From 1 to 4 October 2026, explore the Cantal between majestic volcanoes, wild gravel trails and endless freedom.
417 Google reviews
From 1 to 4 October 2026, discover the Cantal region on an all-inclusive gravel adventure, in a small group and accompanied by passionate gravel guides. Travel light and simply enjoy the ride, we take care of everything.
Spend four days in the heart of Europe’s largest volcano, following an exclusive gravel route designed to showcase the very best of the region. From legendary mountain passes and volcanic trails to wild valleys and charming villages, discover an authentic and unspoilt side of Auvergne.
We've carefully selected a charming accommodation ideally located for setting off each day to explore Cantal’s finest gravel playgrounds. As the kilometres unfold, be amazed by the diversity of volcanic landscapes, the richness of the local heritage, and the vast panoramas that make Auvergne so unique.
Whether you're a dedicated gravel rider, a lover of wide-open spaces, or simply looking for an unforgettable cycling adventure off the beaten track, this long gravel weekend is an invitation to slow down, explore, and immerse yourself in this remarkable region.
✨ Team favourite: reaching the ridgelines of the Cantal volcano at sunrise and enjoying a breathtaking 360° view over the mountains of Auvergne before sharing a generous traditional truffade dinner at the end of the day.
The Cantal: one of France's best-kept secrets for gravel riding.
An immersive journey through an authentic and unspoiled region.
A hidden gem destination, perfect for a gravel biking adventure.
Gravel riding at its finest: freedom, nature, and adventure.
An immersive journey through an authentic and unspoiled region.
The shared moments that make every trip unforgettable.
A journey through centuries of history.
Panoramic views that reward every pedal stroke.
Climb higher to take in the vast landscapes of Auvergne's volcanoes.
Winding forest trails lead deep into the wild heart of the Cantal.
Quiet roads and wild gravel tracks stretching as far as the eye can see.
Pause by hidden waterfalls and soak in the peaceful rhythm of nature.
Flowing and varied gravel trails designed for adventure seekers.
In the heart of Cantal's volcanic landscapes.
Three days to slow down, explore, and reconnect with what matters most.
Hear from those who’ve lived the experience – and come ride with us!
417 Google reviewsThe Cantal is probably one of the most exciting discoveries we've made in recent years. It has everything that defines the GravelUp spirit: quiet backroads, varied gravel tracks, breathtaking landscapes, and a constant sense of adventure.
What struck me most during our scouting trips was the diversity of the terrain and the vastness of the landscapes. Within just a few kilometers, you can ride from lush green valleys to volcanic plateaus, then up to ridgelines offering spectacular views over the Cantal mountains. More often than not, you'll feel like you have the entire region to yourself, with the rare sensation of exploring a place that remains untouched by mass tourism.
JB - Co-founder GravelUp (July 2026)
I really enjoyed this trip. It was relaxed, easygoing, and full of adventure. I could tell the routes were specially designed by GravelUp for an unforgettable experience close to nature. I'm already gearing up for my next adventure with GravelUp!
Asim. A
A wonderful, caring team that ensures safety, provides top-quality bikes made in France, designs well-crafted routes through stunning landscapes, and manages the trip with incredible attention to detail. Perfect for both beginners and experienced gravel riders.
Sophie. G
A wonderful experience in Switzerland at Gantrisch, with a fantastic team who listened to our needs and top-notch organisation.
Christophe. L
Second trip with GravelUp. After the Causses, here I am in the Alpilles. The welcome was in a lovely setting, and the cycling trip was varied and exciting, with a local guide who showed us hidden gems and secret trails in the region. Not to mention Orlane’s legendary “ravitos” - the perfect energy boost! Try it once and you’ll be hooked. Can’t wait for the next adventure (not planned yet)! All the best, Claude
Claude. D
I’ve just finished five days bikepacking through the Norwegian fjords. What an amazing trip! A dynamic, caring team that adapts to everyone, high-quality gravel routes, and breathtaking scenery!!! And so many unforgettable laughs 😄 Can’t wait to come back for another trip!!! Thanks to the GravelUp team 🙏🏼
Eve. A
I was lucky enough to take part in a trip to Switzerland — an amazing experience! The organization was flawless from start to finish, the equipment provided was top-notch, and the lodge, charmingly rustic as we love them, added a real touch of authenticity. A perfectly balanced adventure of sports, nature, and camaraderie. I highly recommend it!
Vincent. R
Great setting with a team that takes care of everything. An exceptional guide with a lot of attention and care. Real Gravel on beautiful trails and stunning roads! Hotel, lodging and incredible restaurants were all perfect! A superb breath of fresh air.
Jacques R.
Two days of nature and fresh air in the Morvan with friends, in sporty mode but with all the comfort (Colin and Paul taking care of us in the great lodge and throughout the food stops). Morning sun salutations to kick off the second ride, chasing away clouds and sore muscles. Seb, our gravel guide, knows his playground by heart, revealing it bit by bit with topographical surprises along the way.
Fanny. D
Stages, landscapes, highlights: discover the program that awaits you. This itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather or logistics, to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1 – Welcome to the Heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes
Day 2 – The Wild Cézallier Plateau ∼ 71 km / 1,300 m elevation gain
Day 3 – The Limon Plateau ∼ 59 km / 1,100 m elevation gain
Day 4 – The Pinatelle Forest ∼ 37 km / 550 m elevation gain
We’ll meet from 6:00 PM at our base camp in the heart of the Cantal for a first evening together. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know the group, discover the itinerary for the days ahead, prepare the bikes, and share a first dinner together.
