Les gorges d’Avèze cyclo tour

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

Step 1 : The descent to the Gorges (km 0 to 15)

Start at Murat-le-Quaire. The start of the route descends towards Saint-Sauves-d’Auvergne. After joining the D922, you plunge into the Gorges d’Avèze, a spectacular, steep section where the road follows the natural relief.

Step 2 : The Messeix to Larodde loop (km 15 to 50)

This central section is the wild heart of the tour :
Messeix : After Avèze, you climb up towards the plateau to reach the outskirts of Messeix.
Larodde : You pass through isolated countryside on the D73 towards Larodde. The terrain here is undulating, with a succession of ascents and descents.
Bagnols : The route continues via the D72 to reach the village of Bagnols, marking the start of the return to the high plateau.

Step 3 : The finale : La Tour-d’Auvergne and La Bourboule (km 50 to 76)

The end of the course requires energy for the final climbs :
La Tour-d’Auvergne : You reach this village before attacking the traverse to La Bourboule.
The descent to La Bourboule : A long section on the D129 takes you back to the spa town.
The final climb : The tour ends with a demanding ascent from the center of La Bourboule to Murat-le-Quaire, offering a sporty finish to the 1,257 m ascent.