Via Allier à vélo – Étape 08 – Pont-du-Château > Vic-le-Comte

Pont-du-Château

Dogs allowed

Distance
26.8Km

Duration
1h40

Trace
ALLER_ITINERANCE

Marking
White bicycle road sign on green background.

In pictures

Route description

On this leg, the Via Allier cycle route follows the comfortable Grand Clermont greenway, due to be completed by the end of 2023.

It starts at Pont-du-Château, a former port in the Clermont-Ferrand region from which wood, coal, wine, Volvic stone and hemp were shipped to Paris from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The route passes from one bank of the Allier to the other in a succession of natural scenes. It(…)

Trail highlights

Don’t miss :
> Read about a day out with friends: www.auvergne-destination.com/experiences/une-journee-entre-amies-sur-la-via-allier/

● Vertaizon (off-course): Notre-Dame Gothic church: this ancient church sits atop a volcanic mound. Formerly attached to a feudal castle demolished on Richelieu’s orders.
● Clermont-Ferrand (off route): the capital of the Auvergne region, Clermont-Ferrand is a dynamic, student-focused city. A tramway line links the two old centers of Clermont and Montferrand. Highlights: Gothic cathedral, Romanesque basilica, Montferrand medieval quarter, L’Aventure Michelin, Royat-Chamalières spa…
● AOC Côte d’Auvergne wine production in Dallet, Mezel, Vertaizon, Chauriat, La Roche-Noire, Mirefleurs, Laps, Saint-Maurice-ès-Allier, Vic-le-Comte: the Côtes d’Auvergne protected designation of origin (AOC) includes 5 local names in addition to the generic appellation: Madargue, Châteaugay, Chanturgue, Corent and Boudes. Gamay, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the main grape varieties grown. Info: Fédération Viticole du Puy-de-Dôme.
● Chauriat (via the alternative route): Village forts: at the end of the Middle Ages, village forts developed: almost 140 forts have been identified in the Grande Limagne area. These fortified complexes were created in response to the insecurity that prevailed from the end of the 13th century, and which developed during the Hundred Years’ War. As the lords were no longer obliged to defend their villages, the inhabitants organized themselves to reinforce the buildings. Saint-Julien church: a former Cluniac building.
● La Roche-Noire / Pérignat-sur-Allier: Ecopôle du val d’Allier: embraced by the meander of the Allier known as the “Gondole”, the ecopôle du val d’Allier covers 140 ha. Formerly gravel pits, it has gradually been rehabilitated as a natural area. The area is bordered by an alluvial forest of willows, oaks and poplars.
● Busséol (by the variant): fortified castle: once the stronghold of the Counts of Auvergne and the most historic royal estate in the province. It is now furnished and inhabited. The fireplace dates from the 12th century. In the inner courtyard, an exceptional garden with a beautiful panorama.
● Vic-le-Comte: a must-see in this “Petite Cité de Caractère” town is the church of Saint-Pierre: the choir is the former 16th-century Sainte-Chapelle, whose exterior is adorned with a cornice of fantastic animals. Inside, it is topped by an Italianate tribune which, like the Renaissance altarpiece, was perhaps commissioned by Catherine de Médicis.
● Markets: Pont-du-Château: Thursday and Saturday mornings / Mur-sur-Allier (Mezel): Thursday mornings / Vertaizon: Friday mornings / Chauriat: Wednesday mornings / Pérignat-ès-Allier: Saturday mornings / Vic-le-Comte: Thursday mornings

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step :

Étape 1 : 8 km. The route continues, this time on a cycle path, as far as Vic-le-Comte. This 2.7 km uphill section is the only minor difficulty on an otherwise quiet stage.

Please note: the Vic-le-Comte train station is in Longues. To reach it, take boulevard du Général de Gaulle.

Cycle to Clermont-Ferrand station (14 km):

At Pont-du-Château, cross the bridge over the Allier, turn right at the end and then straight down, following the cycle path, then cross a metal footbridge and continue straight on. Turn left onto a road alongside the stadiums. At the cease-and-desist sign, go straight ahead on the N89, up and then down. Follow the road to a roundabout, go all the way round and continue towards Lempdes, passing a roundabout straight on. At the entrance to Lempdes, turn right towards Aulnat, and the same at the next roundabout. Follow the cycle path along the airport. Pass several sets of traffic lights, go straight on and after the bridge go straight on. Enter Clermont-Fd, drive alongside the SNCF depot (not yet the station), go straight through the traffic lights, over a bridge, two more traffic lights and you’ve reached Clermont-Fd station.

From the station, take the shuttle bus to the Panoramique des Dômes cogwheel train that climbs to the top of the Puy de Dôme. 360° view.

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Alternative: Via Allier via the road from Pont-du-Château to Vic-le-Comte

Leave Pont-du-Château via Avenue de Cournon on the D783. At the traffic circle, take the road opposite to cross the Allier on the metal bridge to Dallet. The Via Allier diverges from the river to reach Vic-le-Comte, passing through Mur-sur-Allier, Saint-Bonnet-lès-Allier and Ceyssat. This is where the region’s volcanic relief becomes apparent, and the first “real” climbs from Nevers make their entrance. As a reward, take in the views from the puy de Mur and then from the bottom of the château de Busséol mound at 572 m altitude.

Connections to surrounding villages of character:
Leave the Via Allier to reach Chauriat, Bansat and Busséol.

Link to the “Circuit de la Comté, villages et châteaux perchés” cyclosportive loop. Leaving Saint-Georges-ès-Allier on the D118 towards Saint-Julien-de-Coppel.

Opening hours

All year round.

Subject to favorable weather.

Comfort, facilities and services

  • Pets welcome

Dogs allowed

Environnements

Overview on river, In the country

Downloadable:

GPX – via-allier-pont-du-chateau-vic-le-comte

PDF – via-allier-pont-du-chateau-vic-le-comte

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dsio-detail.detail.maj23 August 2024 par : Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme