Yssingeaux / Raucoules

J.Damase - Via Fluvia

Itinéraire Via Fluvia sur pont de la Chapelette

J.Damase - Via Fluvia

R. Vezin - ViaFluvia

R. Vezin - ViaFluvia

Voie verte Via Fluvia sur le pont de l'enceinte

R. Vezin - ViaFluvia

Oxygène drone - Via Fluvia

J.Damase - Via Fluvia

R. Vezin - ViaFluvia

J.Damase - Via Fluvia

21 km

1 h 22 min

I begin

Yssingeaux

Raucoules

Old railway

Nature & small heritage

The green ribbon of the Via Fluvia continues to unfold along the old railway line here, converted for the enjoyment of both cyclists and hikers. From Yssingeaux to Raucoules, the route crosses open countryside, still marked by the rounded shapes of the area’s sucs, ancient dormant volcanoes. Along the way, take the time to wander around the charming village of Grazac, home to a magnificent Cluniac priory. Reaching Lapte, leave your bike on the square in front of the church to climb to the top of the belfry. Enjoy the beautiful 360° views over the Velay Mountains, then get back on the greenway to reach Oumey Station, starting point for the Velay Express, the last working train service in the area.

Gradients and elevation

Ascents: 183m

Descents: 155m

Lowest point: 710m

Highest point: 906m

Road types

2km (9%) By road

19km (91%) Cycle path

Surface

21km (100%) Smooth

Via Fluvia from Yssingeaux to Raucoules

The cycle route crosses Yssingeaux town centre. Reaching the large village of Grazac, the ascent is intense over several dozen metres. Leaving Grazac, there’s a section along a quiet road with little traffic, with a slight gradient up to Lapte. The route is almost wholly along greenways up to Oumey Station. Take care crossing the D105 road (where the signage helps). The cycle route is entirely signposted ‘Via Fluvia’.

Link towards Lavalette Lake

From Lapte, it’s possible to reach Lac de Lavalette via quiet roads (4km)

Link by train via the Dolce Via cycle route

Oumey train station: departure of the tourist train the Velay Express up to Lamarche on the Dolce Via. Reservation in advance required for both you and your bike.

Don't miss

Yssingeaux: the local market (Thursday mornings)
La Chapelette: Notre Dame du Bon Secours de la Chapelette, a little votive chapel built by J.J. Maurin in 1854
Grazac: the Cluniac Priory, which became a possession of Burgundy’s great Cluny Abbey in the year 939
Lapte: the church dominating the Velay area, a listed historic monument along with its bell-tower, the tallest in the département, or county, of Haute-Loire (at 51m)
Lac de Lavalette and its dam: 5km from Lapte, with swimming and nautical activities on offer