CLIMB A LEGEND: PUY-DE-DOME - 7 NIGHTS/8 DAYS
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Self-guided tour: starts any Saturday between May and October.

Daily mileage varies from 62 km or 39 miles to 90km or 56 miles.

Tour departs from Clermont-Ferrand. Clermont-Ferrand is best accessed by train from Lyon (a 2 1/2 hour train ride)

From 715 euros per person in double occupancy.

Accommodations in 2- and 3-star hotels.

The Verdon canyon is one of the many highlights of this extraordinary cycling tour.
On your last ride, your cycling tour will take you through Saint-Tropez.

As one of the last "wild" areas of France, Auvergne offers an unmatched playground for those of you who want to ride quality miles and experience an unspoiled and authentic France... the way France was until the 1960s

Then, the Puy de Dome was a classic climb of the Tour de France--as commonly done as Alpe d'Huez, Galibier, Tourmalet, or Ventoux--and was often one of the decisive stages.

We offer you the opportunity to climb this giant mountain, a theatre of legendary epic duals whose main actors such as Anquetil, Poulidor, now belong the History of cycling

 
This can be combined with some of the cyclosportives that take place in this part of France...
     
   
Itinerary:
 

Day 1: Arrive in Clermont-Ferrand
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by Philippe, our local representative, will not only answer all your questions but will also give you all your gears with tehe necessary materials (road book, marked maps and/or cue sheets) to make your trip a pleasant and memorable one. Afterward, you can explore at your own pace this vibrant city rich in history and visit the Cathedral, the different museums, or the old historic quarter.

 

Day 2: Clermont-Ferrand - Le Mont-Dore (57 km or 35 miles)
Even so today's trip, in the volcanic landscape of Auvergne, is only 57 km (35 miles), it will be an unforgettable one: The unobstructed views from Mont Dore are climb-worthy! As are the ones from Puy-de-Dome over the "Chaine des Volcans" and Clermont-Ferrand. This magnificent and legendary climb was a staple of yesteryears' Tour de France. This is where Poulidor battled Anquetil and came very close to wining that year (1964) Tour de France. Of course, as a self-guided rider, you can decide to skip the Puy-de-Dome option.

 
Day 3: Loop around Le Mont Dore (90 km or 56 miles)
After breakfast, you can choose to ride around Mont-Dore and climb the "Col du Guéry" (1,264 m or 3,852 ft.). During your ride, not only you will have the Puy de Dôme in sight at all time, but you will experience the unequalled beauty of this region as you ride through small villages such as Orcival or Murat-le-Quaire. You can decide to stop there for lunch, or if you prefer you shop like a local for a roadside picnic.
 

Day 4: Loop around Le Mont-Dore (76 km or 47 miles)
Of course, you might choose to take a day off and rest! If you decide to do so, you might want to take advantage of the spa and rejuvenate yourself in the Mont-Dore waters, used for centuries as a remedy to cure joint pains. For the antsy ones who wish to ride, we've mapped out another scenic loop through rural landscape dotted with small and quaint villages.

 
Day 5: Le Mont-Dore to Murol (62 km or 39 miles)
On this trip, your senses, especially your sight will be in awe as you reach Lake Aydat. Shimmering water bordered by forested banks create an ultimate setting for a picnic and/or a reviving swim. The rest of the ride is equally stunningly beautiful. Riding through the wild landscape of "Gorges de la Monne," you will reach two of France's most beautiful villages: Saint-Nectaire and Saint-Saturnin, both have been awarded the sought-after title of "Un des Plus Beaux Villages de France" for their exceptional setting and their medieval architectural treasures. Your final destination is Murol, your third "Un des Plus Beaux Villages de France" of the day! What a ride!
 

Day 6: Loop around Murol (80 km or 50 miles)
Beware! This ride features the type of scenery that inspires sound-minded people to quit their office jobs and move to the French countryside! Quiet roads, lush greenery, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, gorges, etc... you'll be riding through Mother Nature's gallery of wonders before returning to your hotel in Murol.

 

Day 7: Murol to Clermont-Ferrand (65 km or 40 miles)
Your last day on the bike won't disappoint you! On your way back to Clermont-Ferrand, you'll ride through Saint-Floret and Montpeyroux, two villages that enjoy the lofty distinction of being designated "Un des Plus Beaux Villages de France." Both make for good lunch stops before continuing to Clermont-Ferrand. An early arrival will allow for an easy-paced afternoon of souvenir shopping, museum visiting, or writing envy-producing postcards to family and friends.

     
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, depart Clermont-Ferrand at the time of your choice.
     
Booking & Pricing:
 

This package has been priced at 715 euros per person based on double occupancy.

Our price includes:

- 7-night accommodations in 2- and 3-star properties (5 nights in 3-star hotels; 2 nights in 2-star hotels)
- Daily breakfast
- 5 dinners - Drinks are not included
- Meeting with our local representative on Day 1
- Marked maps and/or cue sheets
- Tourist information
- Luggage transfers
- All tax and service charges

This price does not include:

- Drinks
- Lunches
- Travel insurance
- Expenses of personal nature
- Bike rentals. Rental bikes can be arranged through us. Please contact us for more information.

 
For further information: Please contact us at your earliest convenience as this trip is subject to hotel availability. Our e-mail address: info@cyclomundo.com
 
 
 
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