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Lavoûte-Chilhac / Langeac Via Allier
16,44 Km
1 h 05 min
Difficult
16,44 km cycling route from Lavoûte-Chilhac to 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.
Elevation of the stage
143 m 181 m
Waytypes of the stage
By road: 16,55 km
Surface of the stage
Smooth: 16,55 km
The Via Allier cycle route from Lavoûte-Chilhac to Langeac
Along this stage, the Via Allier cycle route at times follows the D585 road along the Allier’s west bank, at other times the D168 along its east bank. Slopes feature in these parts. Take good care crossing the bridges over the Allier, especially at Chilhac, where you’ll need to dismount to negotiate the iron bridge safely. Adding to cyclists’ safety, a few sections of cycle lane have been put in place along the D585 as it nears Langeac; however, still be careful, as this road is used by many tourists as well as locals.
Don't miss
- Saint-Cirgues: the vestiges of the former castle, including towers; the 12th-century church with its octagonal bell-tower, plus the 14th- and 15th-century mural paintings inside.
- Chilhac: a medieval village designated a Petite Cité de Caractère surrounded by ramparts, built beside an ancient lava flow (with basalt columns) high above the Allier; the Romanesque church; the old winemakers’ houses; the Musée de la Paléontologie; the 19th-century suspension bridge over the Allier.
- Cerzat (village of Le Chambon): the château (private); the Falaises du Blot, listed cliffs occupied by human ancestors in prehistoric times.
- Langeac: the 15th-century collegiate church, including a 15th-century wood-carved polychrome Entombment scene; the Monastère Sainte-Catherine; the Maison du Jacquemart; the Historial Agnès de Langeac (a monastery now home to a museum on religion and traditions); the historic centre.
Railway stations
Langeac : Line TER Clermont-Ferrand <> Le-Puy-en-Velay
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