A classic road bike tour that crosses the wonderful Massif Central in the Western Alps. Conquer famous mountain passes over 8 days and finish your epic trip at the glistening Mediterranean Sea in Sète.
Style
Road cycling
Gain
13,450 m
Distance
830 km
Level
Difficult
Tour overview
FROM THE MASSIF CENTRAL TO THE MEDITERRANEAN
This guided French Massif Central Cycling Tour takes you through the Western Alps, from the heights of Clermont-Ferrand down to the coastal town of Sète. Discover and ride world-renowned mountain roads and soak up the beauty of this breathtaking region.
During this fantastic eight-day road bike tour, you’ll make lifelong memories and face daily challenges. With Mont Blanc as our backdrop, each day we’ll climb a series of challenging cols with the option to make the day as hard or gentle as you need.
We’ll be climbing at moderate to high altitudes and riding demanding daily distances in the Mediterranean climate, giving you the chance to push your performance to the next level.
Flights not included. Direct flights available at lastminute.com
Ride on perfect roads
Highlights of your cycling trip
Discover Calm Cols
We’ll mainly be riding on calm roads with little to no traffic, perfect for cyclists of all levels. You'll also receive full support throughout the trip so you can focus on pedalling.
Diverse terrain
Witness the stunning variety of landscapes the Western Alps has to offer as we traverse the Auvergne volcanoes and the gorges of Tarn and Jonte. Choose from three routes each day with varying distances and profiles.
Comfortable Hotels
Enjoy a comfortable night’s rest after each full day in the saddle, as well as the chance to meet other guests and catch up with the rest of the group at the end of the day.
Tour destination
Massif Central - Western French Alps
With thundering gorges, rolling valleys, and cloud-topped mountain peaks, the western French Alps are a paradise for cyclists and explorers, and the varied terrain offers some challenging routes for more technical riders who want to see how far they can push their climbing skills. Rich blue skies create a backdrop for awe-inspiring vistas of the Alps and Mediterranean coastline, whilst we soak up French culture and discover the history of these ancient roads and towns.
Spring and autumn offer the best weather conditions for mountain riding, and although the peaks can get a bit blustery in winter, year-round cycling certainly isn’t out of the question, especially as you head closer to the coast.
Terrain
France offers an incredibly diverse range of terrain suitable for riders of any level. However, choose to step the tour up a notch by challenging yourself to some more intense climbs across the Massif Central. Daily average distances range from 50 km to 150 km, depending on the col.
Culture
French cycling culture doesn’t get much better than in the Alps, riding on the same roads as the pros in the Tour de France. Cycle touring is a popular way to explore the country and drivers are used to sharing the road with cyclists.
Accommodation during your tour
Comfortable 2-3* Hotels and Guesthouses
Each night we’ll sleep in a different 2 or 3 star hotel or guesthouse along our route, all of which offer a very pleasant stay after a full day of riding. We choose the accommodation based on its location and proximity to the start and end of each route and each location includes secure bike storage facilities so you can focus on some well-deserved R&R. A support vehicle will be assisting us throughout the trip to move your bags and belongings safely between each location.
All Meals Included
This 8 day tour includes all breakfasts, picnic lunches, and dinners from a 3 to 4 course menu, so all you need to worry about is what you want to drink with each meal. But we do recommend you bring your favourite gels and energy bars in case you need a mid-ride boost.
Tour itinerary
Your guide to a perfect cycling tour
Clermont Ferrand – Lac Chambon
Distance
115 km
Altitude gain
2550 m
Meet the team and your fellow cyclists at 9 am at Clermont-Ferrand train station. We suggest you book an additional night the day before somewhere nearby so you don’t have to worry about travelling on day 1.
Highlights:
Discover the narrow streets of Clermont-Ferrand, the capital of the Auvergne region
Begin cycling on the Puy mountain range dotted with 80 volcanic peaks
Enjoy views of Monts Dore and finish the day on the shores of Lac Chambon
Lac Chambon – Lavigerie
Distance
105 km
Altitude gain
2050 m
After a gentle first day, we step up the pace and soak up some Tour de France highlights. Enjoy spectacular views of the local mountain ranges including the dazzling array of dormant volcanoes as we take a breather on the Plateau du Cézallier.
Highlights:
Climb to Super-Besse, home to several dramatic stages of the Tour de France
Take on Pas de Peyrol and Col de Serre with views of Puy Mary
Lavigerie – La Chaldette
Distance
110 km
Altitude gain
2000 m
The intensity continues on day 3 with more epic climbs at an altitude of over 1,300 m, before dropping down to cycle through the lush green woodlands in the Gorges de la Truyère.
Highlights:
Navigate the Col de Prat de Bouc, an impressive mountain pass at the base of the Plomb du Cantal
Enjoy an overnight stay in a small Aubracois village
La Chaldette – Sainte Enimie
Distance
105 km
Altitude gain
1350 m
The rolling green landscape of day 4 offers some respite after a challenging day 3. Bask in the silence of these ancient lands and let your legs recover.
Highlights:
Cross the wild and beautiful Mont d’Aubrac plateau where time stands still
Pedal through the isolated Causse de Sauveterre
Sainte Enimie – Meyrueis
Distance
90 km
Altitude gain
1750 m
On day 5 we come face to face with the beauty of the Gorges du Tarn, one of the longest and deepest in Europe, as we continue to enjoy long sloping rides across the rocky and rugged landscape.
