A mountain bike tour of the Livradois-Forez region | Vacances en Auvergne

After all, we’re all familiar with itinerant hiking on foot, with a rucksack on our backs and hiking boots on our feet. But mountain biking in the Livradois-Forez region is the perfect expedition for those who want to rack up the kilometers on varied, sporty trails, minus the weight of the bag. You’ll pedal your way from small town to small town. You’ll also enjoy the scenery and viewpoints. And you’ll stay in accommodations run by owners who are used to cyclists on the open road. Ready for a mountain-biking adventure in Livradois-Forez?

The nature of the Livradois-Forez region promises a great mountain biking experience. You’re in an unspoilt environment. In the heart of the Auvergne region, the green heart of Livradois-Forez is formed by two ancient mountain ranges: the Livradois and the Forez. They both stretch around the Ambert plain, making an ideal playground for mountain bike enthusiasts.

An ideal playground for mountain bike enthusiasts

From an altitude of 400 to over 1600 metres, you’ll find yourself in a mid-mountain landscape. For example: the Hautes-Chaumes du Forez, the Livradois forest, the La Chaise-Dieu plateau and the Dore valley, the backbone of this park. Its wealth of natural treasures will allow you to hike along paths that are sometimes steep, sometimes soothing. Numerous streams and small torrents tumble down to the Dore valley, adding freshness to your journey. And along the way, you’ll pass through villages and large towns with a thousand little heritage treasures. Get ready for a great mountain biking adventure in Livradois-Forez!

Mountain biking in Livradois-Forez : a sporty and complete tour

The diversity of the Livradois-Forez landscape and its many trails, the quality of the facilities and, above all, the warm welcome reserved for mountain bikers make this itinerant tour an unforgettable sporting program. As a result, this part of the Auvergne is perfect for both male and femalepedal adventurers. You’ll find a wide variety of conditions here. It’s best to be a little physically prepared, but for that, we’re counting on you.

Wide, rolling forest paths, narrow, rockytrails, high-altitude lawns, great descents and, of course, great climbs: a very interesting and instructive route awaits you. Whether you’re a super climber, a downhill arrow or not, this mountain bike tour will take you along and motivate you through 14 varied sections. All mountain bikers, fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers can’t fail to be seduced by the beauty and richness of these landscapes.

The Livradois-Forez mountain bike tour with 14 discovery sections

They’re all here for you, so you can get to the heart of the matter. A complete 233-kilometer tour of the Livradois-Forez over 5 to 7 days in 14 sections. Traditionally, the Tour de pays à VTT starts in Aubusson d’Auvergne, at the Centre FFCT des Quatre Vents. But you’re free to start wherever you like on this loop through the Livradois-Forez region.

Section 1"Dore Valley

Route :from Aubusson to Olliergues via Courpière

Duration :1h

Distance16.7 km

D+487 m

LevelEasy

Section 1, Dore Valley

A short section with no particular difficulty. You’ll discover one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Livradois-Forez region. You’ll see the Chaîne des Puys – Faille de Limagne, aUNESCO World Heritage site, the puy de Dôme of course, and the Dore valley. A little warm-up before tackling a much sportier section.

Section 2"Dore and Livradois mountains

Route :from Olliergues to Gonteix via La Chapelle-Agnon

Duration :1h30

Distance8.3 km

D+457 m

LevelVery difficult

Section 2, Dore and Livradois mountains

For this is one of the most difficult sections of the Tour de pays à VTT. You go upstream along the Livradois rivers. The section is short but very steep. There are also a number of technical and athletic sections that require caution and skill. A long hill will undoubtedly send you swimming.

Section 3"Livradois Mountains

Route :from Gonteix to Saint-Éloy-la-Glacière via Saint-Amant-Roche-Savine

Duration :1h30

Distance11.8 km

D+382 m

LevelEasy

Section 3, Mont du Livradois

The third section is more relaxing, after the climb to the summits of the Livradois mountains. It takes you on pleasant paths through undergrowth. You’ll discover the dense forest of this western part of the Auvergne Regional Nature Park.

Section 4"Haut-Livradois

Route :from Saint-Éloy-la-Glacière to La Croix-des-Sucs via Fournols

Duration :30min

Distance7.1 km

D+81 m

LevelEasy

Here you pass gently over the Col de la Toutée. You’ll also pass the legendary Pierres Folles site. A complete change of scenery in the Livradois mountains.

