Vichy / Puy-Guillaume

Well-rested and relaxed, cycle south from Vichy by getting back on the greenway alongside the Allier River, riding towards Saint-Yorre. Take in the peaceful, unspoilt atmosphere and enjoy glimpses over the Allier Valley, the river dominating along certain stretches, flora and fauna taking centre stage along others. Further on, the Allier’s waters are joined by those of the Dore River at the Bec de Dore, a spot providing many species with a tranquil refuge. In the distance, you can make out the Auvergne’s mountains, presaging greater shifts in altitude. Do make a detour to the Domaine Royal de Randan and to Ris and its Holy Cross Church, part of a former Cluniac priory.

The Via Allier cycle route from Vichy to Puy-Guillaume

From central Vichy, you need to cross the Allier to rejoin the greenway beside the river. It’s an easy ride up to the town of Saint-Yorre, where the greenway comes to a temporary end at the level of the bridge, awaiting its future continuation. Sticking to the same riverbank, leave St-Yorre via the D434 road to continue to St-Priest-Bramefant. At the roundabout, go straight on, then turn immediately left, heading for St-Priest-Bramefant via the D433, a small road. Leaving this village, continue towards Limons, the cycle route leading you back close to the Allier at Port de Ris, where the Dore River joins the Allier. At Limons, cross the Allier via the bridge to reach Puy-Guillaume. 

Links

Towards the Domaine Royal de Randan, on leaving St-Priest-Bramefant (the way is signposted)

Don't miss

• Randan : the grounds of the Domaine Royal de Randan. The gardens and grounds, covering 100 hectares, constitute one of the most significant French landscape creations dating back to the first half of the 19th century. 
• Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste : this parish church dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. It was enlarged and restored between 1843 and 1845 by order of Adélaïde d'Orléans, a French royal princess. 
• Ris : the church of Sainte-Croix, part of a former Cluniac priory. This significant religious building was begun in the 10th century. The choir and transept were rebuilt later, while the vaulted nave was a very early example of this type of architecture, although later elevated. The lovely 15th-century wall paintings have been restored.
• Espace naturel Sensible du Bec de Dore at the confluence of the Dore and Allier Rivers. Long known to naturalists for its natural environment (now protected) and its heritage. In this area so marked by two rivers meeting, the water system includes areas where the flow can be significant and then boires, arms of water that, in drier months, are cut off from the river current. 
• Markets : Randan – Friday morning; Puy-Guillaume – Wednesday morning

Railway stations

• No railway station along this stage
• Regional bus at Puy-Guillaume: Vichy, Ambert