The Puy de Dôme, a dormant volcano rising to 1,465 m at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chaîne des Puys, is one of France’s most distinctive climbs. Its spiralling road, historically used by the Tour de France, climbs through a unique volcanic landscape visible for dozens of kilometres around.
The profile from Col de Ceyssat
From Col de Ceyssat, expect 6.9 km and 428 m of climbing, averaging 6.2% and rising above 12% in the final hundred metres before the summit. The road winds in a spiral around the volcanic dome, with the view opening to a full 360° over the Chaîne des Puys as the climb progresses.
Getting the ride right
Since cyclist access is restricted to specific slots, plan ahead by checking the road’s opening schedule for cyclists. The irregular gradient, with a notably steeper finish, calls for holding something back on the first part of the climb.
When to go
May to September, on the cyclist-access slots set by the site’s management, usually outside peak summer tourist crowds. Check the opening days before planning the trip.
Good to know
Orcines and Ceyssat offer limited but convenient accommodation, with direct access to Clermont-Ferrand and the rest of the Chaîne des Puys to extend the trip into the volcanic range.
