|
High
Plains at a Gentler Pace
|
|
|
|
This
circuit takes you from the gentler countryside in the south to the
Cère valley on the edge of the Monts du Cantal, some of the
most spectacular landscapes of the Auvergne. The cycle routes are
carefully chosen to avoid too many climbs by following the contours
where possible. Of course there are one or two challenges but the
satisfaction (and the view from the top) make it worthwhile.
This is our longest holiday, combining the best of our other shorter
holidays in the area.
|
 |
|
|
Day
1: Arrive at St Flour |
 On
arrival at the railway station, you will be met by our
representative who will take you to our base hotel. You
stay in the centre of St Flour, perfect for exploring
the narrow lanes of this charming town. |
|
|
Day
2: St Flour - Garabit
28 kms |
 Cross
the plateau to Ruynes where there are plenty of spots
for lunch. In the afternoon, stay on the small roads or
use much quieter tracks to Garabit. As you descend into
Garabit, stop and take a photograph of the impressive
viaduct. |
|
|
Day
3: Garabit |
There are
several options for your stay in Garabit. Choose between a boat
trip on the river, a cycle to nearby Laval or a lazy day by
the hotel pool.
|
|
Day
4: Garabit
- Chaudes Aigues
40 kms |
Cycle along
peaceful country lanes through woods and farmland, perhaps taking
a detour to peer over the cliff edge into the Gorges du Bès.
|
|
Day
5: Chaudes
Aigues |
Chaudes Aigues
retains its small town charm and is famous for its hot water
spring. Walk around the town and sample the wide variety of
local specialities available in the many small shops.
|
|
Day
6: Chaudes Aigues
- Neuvéglise
23 kms |
Excellent
cycling roads plus great views across the valleys and a fantastic
downhill to the lake at Lanau. Relax by the lake before crossing
to the Auberge for lunch.
|
|
|
|
Day
7: Neuvéglise |
Perhaps a
day trip to the Chateau d’Alleuze and the church nearby.
Great cycling roads add to the scenery along the way.
|
|
Day
8: Neuvéglise - Pont La Vielle
37 kms |
Take a packed
lunch today to eat on your journey across the plateau through
small villages and hamlets. Stop at Brezons to see the old church.
All day there are good views of the Monts du Cantal in the distance.
|
|
Day
9: Pont
La Vielle |
Visit the
ancient and charming small town of Mur Le Barrez. Wander around
the narrow lanes of this ancient town and enjoy a leisurely
lunch.
|
|
Day
10: Pont La Vielle - Vic sur Cère
32 kms |
 A
trip along some very pretty lanes starting on the plateau,
across to the borders of the Monts du Cantal. Perhaps
stop in Pailherols for a mid-morning drink and a look
at the church opposite the bar. After lunch there are
some cool shady roads through woods to Vic sur Cère. |
|
|
Day
11: Vic
sur Cère |
Plenty of
choice for your “day off” today. You might walk to
the Rocher des Pendus and have lunch at the nearby restaurant.
Alternatively, visit Aurillac, the capital of Cantal by bike
or by train, or relax by the hotel’s pool.
|
|
Day
12: Vic sur
Cère - St Flour
37 kms |
 In
the morning, cycle to the impressive Chateau de Pesteils
before catching a train to Neussargues, from where it
is a short cycle back to St Flour. |
|
|
Day
13: Leave
for Home |
After breakfast,
our representative will take you to the railway station for
your journey home.
|
| AUVERGNE
|
Plateaux
& Gorges |
|
|
|
High
Plains |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Quick
Facts |
|
| Duration |
|
| 13 days
- 12 nights |
|
| Grading |
|
|
|
|
| Accommodation |
|
| 6 x
2star hotels, 2 with pools all 1/2 board |
|
| Travel
Arrangements |
|
| Self
drive; or air/rail to Paris, rail to Neussargues, met by rep, then
transfer to St Flour |
|
|
