Cycling in the Sancy

Auvergne

The Sancy is a fairly unknown cycling area, but we are going to change that.On this page we are going to map out the possibilities for you.

Auvergne – The Sancy on Two Wheels

The Sancy is a fairly unknown cycling area, but we’re going to change that. On this page we map out the possibilities for you.

Ride from Villa Saint-Hubert

Ride the Queen Stage of the 2025 Tour de France — Right from Villa St-Hubert

France map highlighting Ennezat and Le Mont-Dore (Puy de Sancy)
Download GPX QR code for Tour de Sancy GPX download
📱 Scan the QR to open the GPX route directly on your phone

Experience the legendary 10th stage of the 2025 Tour de France: Le Mont-Dore. The official route starts just ~10 minutes by bike from Villa St-Hubert — perfect for a gentle warm-up.

Follow the official course on smooth tarmac, with stunning views and iconic climbs. It’s never insanely steep, but with 165 km and 4,600 m of climbing, this is a serious challenge.

Tough? Yes. Unforgettable? Absolutely.

Distance165 km (official stage)
Elevation≈ 4,600 m total ascent
SurfaceRoad (tarmac)
Start access~10 min by bike from Villa St-Hubert

There are 4 challenges in the Sancy

🚵‍♂️ The 4 Sancy Challenges

Four iconic climbs on smooth Auvergne tarmac. Pick one—or combine them all for your own queen-stage day.

Elevation profile – Col de la Croix Morand

Col de la Croix Morand Open year-round

Classic pass linking Lac Chambon to the high plateau above Le Mont-Dore. Gentle gradients and wide views; featured in the Tour de France (last time in 2008).

Avg
~5–6%
Max
~8–9%
Surface
Tarmac
Elevation profile – Col de la Croix Saint-Robert

Col de la Croix St-Robert High point

The Sancy’s loftiest road climb (to ~1451 m). Big views over the Couze Chambon valley and Monts Dore. Open all year, though it can close temporarily after snowfalls.

Avg
~6%
Max
~10%
Surface
Tarmac
Elevation profile – Col de la Geneste

Col de la Geneste From Chareire

Peaceful climb starting from the hamlet of Chareire. Ideal for a quiet ride or a loop with Croix Morand. A steady ascent through volcanic landscapes.

Length
~8.2 km
Ascent
~198 m
Surface
Tarmac
Summit road – Puy de Dôme

Puy de Dôme Iconic

Fourteen times a Tour de France summit finish. In June, a special event allows a few hundred cyclists to ride to the summit. There’s also a mountain-bike trail — but it’s one for the brave!

Summit
1465 m
Access
Limited days
Type
Road / MTB

Enjoy sports in the Sancy

The Sancy region offers great sports activities all year round. In winter: skiing and snow sports; in summer: beautiful hiking and cycling. For your stay in this unique region, Villa Saint-Hubert warmly welcomes you and provides advice to make your visit as active as you like.

If you’d like to explore the area by bike, you can bring your own (safe and dry storage available) or rent one nearby. There’s even the option to have road or mountain bikes, electric or not, delivered from Clermont-Ferrand. Don’t hesitate to ask us for details. Below you’ll find nearby rental options (distance, address and bike types). Rates and guidance depend on season and group size.

🚲 Bike rentals near Villa Saint-Hubert (Saint-Nectaire)

Casino Saint-Nectaire – Vulcabike E-MTB

Address
3 Allée du Casino, 63710
Distance
0 km (in the village)
Bikes
Electric mountain bikes

Website

La Roue du Château (Murol) MTB • E-MTB

Address
9011 rue de Groire, 63790
Distance
~6 km
Workshop
Repairs

Website

Sancy Sports Nature (La Bourboule) MTB • E-MTB

Address
102 Chemin des Coux, 63150
Distance
~28–37 km
Options
GPS-guided / group rides

Website

La Roue Verte (Lac d’Aydat) MTB • E-MTB • Gravel • Road

Address
Les chalets du lac d’Aydat, 63970
Distance
~21–22 km
Types
MTB, gravel, road bikes

Website

Takamaka – Clermont-Ferrand / Orcines Wide range

Address
16 Rue de la Coifferie, 63000
Distance
~33 km
Bikes
E-hybrid, E-MTB, city, road

Website

Choose your frame size

If you’re planning to rent a bike, it’s helpful to know which frame size you need. Use this chart — it will help you choose the right size for a comfortable riding position.

Body height Frame size (cm) Frame size (inch)
150 – 160 cm47 – 50 cm15″ – 16″
160 – 170 cm50 – 53 cm17″ – 18″
170 – 175 cm53 – 55 cm19″ – 20″
175 – 180 cm55 – 57 cm21″
180 – 185 cm57 – 60 cm22″
185 – 190 cm60 – 62 cm23″
190 – 200 cm62 – 65 cm24″ – 25″

💡 Tip: when in doubt, choose a slightly smaller frame — it’s usually more comfortable to ride.