac de Lastioulles itself with its numerous peninsulas, and the larger Lac de la Crégut. The View of Puy de Sancy – Col de Montgreleix loop from Saint-Genès-Champespe offers stunning vistas, including distant views of Puy de Sancy, the highest peak in the Massif Central.

All the no-traffic road cycling routes in this guide are rated as moderate. They feature varying elevation gains, for instance, the Lac de Lastioulles loop has an elevation gain of around 600 meters over 33.8 km, while longer routes like the Lac de la Crégut – Entraygues Waterfalls and Lake loop can have over 800 meters of elevation gain across 64.3 km. This makes them suitable for cyclists with some experience looking for a good workout.

While all routes are rated moderate, the shorter loops with less elevation, such as the Gentiane Express Scenic Train loop from Saint-Amandin (23.6 km with 430m elevation), could be suitable for families with older children who are comfortable with road cycling and some climbs. The 'no traffic' aspect makes them safer for family outings.

The area around Lac de Lastioulles offers various amenities. You'll find cafes and restaurants in nearby villages, and there are accommodation options ranging from campsites to guesthouses. The lake itself has a nautical center and a Blue Flag beach, providing opportunities for relaxation and water sports. For more information on the lake's facilities, you can visit the official tourism site: Lake Lastioulles.

Yes, parking is generally available in the villages where these routes typically start or pass through. For example, you can find parking in Les Boussous for the Lac de Lastioulles loop, or in Marchal for the Lac de la Crégut loop. Specific parking details can often be found on the individual route pages.

The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience around Lac De Lastioulles, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, well-paved roads, the stunning lake views, and the feeling of immersion in the natural, volcanic landscape of the Artense region, often described as having a 'Little Scandinavia' feel.

Absolutely! Lac de Lastioulles is a hub for outdoor activities. After your ride, you can enjoy supervised swimming at the Blue Flag beach, try various water sports at the nautical center (sailing, canoeing, paddleboarding), or go fishing for pike and perch. There are also numerous hiking trails, such as the 'PR 2 : Histoire d'eau' around Lac de la Crégut, perfect for exploring the forests and meadows on foot.