Area: Chaine des Puys/Massif Central, France
A notable landmark, obvious for miles around, this volcanic lava dome may well be one of the most frequently ascended mountains in France. I hadn't really planned to do it (I would have liked to have cycled up it, but that is now banned). However, the view of it as I approached the Puys from Troyes (where I had watched the Tour stage yesterday via a 35k ride) made it a compelling objective. Lots of cars at the Col de Ceyssat, and a famous path - the Chemin des Muletiers - leading directly to the top. This was enjoyable, albeit crowded with families and all manner of day-trippers, rather like Snowdon. At the top, it emerges onto the expansive summit dome replete with visitor centre, observatory and tracks. I took in the view of Clermont Ferrand, which is directly below, as well as the distant views across to higher hills like the Puy de Sancy. I did a few loops around the top then located a tiny steep path that immediately left the crowds behind to plough directly down the northern slopes. A long looping descent followed, quite hot at times in glorious sunshine. After a short break, I drove to Ceyssat and got the bike out for a little tester, up to the Col de Ceyssat, then the very fast descent to the edge of the city, and then the surprisingly tough climb up the Col de Moreno before a gravel descent back to Ceyssat.
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