And its volcanic "orgues"
Perched on volcanic lava columns overlooking the Allier River, Chilhac piques visitors’ interest. A medieval village surrounded by ramparts and built around a Romanesque church, it’s now been designated a Petite Cité de Caractère. A good number of old winemakers’ houses and the Museum of Palaeontology draw visitors’ attention. Below stands a 19th-century suspension bridge spanning the Allier.
Map of the route
Map of the route
13 Lavoûte-Chilhac / Langeac
The Via Allier cycle route looks down on the river here, offering lovely views from one meander to the next. The way gets harder as it crosses characterful villages that prove a pleasure to stop at. Chilhac, built at the top of a volcanic lava flow eroded down a very long time back by the Allier’s waters, boasts magnificent basalt columns. Arriving at Langeac, you reach the most southerly of the "bonnes villes d'Auvergne", the region’s long-established historic towns. This stage is only suitable for seasoned cyclists or those on e-bikes.