For the 3 nights of the trip, you’ll stay in a carefully renovated traditional Auvergne mountain farmhouse, where the authenticity of stone and wood blends with warm, modern comfort. A characterful retreat in the heart of the Cantal, perfect for unwinding after each day on the bike.
For the first day of gravel riding in the Cantal, we set off to explore the Cézallier Plateau, a vast volcanic landscaperenowned for its untouched beauty and often compared to the wide-open spaces of Iceland and Scotland.
Following scenic gravel roads and quiet country lanes, we ride through rolling valleys, picturesque villages, and breathtaking volcanic panoramas, deep in the unspoiled wilderness of the Massif Central.
After enjoying a picnic surrounded by nature, we continue our gravel adventure across this remarkable region before arriving at our accommodation. The day ends with a delicious dinner featuring traditional Auvergne cuisine, offering the perfect way to experience the authentic flavors of the Cantal.
Today, we head to the Limon Plateau, a vast highland region nestled between the Cézallier Plateau and the Cantal Mountains, in the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes.
Riding a mix of scenic gravel roads and quiet panoramic country lanes, we cross unspoiled landscapes of meadows, peat bogs, and wide-open plateaus, with breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic peaks.
Back at our accommodation, enjoy some well-deserved time to relax before gathering for a friendly dinner featuring the finest local specialties from the Cantal, the perfect way to end another unforgettable day of gravel cycling.
To round off this unforgettable gravel tour in the Cantal, we set out to explore the Pinatelle Forest, a true gravel cycling paradise in the heart of the Auvergne Volcanoes.
Riding along scenic forest tracks, past volcanic lakes, and through authentic rural villages, this final stage immerses us in the unspoiled landscapes of the Massif Central, surrounded by peaceful wilderness and spectacular volcanic scenery.
After one last adventure across the wide-open spaces of the Cantal, we gather for a friendly farewell lunch before bringing this memorable gravel adventure to a close.
Practicalities
How to get there?
There are two ways to reach your trip:
• Arrive by your own means and go directly to the meeting point indicated. • Arrive by train or plane. In this case, we organise a shuttle between the arrival train station or airport and your accommodation.
Detailed information (locations, timings, transfer organisation) can be found in the Adventure Book – Day 1 section of your trip.
Level
With us, there’s no stopwatch. We start together and we finish together. To help every rider find the adventure that suits them best, we offer 5 difficulty levels, from 1/5 to 5/5, detailed below. The level of each trip is shown at the top of its page, on the header photo. If you’re still unsure, just write to us at bonjour@gravelup.earth — we’ll be happy to help you assess the right level for you.
Please note: all our trips are open to e-gravel bikes (available for rental in all our destinations). Our groups include both traditional and electric bikes to ensure a smooth balance of pace.
Booking
Not at all! Our expeditions do not require previous gravel riding experience. Our itineraries are designed to be accessible to all, as long as you have a spirit of adventure. You may have to carry or push your bike on some short sections, but that's part of the Gravel Up adventure!
Please note: Our hire bikes are the latest spec models and are meticulously maintained for your comfort and safety. They are the ideal bikes in terms of comfort and safety for all our adventures
Practicalities
You will be accommodated in charming hotels, chalets, or renovated former shepherds’ cottages, carefully chosen for their comfort, history, and the authenticity of their hosts!
Booking
We prioritize small groups of 8 to 12 participants to encourage meaningful interactions and maintain the friendly spirit of the trip.
Traveling in a small group also allows us to minimize our impact on the trails we use and to respect the territories we pass through.
Safety
Our guides are carefully chosen based on their experience and local knowledge of each region to guarantee you an unforgettable adventure. All our guides have French State validated bike qualifications. They are also French levels 1 and 2 first aid trained as you would expect.
Equipment
Yes, we ride on routes where neither road bikes nor mountain bikes are perfectly suited — that’s what makes gravel so special! You can bring your own gravel bike or rent one directly when booking your trip.
Across all our destinations, we offer two models from Origine: the lightweight Graxx GTO (8.1 kg) and the Help e-gravel (12 kg). Both combine performance, versatility and comfort - perfect companions for your adventure. Learn more about our rental bikes.
Good to know: Thinking about buying a gravel bike after your trip? Our partner Origine will refund your first day of rental if you decide to purchase a Graxx or Help afterwards - the perfect opportunity to test them out before making your choice.
Booking
You may change the date of your trip free of charge up to 30 days before departure. You may also cancel your booking at any time prior to the start of your trip. The following conditions will then apply:
More than 90 days before departure → 75% refund, or a 100% credit of the amounts paid, valid for the next 12 months
Between 60 and 90 days before departure → 50% refund, or a 75% credit of the amounts paid, valid for the next 12 months
Between 30 and 60 days before departure → 25% refund, or a 50% credit of the amounts paid, valid for the next 12 months
Less than 30 days before departure → No refund, or a 50% credit of the amounts paid, valid for the next 12 months
You may also take out cancellation insurance with our partner Chapka Insurance. This option will be offered at the time of booking. More information about the insurance is available here.
Please note that a Trip Credit cannot be converted to a refund at a later date.
Join us for a gravel cycling adventure in the Cantal, in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes, and discover one of the finest gravel riding destinations in France. Between spectacular panoramas, iconic mountain passes, volcanic tracks, authentic villages and unspoilt nature, experience a unique gravel journey combining sport, discovery and immersion in the landscapes of Auvergne.
This all-inclusive gravel trip includes charming accommodation, delicious local cuisine, an assistance van, expert local guides and transfers. An exclusive gravel experience designed to explore Europe's largest volcano and ride carefully selected routes far from busy roads.
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