The best cycling routes around Les Ternes

There are nearly 100 touring cycling routes around Les Ternes, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find routes varying from easy to difficult, allowing you to explore the diverse volcanic landscapes of the Cantal region.

The terrain around Les Ternes is characterized by its unique volcanic landscapes, offering panoramic views of the Planèze and the Cantal mountains. Routes often utilize pastoral tracks, making them suitable for various touring preferences. You'll encounter a mix of varied elevations, from relatively flat and rolling sections to more challenging mountainous climbs.

Yes, Les Ternes offers several easy touring cycling routes. For a leisurely ride with stunning panoramas, consider the Narse de Lascols et Monts du Cantal — loop in the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park. This 11.8-mile (19.0 km) route is relatively flat and offers beautiful views within the regional natural park without significant technical difficulty.

Absolutely. The region boasts natural beauty, including waterfalls. A challenging route that features a waterfall is the Muratel waterfalls – View of Plomb du Cantal loop from Paulhac. This difficult 20.6-mile (33.2 km) path includes significant elevation gain and offers views towards the Plomb du Cantal, alongside the Muratel waterfalls. You can also visit the Babory Waterfall as a separate highlight.

Many routes in Les Ternes are designed as loops, providing convenient circular tours. Besides the easy Narse de Lascols et Monts du Cantal loop, you can also explore the moderate Paulhac loop from Le Chapelou, which covers about 31.0 km (19.3 miles).

Beyond the scenic routes, the area around Les Ternes offers several interesting landmarks. You can visit historical sites like Sailhant Castle and Alleuze Castle. The town of Saint-Flour is also nearby, offering cultural exploration. For natural wonders, the Truyère Gorges are a significant attraction.

The Cantal region, including Les Ternes, generally offers an ideal climate for cycling year-round, ensuring consistent opportunities for outdoor exploration. However, for touring cycling, spring through autumn typically provides the most pleasant weather conditions, with comfortable temperatures and vibrant landscapes.

The touring cycling routes around Les Ternes are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse volcanic landscapes, the panoramic views of the Planèze and the Cantal mountains, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.

Yes, Les Ternes offers numerous challenging routes for experienced touring cyclists, with 60 routes graded as difficult. A notable option is the Col de Prat de Bouc – View of the Plomb du Cantal loop from Les Allauziers. This 32.5-mile (52.3 km) trail leads through mountainous terrain and offers spectacular views towards the Plomb du Cantal.

Yes, the routes in the Les Ternes area are part of a broader network. An 180 km itinerary in five stages allows cyclists to explore the diverse facets and natural heritage of the East Cantal region, which is connected to the Grande Traversée du Massif Central (GTMC) for mountain biking, offering opportunities for extended touring adventures.

While specific parking facilities for each route are not detailed, the region is generally accommodating for outdoor activities. Many routes start from villages or accessible points where parking is typically available. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for specific parking information.

The Cantal region, being a popular destination for outdoor activities, offers various accommodation options for cyclists, ranging from guesthouses and B&Bs to hotels and campsites. Many establishments are accustomed to hosting cyclists and may offer facilities like secure bike storage. It's recommended to search for cyclist-friendly accommodation in nearby towns or villages.