Moulins / Chantelle

This undulating GTMC Gravel stage presents cyclists with a variety of landscapes and atmospheres, plus you’re afforded the first staggering views of the Auvergne’s volcanic ranges. First, though, you cross Moladier Forest, then join the banks of the Allier. Next, you ascend to plateaux planted with vineyards in the Saint-Pourçain wine-making area. Verneuil-en-Bourbonnais, a charming, characterful village, offers an ideal place to rest your studded tyres! Cross the steep-sided, refreshing Bouble Gorges to reach Chantelle and its abbey.

Leaving Moulins, you soon find yourself crossing the Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Val d’Allier on comfortable tracks. 
You also cross Moladier Forest and the Bocage Bourbonnais (with its typical hedge-divided patchwork of fields) to reach Châtel-de-Neuvre, riding along lovely, easy tracks or on small secondary roads. 
Next, a mix of further paths and quiet roads guides you through the vineyards of the Saint Pourçain area. 
After Saulcet, you branch off the VTT mountain-biking route to reach Chantelle via a series of smooth and lovely paths.
This proves a delightful Gravel route stage without any particular technical difficulties to confront.