AUVERGNE CEVENNES (Self-guided)

ITINERARY

• Day 1

  Vichy:

  Participants are welcomed in Vichy, hotel check-in, then free time to stroll through the historic city centre, the Parc des Sources or along the banks of the Allier River. Briefing and welcome cocktail.

• Day 2

  Vichy – Le Mont-Dore (225 km):

  The journey begins through the volcanic landscapes and green valleys of Auvergne.
  Discovery of the Sioule Valley and the medieval bridge of Ménat, followed by the ascent of the Croix Saint-Robert Pass. A stop in the listed village of Besse-en-Chandesse and a visit to the Romanesque church of Orcival, before arriving in Le Mont-Dore, an emblematic spa town of the Massif Central.

• Day 3

  Le Mont-Dore – Saint-Flour (186 km):

  A stage punctuated by lakes and volcanic panoramas. Discovery of the Château du Val and the Bort-les-Orgues dam, before crossing the listed village of Salers, a jewel of the Cantal.
  The route reaches its highest point at the summit of Puy Mary, offering spectacular views over the mountains of Auvergne.

• Day 4

  Saint-Flour – Saint-Geniez-d’Olt (205 km):

  Crossing the famous Garabit Viaduct designed by Eiffel, then a stop at the Mallet viewpoint overlooking the Truyère gorges. Discovery of the thermal springs of Chaudes-Aigues, followed by a crossing of the Aubrac plateau and a stop in Laguiole, renowned for its traditional knife-making workshops.

• Day 5

  Saint-Geniez-d’Olt – Albi (218 km):

  A stage rich in heritage and hilltop villages. Discovery of the listed villages of Conques and Najac, followed by exploration of the Aveyron gorges. Stops at the Bozouls chasm and Cordes-sur-Ciel, before reaching Albi and its majestic fortified Sainte-Cécile Cathedral.

• Day 6

  Albi – Millau (165 km):

  Heading towards the Tarn gorges and the landscapes of the southern Massif Central.
  Discovery of the listed village of Brousse-le-Château, the Société Roquefort cheese cellars, then a stop on the Ambialet peninsula. Passing beneath the famous Millau Viaduct and a stop in the listed village of Peyre, perched above the Tarn River.

• Day 7

  Millau loop (183 km):

  A day dedicated to discovering the Causses of the Larzac and their Templar villages: La Couvertoirade, the Navacelles cirque, and the Dourbie gorges. Return to Millau in the late afternoon.

• Day 8

  Millau – Les Vans (213 km):

  A magnificent stage between cliffs and Cévennes valleys. Crossing the Jonte gorges and the Tarn gorges, with stops in the listed villages of Saint-Chély-du-Tarn and Castelbouc. Climb to the Col de Finiels, passage through Mont Lozère and the Cévennes National Park before arriving in Les Vans.

• Day 9

  Les Vans – Le Puy-en-Velay (145 km):

  Final stage through the Ardèche Mountains. Visit to Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc, source of the Loire River, and the listed villages of Balazuc and Vogüé. Discovery of the episcopal city of Le Puy-en-Velay.

• Day 10

  Le Puy-en-Velay:

  Participants depart after breakfast.