Cycle France’s Volcanic Heart and its Mosaic of Wild Landscapes
The Massif Central is the soul of hidden France, a volcanic land offering a pure and rugged cycling experience. Far from the Alpine crowds, this region is a vast playground of dormant volcanoes, deep valleys, and high plateaus. A striking mosaic of ecosystems, it evokes a unique blend of landscapes from Scotland, Ireland, and Central Asia right in the heart of France. You will ride through dark coniferous forests, across vast, barren plains that feel like distant steppes, and alongside volcanic lakes.
Cycling here means traversing the Chaîne des Puys and tackling the winding roads of the Cantal and the Cévennes, where the landscapes feel as ancient as they are immense. We immerse you in the heart of Europe’s largest volcanic range, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will navigate between valleys and volcanic domes, including the passes of the Massif du Sancy with the Puy de Dôme as your backdrop and the iconic slopes of Puy Mary, the crown jewel of the Cantal mountains.
We offer two ways to explore this region. Our “Across Massif Central” bike tour is a North-to-South journey, connecting the most spectacular terrain—from the verdant domes of Auvergne to the shores of the Mediterranean, via the dizzying limestone canyons of the Tarn Gorges. For a focused exploration, our “Massif Central” stay plunges you into the heart of the Chaîne des Puys.
In the Massif Central, the road is yours. You will pass through stone villages and silent spaces where your only company will be the Salers cattle. This destination is for those seeking quiet, space, and the raw beauty of nature. As for the local gastronomy—from PDO cheeses like Saint-Nectaire and Cantal to Salers and Aubrac beef, and the richness of a traditional truffade—it will undoubtedly be a discovery, but one you will love.
Secret Auvergne by bike: traverse the Chaîne des Puys and the rugged Cantal. A deep volcanic immersion blending winding panoramic roads, ancient stone villages, and generous local gastronomy.
A spectacular North-to-South epic. From the verdant domes of Auvergne to the limestone canyons of the Tarn Gorges, experience a legendary crossing where wild steppes meet the Mediterranean light.
PLAN your MASSIF CENTRAL bike tour
The ideal season runs from mid-May to September. Thanks to its high plateaus (Lozère, Aubrac, and Cantal), the region remains refreshingly cool even when the rest of France swelters in the summer heat. Late spring offers lush, vibrant green pastures, while September brings a golden light and crisp air—perfect conditions for long days in the saddle.
Riding here is a journey into ‘Wild France.’ The experience is defined by absolute silence, winding roads with very little traffic, and a unique volcanic landscape. Highlights include the iconic views from Puy Mary, the dizzying limestone cliffs of the Tarn Gorges, and the striking red earth of Lake Salagou. It is a rugged, authentic terrain where the average altitude remains high across vast plateaus before gradually descending as you draw closer to the Mediterranean—a completely different playground than a traditional mountain range such as the Alps or Pyrenees.
The natural gateway to the region is Clermont-Ferrand, easily accessible by train. However, we can also arrange transfers from Lyon (LYS), which is perfectly connected to Paris or Marseille via its international airport and the Lyon Part-Dieu or Saint-Exupéry TGV stations. For those completing the Across Massif Central crossing, the journey concludes with a drop-off at the Montpellier Sud de France or Saint-Roch TGV stations, ensuring a smooth return.
As with all Veymont tours, we handle the complexity: your guide meets you upon arrival for an easy transition. Throughout the week, our support van follows the group to manage luggage, provide mechanical assistance, and set up our gourmet picnics, allowing you to focus entirely on the road and the scenery.