Highlights:
Conquer the Gorges du Tarn and the impressive cliffs overlooking the Tarn River
Discover several charming villages and the wild moorlands of the Causse Mejean and Causse Noir
Meyrueis – Alzon
Distance
115 km
Altitude gain
1900 m
The intensity picks up once again on day 6 as we tackle another climb, while the temperatures start to rise as we travel further south. We’ll also ride through the Cévennes National Park with its plunging gorges, curious rocky formations and stunning colour palette ranging from deep forest green to sparkling aquatic turquoise.
Highlights:
Climb the mythical Mont Aigoual in the heart of the Cévennes National Park
Notice the sudden change to a more Mediterranean landscape, climate and architecture
Alzon – Saint Guillhem le Désert
Distance
90 km
Altitude gain
1050 m
There are no significant climbs for levels 1 and 2 on day 7, but several more gentle climbs as we get closer to Montpellier and the Mediterranean coast.
Highlights:
Enjoy dramatic views across the Cirque de Navacelles and neighbouring Vis and Hérault gorges
Overnight stay in the beautiful mediaeval village of Saint Guillhem le Désert
Saint Guillhem le Désert – Sète
Distance
100 km
Altitude Gain
800 m
The final day of the tour ends around midday in Sète. An additional night’s stay and airport transfers can be arranged upon request.
Highlights:
Roll down to the Med on the Causse d’Aumelas
Enjoy views from the cycle path between land and sea
Say goodbye in a bustling fishing port
Getting there
Information to help you book your flights and get around.
Any questions about flights and transfers? The Epico team is here for you. Ping us via the chatbot in the corner of your page or send an email to [email protected]
Flying in
Fly in airport options: Clermont-Ferrand.
When best to arrive: the night before the day the tour starts.
Where the tour starts: we meet at 09:00 at the central railway station of the French town Clermont-Ferrand.
Transfers: we highly recommend you book optional airport transfers that we offer, this way we can guarantee a seamless and hassle-free travel experience.
Extra nights: we recommend you book an optional extra night in Clermont-Ferrand that we offer; the tour starts in the morning and you’ll want to be fresh!
Flying out
Fly out airport options: Clermont-Ferrand.
When best to depart: in the afternoon the day the tour ends, the tour ends around midday.
Where the tour ends: in the afternoon in the town of Sète.
Transfers: we highly recommend you book optional airport transfers that we offer, this way we can guarantee a seamless and hassle-free travel experience.
Extra nights: we recommend you book an optional extra night near the airport that we offer; the tour ends in the afternoon, packing up and transferring takes time.
Tour essentials
What’s included in your cycling trip.
7 Nights Accommodation
7 nights in 2-3* hotels, double room with en-suite facilities (single room available as an extra)
Trip leader in support vehicle, luggage transfers, and tech support throughout the tour
GPS Tracks
Comprehensive navigation app for smartphones, a detailed digital road book with routes, and GPS tracks
What’s not included in your cycling trip.
Flights
Flights are not included in the tour package. Please follow our advice about which flights will be best suited for this tour. Reach out to us if you have any questions about flights.
Health insurance
We strongly recommend that you obtain a dedicated health insurance that covers your sport activities. Reach out to us if you have questions about the insurance.
Extra
Bike rental
Only €275 for the entire trip
It’s not always easy travelling with a bike but fear not, high quality carbon bikes are available for rental for the duration of the tour. To make sure you get the maximum from your bike for your trip, we’ve partnered with some of the best brands in cycling to give you the latest choice of equipment.
With a variety of sizes available, we can ensure your bike fits you perfectly. All rental bikes are mechanically checked and adjusted before each and every hire so you can have peace of mind that your bike will be running smoothly from start to finish!
You can select this option when you proceed to checkout.
CARBON ROAD BIKE
Fitted to you and in perfect condition
More things to maximise your cycling trip
EXTRA
Single accommodation
€245 per person for entire trip
If you’d like a whole room to yourself, that’s no problem. For an extra €245 for the trip duration, you can enjoy the comfort of your own room. Just select this option when you proceed to book your tour.
EXTRA
Airport transfers
From €140 per person
Transportation for you and your bike from the nearest airport to the start point and back is available to book for €140 (round trip). You can select this option when you proceed to checkout. Contact us if you have any questions.
EXTRA
Additional nights
From €190 per person
The tour starts in the morning and ends in the evening, plus airport transfers take time. We recommend that you fly in the day before and fly out the day after to maximise your trip. You can book these two additional nights for €190 when you proceed to checkout.
Booking options
Choose when you want to travel
Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.
A phenomenal cycling tour on the beautiful island of Corsica. Whilst exploring this hidden cycling gem by bike, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas, traditional villages and the mouth watering local cuisine. It will be a cycling tour for your record books!
Four days spent with a knowledgeable guide exploring the most scenic routes in the Ventoux region by road bike. This one is for all of you who enjoy a good, long ride! As our guides take you on a Tour de Provence that will leave you speechless and out of breath.
Year-round road cycling through the superb mountains of Provence, France. As you pedal these world-class mountain passes, you will be under the watchful eye of Mont Ventoux with spectacular views.
Ride the length of the Pyrenees, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Discover some of the quieter routes in the cycling world while exploring the French side of these beasty mountains.
Cross the Alps from Lake Geneva to the Côte d’Azur on this fantastic 8 day French Alps Cycling Holiday. Pedal the Northern Alps and the Mont Blanc range all the way to the crystal clear waters of the Med.
From Lake Annecy to the infamous Alpe d'Huez, this road bike tour for the experienced cyclist incorporates the iconic Cols of the French Alps which are etched in road cycling history!
If you love the road racing of the great champions and dream of reaching the same famous summits of mountain climbs, then take the challenge and come pedal with us on this epic tour in the Pyrenees.
Guided 
Guided 
Guided 
Guided 
Guided 
Guided 
Guided