La Grande Traversée du Volcan à vélo, also known as GT2V and V74, crosses the volcanic landscapes of the Massif Central. Cantal Destination describes a journey through gorges and high plateaux, with the climb to Pas de Peyrol beneath Puy Mary at its heart. France Vélo Tourisme presents the route in six sections between Port d’Agrès and Brassac-les-Mines.
From the Lot valley to Aurillac
France Vélo Tourisme begins its six-section itinerary at Port d’Agrès, beside the River Lot in Aveyron. The route climbs towards Saint-Santin-de-Maurs and continues through Saint-Constant to Maurs. The first section combines stretches with cycle lanes and small roads; after Saint-Constant, riders continue on shared roads towards Maurs.
Maurs offers a medieval town centre and the Saint-Césaire abbey church. Beyond the town, the journey runs through the Rance gorges and the Châtaigneraie towards Aurillac. France Vélo Tourisme suggests diversions to Vitrac and the medieval village of Marcolès for riders who want to explore away from the itinerary.
Into the volcanic mountains
From Aurillac, the route enters the Jordanne valley and climbs towards Mandailles-Saint-Julien. The valley provides a close view of the volcanic massif, with the puys of Chavaroche, Griou and Peyre Arse above the road.
The section from Mandailles-Saint-Julien to Allanche enters the Volcans d’Auvergne Regional Nature Park and climbs to Pas de Peyrol, the route’s highest point at 1,588 metres. Beneath Puy Mary, the pass gives riders a vantage point over the surrounding volcanic landscape and its radiating glacial valleys. Cantal Destination highlights this ascent as a defining part of the journey.
Across the plateau towards the Allier
After Allanche, the itinerary climbs to Col du Baladour and crosses the Cézallier plateau before descending towards Massiac. The final section continues through the hills of the Pays Coupés and includes Blesle and Léotoing before the landscape opens out towards Sainte-Florine.
France Vélo Tourisme’s six-stage presentation finishes at Brassac-les-Mines, where it identifies a connection with Via Allier, the V70 cycle route. Its planner lets riders select individual official stages, making it possible to concentrate on one part of the crossing.
Planning for the climb
This is a route for riders prepared for sustained climbing. France Vélo Tourisme classifies it as an adventure itinerary for trained cyclists or riders using electric assistance. It follows small shared roads, sometimes with significant traffic, and is signed in both directions with the GT2V logo and V74 identifier.
France Vélo Tourisme recommends travelling from Port d’Agrès for a more gradual accumulation of climbing. It warns that mountain passes and roads can be icy or snow-covered in winter. Cantal Destination lists an opening period from 15 May to 15 November; check conditions before choosing dates, especially around the high pass.