AUVERGNE (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.

• 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 marked by lakes and volcanic panoramas. Discovery of the Château du Val and the Bort-les-Orgues dam, before passing through the listed village of Salers, a jewel of the Cantal.
  The route reaches its high 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:

  Participants depart after breakfast.