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The Vélorail de la Sioule, a family day out north of Clermont-Ferrand

Published 4 June 2021

The Vélorail de la Sioule (rail bikes) sets off from Le Mayet-d'École, near Gannat, about 45 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand via the A71. You pedal together along an old railway line, on a route lasting one to one and a half hours. The season runs from April to the end of October, and the 2027 calendar has not yet been published.

Getting there from Clermont

Follow the A71 north to Gannat, then head for Le Mayet-d'École, a few kilometres away. The starting point is at Les Grands Champs, 03800 Le Mayet-d'École. Booking is compulsory: go through the rail bike website.

The two routes

• The Sioule route, towards Bayet: 16 km there and back, crossing two viaducts above the valley, for about 1 hour 30 minutes.
• The Gannat route: 10 km there and back, for about an hour. It is well suited to young children.

Each rail bike is pedalled by two people, with the other passengers sitting on the bench seat. The effort is moderate, as the old line was built with gentle gradients. Prices start at €10 per adult and €8 per child, depending on the route chosen.

Season and opening hours

For 2026, the Val de Sioule tourist office gives the following periods:

• 4 to 19 April: Wednesday to Friday afternoons, all day at weekends;
• 20 April to 30 June: Wednesday afternoons and weekends;
• July and August: Wednesday to Sunday, from 8.30 am to 8 pm;
• September and October: Wednesdays and weekends.

The 2026 season ends at the end of October. Details of the 2027 season are not yet known: check the tourist office information sheet or contact the rail bike operator in spring.

A closer alternative: the Vélorail des Fades

On the Puy-de-Dôme side, another rail bike sets off from the former Les Ancizes-Comps station, about 45 minutes west of Clermont. Fitted with electric assistance, it goes through three tunnels, one of them more than 300 metres long, before reaching the Viaduc des Fades. It also runs from April to October, booking required. The 2026 prices and times should be checked directly with the operator.

What to do around Le Mayet-d'École

The rail bike only takes up part of the day. To fill the rest from Clermont:

1. Paléopolis, in Gannat, a few minutes away: see our article on the dinosaur park.
2. Charroux, a medieval village about fifteen minutes away: our article on Charroux gives the museum's opening hours.
3. Canoeing on the Sioule, further upstream in the Puy-de-Dôme, covered in our article on paddling down the Sioule.

Back to Clermont in the evening

With less than an hour's drive, the rail bike is an easy day trip. Our Clermont Sud apartments are close to the motorway, and the accommodation map helps you choose according to your other outings. Bookable from one night, cleaning and linen included.