The adventure across the Cantal’s great volcano actually begins in the county (département) of Aveyron, and by the Lot River, at Port d'Agrès, with its medieval roots. The mariners from here used to trade with Bordeaux, their produce shipped down the Lot on traditional river boats known as gabarres. The Grande Traversée du Volcan à Vélo cycle route rises quickly above the river, leading to Maurs la Jolie. Set midway between the gentle Lot Valley and the Cantal Volcano, this fine village, designated a Petite Cité de Caractère, has such a mild climate that comparisons are modestly made with that of the French Riviera!

La Grande Traversée du Volcan à Vélo between Maurs and Aurillac wends its way through the Rance Gorges and the heart of La Châtaigneraie, a wide, forested area with many a tale to tell. Detours to Vitrac and Marcolès are tempting, for the architecture and delicious gastronomy. You then arrive at Aurillac, a town where the countryside is always close by. Known in history as the place where Gerbert trained before being elected Pope Sylvester II at the end of the first millennium AD, today it’s known for its international festival of street theatre.

Here it comes! The largest volcano in Europe lies ahead of you. Cycle along the marvellous Jordanne Valley, originally sculpted by fire and ice, now so green, especially in spring. You emerge from the bottom of this valley, a tough climb by road taking you to the foot of a series of volcanic ‘puys’, or cones: Chavaroche, Griou and Peyre Arse. Your senses awaken here. Even if the Cantal Volcano has been dormant for millions of years, it could theoretically begin to rumble at any moment…

This Grande Traversée du Volcan à Vélo stage plunges you into the extensive Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne. There are new challenges here, notably the climb by bike to the Pas de Peyrol, the pass marking the highest point on the route, at 1,588m. This highlight is added to by visiting the summit of Puy Mary, designated a Grand Site de France for its grandeur. Dismount at its foot for a well-earned rest, then climb by foot to the summit to take in the most spectacular of views, as far as the eye can see. From on high, you can appreciate, sometimes without crowds, the full extent of Europe’s largest strato-volcano. See how the glacial Jordanne, Impradine, Santoire, Cheylade and Le Falgoux Valleys radiate out from here like the spokes of a wheel.

From Allanche, La Grande Traversée du Volcan à Vélo cycle route takes you climbing to the Col du Baladour pass, then across the major Plateau du Cézallier. After a fine descent, you arrive at Massiac, bathing in an almost Mediterranean climate. The route continues across a plain, sometimes following the Alagnon River, to reach Blesle, a member of the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. This place marks the border between the counties of Cantal and Haute-Loire, and the end of your adventure on the GT2V cycle route!