The legendary peak in the heart of Auvergne carries a unique distinction, standing apart as a premier climbs that feeds its timeless aura with the sheer challenge of its ramps and the intrigue that lingers around this sacred place. Unlike ordinary summits, this ascent feels like a rite of passage, a test of will where every switchback whispers of memories and stories carried by the wind. The climb itself is not merely physical; it is a narrative that blends history, landscape, and the human spirit into a single, stubborn revelation that resonates with locals and visitors alike. Each pedal stroke on this route becomes a chapter in a larger saga about endurance, environment, and the legacy of a region that cherishes its rugged beauty.
The site earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2018, a recognition that reflects decades of care and strategic protection beginning in the late 1980s. This preservation has allowed the terrain to retain its raw character while embracing responsible stewardship. The protection extends beyond mere access; it shapes the experience for anyone who approaches the spiral pathways that lead toward the crater. As travelers trace the route, they encounter a living museum of geology and culture, where the land itself teaches patience and respect for the forces that shaped it. In this setting, conservation and exploration move together, guiding visitors through a landscape that feels both timeless and intensely present.
In an unusually ambitious turn, the edition’s ninth phase will unfold with a start in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat. The route then threads a demanding 182.4 kilometers before culminating at a dome that rises to 1,415 meters above sea level. The journey is more than a distance tally; it is a rite of passage marked by resistance and reward. The final ascent tests climbers with a summit that demands endurance and precise pacing, rewarding those who stay steady with a sense of accomplishment that lasts long after the wheels stop turning. The moment at the dome is less about the view alone and more about what the climb represents: the convergence of effort, landscape, and communal memory that makes the peak a landmark in the collective imagination.
All eyes naturally drift toward the last stretch of the course, but the most dramatic portion sits within the final four kilometers. Here a wall-like segment runs alongside a rail corridor, presenting a single, almost architectural obstacle that channels every ounce of strength toward the summit. This feature does more than test fitness; it preserves the integrity of the site by moderating traffic and guiding spectators away from distraction and excess. The result is a tempered, respectful ascent that allows visitors to savor the climb and the terrain without overwhelming the place itself. In this way the route protects the landscape while offering an unforgettable, human-scale challenge that rewards preparation, patience, and a willingness to listen to the land.