Laschamps / Murol

This GTMC stage guides you gradually into the Massif du Sancy, another magnificent mountain range. Pause to visit the imposing Basilique Notre-Dame-des-Fers, one of the old Auvergne Region’s most significant Romanesque churches. And plan to picnic beside Servières Lake before launching yourself into the vast pasturelands and higher mountain summer meadows that impart such a feeling of freedom as you cycle along. A pretty path through low woods leads to Pessade, a green resort in the heart of the countryside, a paradise for outdoor sports. You finish in style, arriving at Chambon Lake, which incites you to go swimming on fine days, enjoying the Massif du Sancy as sensational backdrop.

From Laschamps, the Gravel version of the GTMC cycle route is essentially the same as that for the GTMC VTT, mountain-bike cycle route. It leads you along splendid paths up to Recoleine. Leaving this village, you join the road to Orcival.