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 Auvergne
Crossing
the plateau from St Flour, pasture gives way to forest as
you approach the high peaks of the Monts du Cantal. The cycling
follows the contours of the terrain where possible, maintaining
height and spectacular views. In the south of our cycling
region, as you leave the plateau, the rivers and lakes provide
the scenery as well as fresh fish for the Auvergnat cuisine.
Each day’s cycle will get you closer to the heart of
rural Auvergne, via some famous and some less well known points
of interest. The ancient standing stones to be found dotted
around the area are often just off the road, marked by small
signposts. On a bicycle you can take a rest and explore.
Château
d’Alleuze
The ruined chateau stands alone on an outcrop above the Truyère
River. Take photos of the valley below before the freewheel
down to the river.
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St
Flour
St. Flour was built in the 14th century on a cliff at the
edge of the vast plateau created by the volcanic eruptions
that formed the Monts du Cantal. The town is divided into
two, we stay in medieval St Flour haute, the old town at the
top of the cliff. The gothic cathedral of St Pierre dominates
the Place d’Armes in the old town. Ancient stone steps
of the Chemin des Chèvres descend to St Flour bas,
the river and the church of St Christine.
Garabit viaduct
The massive iron viaduct, spanning over 500 metres, was built
by Gustave Eiffel in 1884. Following this, he was commissioned
to build the Eiffel tower in Paris. Boat trips run along the
river on sightseeing tours past the ruined Chateau d’Alleuze.
Gorges du Bès
The impressive gorges are a natural feature on the Truyère
River . Walk along the trail above the river along the cliff
to the top of the gorge to peer down to the river below.
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Vic
sur Cère
Vic
sur Cère sits in a valley on the medieval route taken
by St Jacques de Compostelle on his journey through Auvergne.
The 15th century town hall, with its Louis XV door, has decorated
beams and figurative paintings on the wall. The nearby Chateau
de Pesteils overlooks the Cère valley and is noted
for its painted ceilings and antique furniture.
The spring in Vic sur Cère gives a constant supply
of slightly fizzy water, rich in iron and minerals.
Chaudes Aigues
In
the south of our region, Chaudes Aigues is a small market
town noted for its hot water spring. The water flows from
a fountain in the town centre at a temperature close to boiling,
a constant 82° centigrade. The spring was traditionally
used to warm the soup, cook eggs and wash vegetables being
prepared for the table.
Murat
Dating back to the 15th century, constructed on a rocky outcrop
to protect the region from its enemies, it has many narrow
streets to explore behind its main square.
Polminhac
Visit the Château de Pestils owned by the same family
since 1608. A fine collection of paintings, furniture and
tapestries are on display to visitors. One room is decorated
with 15th century frescoes, copies of which are exhibited
in the National Museum of French Monuments in Paris.
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