France·2026

Vichy

Vichy sits on the Allier river in the Auvergne plateau, with rolling volcanic terrain and steady climbs to 500m elevation that make it a natural base for serious cyclists. The region's mountain bike scene centers on technical rides through oak and beech forests—the Saint Gérando en VTT and Rando VTT du Festival Viticole et Gourmand are popular weekend events in the nearby villages. Runners find mostly flat canal and riverside paths along the Allier itself, though the surrounding hills offer steady hill repeats within 10–15km of town.