Bicycle touring
Since the centre was developed around cycling and tourism, this is of course our star activity. The region is ideal for cycling, offering a wide variety of different routes for all levels; all you need to do is get pedalling!
Mountain bike base
More experienced cyclists can enjoy over 150 km of trails of varying length and difficulty. Our fully qualified instructor will help you explore the magnificent sights of this highland area, including the Hautes-Chaumes at the highest altitudes of the Forez mountain range.
He can also offer advice to beginners and help you take part in mountain biking activities.
More on the mountain bike base
Downloadable mountain bike trails for your GPS device
In October 2008, the Fédération started making its trails available for download. Thanks to digital technology, cyclists can now download top quality tried and tested routes onto their GPS device, many centred around the bicycle touring centre. This functionality is available for mountain bike trails and road routes across France.
Take a look at the routes at www.veloenfrance.fr
Services for cyclists
• Secure bike storage area (accommodating XX bikes)
• Bike washing area (4 jets + prototype automatic washing area)
• Pump with manometer (available in the bike area for Presta and Schrader valves)
• Repair services upon request (we have a maintenance workshop for our mountain bikes, so we can sometimes lend you tools or give you a helping hand with minor repairs, subject to availability)
• GPS device and mountain bike hire
Sports activities in the local area
If you would like to experience sports activities other than cycling, there are a whole range of options right on our doorstep.
Hiking: Choose from numerous trails. You can even complete routes over a number of days, with or without a guide.
Horse riding: Whether you are a beginner or want to go for a long ride, there are a number of centres to choose from.
You can also discover the joy of flight, from a maiden voyage to a trip over the Hautes Chaumes.
Or why not explore the countryside by donkey, try your hand at go-karting, hire a motorbike or go climbing?
If you’re into cross-country skiing, there are 200 km of trails to explore up in the Forez mountains (the ski slopes start 20 km away).
And for downhill skiers there’s Chalmazel, offering everything you need from a family ski resort.
Sports activities with or without an instructor
Throughout the week, our group leaders will be on hand to make your stay at the Centre even more enjoyable, and can work with you to create a tailor-made package.
Whether you want to try out a different sport (canoeing, Nordic walking etc.), discover local arts and crafts, visit museums or travel to other locations, anything is possible!
Explore the region!
- Cutlery Museum, Thiers
- Cité de l’Abeille, Viscomtat
- Moulin Richard de Bas, Historic Paper Museum, Ambert
- Maison de la Fourme et des Fromages, Ambert
- Market town of Courpière.
More information at the Courpière Tourist Office. Tel.: (+33) (0)4 73 51 20 27