Section 5"Livradois and cut country

Route :from La Croix-des-Sucs to Vernet-Chaméane via Aix-la-Fayette

Duration :2h

Distance17.3 km

D+279 m

LevelDifficult

To begin with, the start of this stage is a happy transition between the wooded, relatively gentle Haut-Livradois and the “pays coupés” at the southern end of the Regional Nature Park. Here you arrive in a more agricultural zone. And you’ll enjoy beautiful views over the Allier valley and all the volcanic massifs of western Auvergne. The trails are pleasant and generally downhill.

Section 6"Livradois High Plateaux

Route :from Vernet-Chaméane to Saint-Germain-l'Herm via Sainte-Catherine

Duration :2h

Distance15.7 km

D+478 m

LevelEasy

Section 6, Livradois Highlands

This fairly easy section takes you through a landscape shaped by human activity and geological relief.

Section 7"Livradois High Plateaux

Route :from Saint-Germain-l'Herm to Saint-Bonnet-le-Chastel via Saint-Bonnet-le-bourg

Duration :1h30

Distance12.1 km

D+183 m

LevelEasy

Section 7, Livradois Highlands

This is a fairly quiet section, with a few gentle climbs and pleasant descents under the trees. However, the more undulating route remains pleasant and easy.

Section 8"Livradois Mountains

Route :from Saint-Bonnet-le-Chastel to La Chaise-Dieu via Saint-Alyre-d'Arlanc

Duration :2h30

Distance18.4 km

D+X m

LevelDifficult

Section 8, Livradois Mountains

All in all, the difficulty of section 8 lies in its fairly high mileage and, above all, its numerous ascents and descents, all the way to the plateau of La Chaise-Dieu. You’re now in the Haut-Livradois region. The climb up to La Chaise-Dieu is particularly remarkable. There’s also a breathtaking view of the abbey, Europe’s largest high-altitude abbey. Take advantage of this stage to spend a few minutes in the center of La Chaise-Dieu.

Section 9"Chaise-Dieu plateau

Route :from La Chaise-Dieu to Chomelix via Félines

Duration :2h30

Distance18.2 km

D+195 m

LevelEasy

Section 9, Plateau de la Chaise-Dieu

You then cross the Dorette valley to reach the Craponne plateau. The descent to Bonneval is beautiful and pleasant. However, the climb to Beaumont is very steep. A panoramic view of Beaumont makes you catch your breath.

Section 10"Plateau de Craponne

Route :from Chomelix to Medeyrolles via Craponne-sur-Arzon

Duration :3h

Distance23.7 km

D+475 m

LevelEasy

Section 10, Plateau de Craponne

In other words, this section is pleasant and easy. You start off at the village of Chomelix and follow the famous ” chemin de Jules César ” to Craponne-sur-Arzon.

Section 11"Monts du Forez

Route :from Medeyrolles to Les Pradeaux via Viverols

Duration :2h

Distance19.1 km

D+485 m

LevelMedium

Section 11, Monts du Forez

Undoubtedlyone of the most beautiful sections of the Tour de pays à VTT. You leave the Craponne plateau behind and head for the summit of the Monts du Forez. You pass the Col des Pradeaux and the jasseries on the Hautes-Chaumes du Forez.

At altitude, on the Forez mountains

Section 12"Monts du Forez

Route :From Les Pradeaux to the Col des Supeyres via Saint-Anthème

Duration :1h45

Distance14 km

D+327 m

LevelDifficult

A beautiful itinerary that takes you east to the Alps. In fact, you’re on the summits of the Monts du Forez. The climb to the Col des Supeyres is fairly easy and pleasant.

Section 13"Crêtes du Forez

Route :from Col des Supeyres to Col du Béal via Chalmazel-Jeansagnière

Duration :1h

Distance13.5 km

D+330 m

LevelEasy

Section 13, Crêtes du Forez

It’s ” the most grandiose part of this Tour de Pays du Livradois-Forez “, according to the adventurous pedalers who passed before you. After all, you’re passing right by the highest point in the Livradois-Forez region: Pierre-sur-Haute at an altitude of 1634 metres. A 360° panorama stretches out beneath you. The Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park, the Alps, the Sancy and the Chaîne des Puys – Faille de Limagne. To conclude, the descent to the Col du Béal is very rejuvenating.

Section 14"Monts du Forez and the Forézien Piedmont

Route :from Col du Béal to Aubusson d'Auvergne via Vollore-Montagne

Duration :3h30

Distance37.3 km

D+476 m

LevelEasy

Section 14, Monts du Forez and Forézien foothills

Although this last section has many kilometers, it is fairly easy. You’ll pedal over the crests of the Monts du Forez, over the Col de la Loge and under the Pic Pelé. Before a well-deserved rest at the Centre FFCT des Quatre Vents.