Mounts of Cantal – La Grande Traversée du Volcan à vélo

People are awe-struck by volcanoes. These mountains connect the air we breathe to the heart of the Earth. Extinct, dormant, active – it doesn't matter. Volcanoes are full of mystery and mysticism. What if I were to take you on a journey to the centre of the Earth, a la Jules Vernes, through the oldest volcano on the European continent?

This Collection takes you on La Grande Traversée du Volcan à vélo, an unparalleled bike touring journey through the Mounts of Cantal, in southern Auvergne, France. This stratovolcano – a type of volcano with very steep slopes – offers a superb playground for cycling enthusiasts. There are numerous serpentines between gorges, volcanoes and plateaus. The route is dotted with many characterful towns and villages.

Allanches, Aurillac, Mandailles and Maurs – these are all charming towns where you can find accommodation and enjoy excellent food and drink. There’s no need to overload yourself with supplies as sampling the local specialities is part of the experience.

The route totals 172 kilometres (107 mi) with 2,710 metres (8,891 ft) of elevation gain. In this Collection, I have divided it into three challenging stages. The highlight of the ride is undoubtedly the ascent of the Pas de Peyro, right at the foot of Puy Mary. This is not a recommended route for beginners and some mountain experience is required. If you wish to divide the stages, this is perfectly possible and will allow you to better immerse yourself in the spirit of the place.

Given the altitude and climate of the region, the best time for this ride is from mid-May to mid-November. Don't forget to check the weather before embarking on each stage, as it can be changeable.

The easiest way to get to the starting point and back is by car. Alternatively, there’s a train station in Maurs, which is in the middle of the first stage: you will have to do a return leg if you want to cover the whole route. At the end of the journey, you have to return to Massiac to catch the train.