La vallée de Chaudefour cyclo tour

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Étape 1 : Departure from Lac Chambon (km 0 to 3)Start from the Chambon-sur-Lac Tourist Office parking lot. First you walk along the lake (a volcanic dam created by the Tartaret volcano). Enjoy the view over this shallow body of water dotted with islets. Head for Murol via successive traffic circles.

Étape 2 : Head for the medieval town of Besse (km 3 to 17)After leaving the outskirts of Murol, turn right towards Besse. This section is a gradual climb up the D146. You pass through plateau landscapes before reaching Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (km 17).Point of interest: Take time to admire the medieval town with its lava-stone houses and red shutters.Service: A bike repair kit is available from the Besse Tourist Office if required.

Étape 3 : To the Chaudefour valley nature reserve (km 17 to 28)Leaving Besse, follow the signs for Super-Besse, then turn off quickly onto the D36. This is the wild part of the route. You pass through mountain hamlets before arriving at the showpiece: the Vallée de Chaudefour (km 28).The panorama: to your left, a spectacular glacial cirque with the famous volcanic dykes (Dent de la Rancune and Crête du Coq).

Étape 4 : The return descent (km 28 to 38)After admiring the valley, begin the descent back to your starting point. Follow the D36, then turn right towards Chambon-sur-Lac. The final stretch is mainly downhill, bringing you back to the Tourist Office parking lot.