Clermont-Ferrand / Volvic

Historic Clermont-Ferrand was formerly the starting point for the original GTMC mountain bike route. From town, you head gradually up to the Chaîne des Puys Range, distinguished by its 80 volcanoes and dominated by the largest, the massively impressive Puy de Dôme. Admire the exceptionally varied landscapes below the Puy de Dôme, going from the 2,000-year-old city to sunny slopes planted with vines and fruit trees. This stage ends amidst chestnut woods and ancient volcanic flows, which have given rise to distinctive vegetation and architecture. Cycling in these parts, your gaze will be irresistibly drawn to the volcanoes. The stage ends at the little town of Volvic, famed for its mineral water naturally filtered through volcanic rock.

The route

Head out from Clermont-Ferrand station. There’s a gentle slope up to Place Delille; you need to cross this square before heading downhill opposite a large lycée (secondary school), then you cycle along a long straight line. After a series of traffic lights, the GTMC by mountain bike leads you to a tarmacked, sloping track heading up to the Col de Bancillon (a pass at an altitude of 551m). After that, a short but intense descent leads to Blanzat sports centre. You need to cycle through here, then take a tarmacked path to Blanzat. Next, a splendid portion of track takes you via fruit orchards and meadows to Malauzat. From Malauzat, head up through chestnut woods that bring you up close to the Chaîne des Puys volcanic range. Technically, these tracks prove fun and relatively easy.