France·2026

Clermont-Ferrand

Clermont-Ferrand sits in the Massif Central surrounded by extinct volcanoes, making it a cyclist's playground with constant rolling terrain and sharp 200-400m climbs in every direction. The La VelAuvergne route (187km) and local gravel rides into the Chaîne des Puys test endurance across volcanic stone and moorland, while runners find the Grands Trails Esprit Volcans (34km) pushes through exposed ridges and lava fields north of the city. Flat running is scarce here—expect hills on every local route, though the city itself sits at 400m elevation on relatively gentle ground before the steep volcanic cones kick in beyond 5km.