The Cister route

The Cister route 4 days / 3 nights
From 455 € *
/ PERSON
  • Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
  • Distance: 129KM
  • Level: Easy

Four outstanding days riding with all the family across the high plateaus of the Mézenc, the land of “cistre“: a type of herb called “Alpine fennel” that gives Fin Gras du Mézenc beef its particular flavour. Set off to explore the village of Moudeyres with its thatched roofs, St Front lake, and, of course, the Mézenc. Pedal along picturesque roads, Saint Régis’ Trail, and the Tour de Velay trail.

You ride on easy off-road trails and on small scenic and quiet roads. The itinerary has been specially adapted to make it as accessible as possible:

  • Short journey to connect your accommodation (but by your own, you can ride more !)
  • Roads with no special difficulty (at any time you can dismount to overcome any difficulty)
  • Scenic but peaceful roads that will allow you to ride in security
  • Friendly discoveries for the whole family: The Barthes pond, the volcanic lake of Saint-Front, the Mézenc, the Recoumène viaduct

Nota: The itinerary passes over the Recoumène viaduct – A bridge originally designed for the passage of trains – An great moment where it will be necessary to remain careful with the youngest (dismount to cross it).

A family cycling trip for a full of nature vacation to discover the mountain landscapes, a volcanic lake, meadows as far as the eye can see, stone and thatched architecture and the gastronomy. But that’s not all, riding is a real chance to meet and exchange easily with the inhabitants of Haute-Loire.

A lovely short trip for a real change of scenery!

  • Difference in altitude: 1930m – Country roads and easy trails
  • Easy route that is suitable for all abilities and can be completed as a family 
  • Family Tour : Children under 6 in a trailer or from 12 with an e-bike (according to cycling ability- see Price Info section)
  • Price (per person, on a basis of 2 people sharing)
    • Guesthouses & 2 or 3* hotels
The Cister route
5 days / 4 nights
Half-board 
Your bike tour including:
Your bike trip Half-board basis*
Luggage transfer (1 bag maxi 13kg / pax)
A digital guiding solution
Phone assistance

€515/ pers.
Travelling with children
Child from 1 to 6 (family room) – child trailer included
€255
Child from 9 to 12 (family room) €410
EXTRAS
Rent a trekking E-bike + 2 panniers +€110/ bike
Rent a trekking bike + 2 panniers  +60€ / bike
A charming stage in Moudeyres +€50 / pers
Single room +€120
4 days trip with no last night in Le Puy-en-Velay -€60 / pers

*Your stays in Le puy are booked on the bed & breakfast option 
Agency fees : €10 / traveler
Discover ou trekking bikes

Click on the schedule to book your e-bike trip – See General terms and conditions

 

 

Advantages of a bike tour with L’Autre Chemin:

    • You travel by your own
    • Extra : We provide modern electric bikes that are both comfortable and easy to ride. Bikes are insured
    • Your stopovers are in guesthouses or family-friendly hotels, providing a comfortable and authentic base from which you can discover the local area and enjoy a real change of scenery.
    • Your luggage is transported to each stopover (you only need to carry what you need for the day with you).
    • All of the itineraries have been tested to ensure that our packages are both extraordinary and accessible.
  • Day by Day

    Please note that every stopover is given as an indication and may be modified according to the availability of accommodation 

    Day 1 : Your arrival in Le Puy-en-Velay

    A nice opportunity to discover the ancient town an the European capital of Saint-James way.

    To do, to see :
    • Le Puy-en-Velay
    > Crozatier Museum
    > Notre-Dame de France
    > L’Hôtel-Dieu
    > Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe chapel
    > The medieval town
    > The Cathedral
    > Pass 3 monuments


    Day 2 : Le Puy-en-Velay – Moudeyres - 35 km - D+760m

    After taking possession of your bikes, you will then follow St Régis' Trail along the GR 430 through quaint little villages like Freycenet-la-Tour and Moudeyres with its thatched roofs.

    To do, to see :
    • Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille
    > Saint Chaffre Abbey
    > St Jean Baptiste Church
    > Fontains
    > Croyances populaires museum
    > School museum
    > Cultural European hall (exhibitions)
    > La Recoumène bridge

    • Freycenet La Tour
    > The 11st century gothic church
    > Barthes' pond

    • Moudeyres
    > Frères Perrel house
    > The thatched roofs


    Day 3 : Moudeyres – Les Estables -44 km - D+675m (or 36KM or 31 km according to your shape)

    As you emerge onto the high plateaus of the Mézenc, you will discover lush pastures as far as the eye can see, grazing cattle and the plateau's characteristic dwellings that give an insight into the harsh winter climate. Take advantage of your stopover in Les Estables to climb up the Mézenc (rooftop of the Haute-Loire).

    To do, to see :
    • Saint-Front
    > Higlands typical village
    > The 12nd century roman church
    > The volcanic lake
    > Bigorre, The thatched roofs village

    • Chaudeyrolles
    > House of Fin gras du Mézenc
    > The Narces

    • Les Estables
    > Hiking on the Mézenc Mount
    > The church


    Day 4 : Les Estables – Le Puy-en-Velay - 50 km - D+475m

    A lovely descent back down to Coubon along the GR 40 (Tour du Velay), which takes you through Freycenet-La-Cuche, Le Monastier and then to Monastier-sur-Gazeille.

    To do, to see :
    • Freycenet-la-Cuche
    > Castle
    > Longetraye cave


    Day 5 : LE Puy-en-Velay

    End of our services after the breakfast


  • Extras & services

    As an optional extra, L’Autre Chemin offers:

    Lone traveller?

    L’Autre Chemin offers high quality accommodation in a single room, for a small surcharge:

    • Single room surcharge : +€120

    You want to rent a bike

    L’Autre Chemin offers the rental of hybrid bikes with 2 panniers : + €110 / bike
    L’Autre Chemin offers the rental of standard trekking bikes without assistance with 2 panniers: +60€ / bike

    A charming stay in Moudeyres 

    Accommodation in Hostellerie du Pré Bossu : +€50 / traveller

    No last night in Le Puy

    If you do not wish to enjoy the last night at Puy-en-Velay, we will deduct €60 from the amount of your trip.

  • Accomomodation

    L’Autre Chemin has teamed up with a selection of guesthouses and small, traditional hotels to offer guests the best that the Haute-Loire has to offer, ensuring that every stopover is an opportunity to learn about the architecture, lifestyle, gastronomy and local people of this region.

    Example of accommodation

    Les Chaumières d'Alambre - Moudeyres

    Les Chaumières d’Alambre – Moudeyres

    Ibis Styles – Le Puy

  • Price Info

    Prices include: 

    • Accommodation in double, twin, triple or multiple room with half-board in Cayres / le Bouchet and  B&B option one Le Puy-en-Velay plus French holiday tax,
    • Baggage transfers (1 bag maxi 13kg / pax) to every stopover,
    • A digital guiding solution and a map
    • Telephone assistance

    Extra 

    • Rent of an E-bike
    • Rent of a trekking bike
    • Single room
    • No last night in Le Puy

    Prices do not include:

    • Transport and transfers to the starting point,
    • Bike rental
    • Any meals included in the selected option, drinks,
    • Spending money, any optional visits or activities,
    • Cancellation or multiple-risk insurance
    • Agency fees : €10 / rider.