OFF THE BIKE

LES PUYS

The centre of the Auvergne is dominated by a chain of extinct volcanoes, known as Puy. The Puy de Pariou is the most typical shape and a two-hour roundtrip. Have an easier time at the Puy de Sancy. It is the highest in the area but easier, thanks to a cable car. Stunning views. (www.auvergne-tourism.com)

PILGRIMS START HERE

Le Puy-en-velay is the start point of the pilgrims’ path to Santiago de Compostela in Spain so there are plenty of religious monuments, like the Chapel Saint Michel d’aiguilhe, a church perched on a rocky pinnacle. (www.ot-lepuyenvelay.fr)

MONTPEYROUX

This fortified village, south east of Clermont-ferrand, ‘glows’ due to the local ‘coppery’ sandstone and Romanesque tower. (www.montpeyroux63.com)

A COLD SHOWER?

The cascade du Queureuilh are two waterfalls just north of Mont-dore. The nearest one is the most impressive and it’s a 2km walk from the car park. (www.sancy.com)

HENRI MALARTRE MUSEUM

A vehicle museum just north of Lyon with a substantial collection of bikes from 100 years ago righthand, hand gearchange? There’s a 400hp armoured Mercedes parade car used by Hitler and the first FWD car. (www.musee-malartre.com/ malartre/sections/fr/le_ musee_et_vous/les_ collections_du_m)