4.7
(62)
367
riders
45
rides
Mountain bike trails around Mayres are set within the Haute Cévenne ardéchoise, offering diverse terrain for cycling. The region features mountainous landscapes, including the Col de la Chavade and peaks like the rock of Chaumiène, providing varied elevation. Mayres itself is situated at 600m in a valley carved by the Ardèche river, with transitions from Mediterranean vegetation to forests of chestnut, beech, and fir trees at higher altitudes. This environment creates a mix of challenging climbs and scenic descents for…
Last updated: June 16, 2026
4.8
(5)
43
riders
70.9km
07:00
1,730m
1,730m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(3)
22
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
20
riders
79.0km
07:52
1,970m
1,970m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(6)
9
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(4)
7
riders
18.7km
02:31
930m
920m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Etymology: comes from Mas d’Adam, name of the old domain which was located at the site of the current village which was ceded by the lord of Géorant to the bishop of Viviers to allow him to found the abbey of Mazan. It all begins with the foundation of the Cistercian abbey in the heart of the village. This takes place between 1119 and 1122. At the beginning of the 12th century, canons came to settle on the site of Mas d’Adam (toponym that would evolve towards MAZAN), and were joined by monks from the abbey of Bonnevaux. These religious men built an immense abbey, of which only the remains are left today, which experienced a period of apogee that lasted until the Hundred Years' War. It gave birth to four other abbeys which are Bonneval, Sénanque, Sylvanès and le Thoronet as well as establishments of nuns. After this prosperous period, misfortunes followed one another at the abbey of Mazan: it was plundered by the great companies of the Hundred Years' War, then attacked by the Huguenots in the modern period. Before this last pillage, the monks, according to legend, would have melted a golden bell with all their treasures, which they would have buried somewhere, opposite and in front of the bull's eye, within earshot of the cock's crow. https://www.montagnedardeche.com/patrimoine-culturel/village-de-mazan-labbaye-2387/
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The view from the pass over the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park is breathtakingly beautiful. The new Meyrand viewpoint, a little south of the summit of the pass, was inaugurated in July 2024. It offers an exceptional panorama of the Monts d'Ardèche, the Cévennes, and you can even see as far as Mont Ventoux.
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Climbing up to the Col du Meyrand from Valgorge, you get a magnificent view of the gorges of the valley from which you came. To do this, you have to overcome sixteen kilometers at an average of 5.1%.
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Break for lunch at the Lanarce pizzeria, a treat, and always well received
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The Col du Pendu from the Col du Bez is short (3 km) but with an average gradient of 7% peaking at 1,435 meters above sea level with sections at a maximum gradient of 8.5%.
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This watershed limit is actually a bit random, because it is difficult to locate precisely, as the geography can change. It hydrographically divides the watersheds. In this case here that of the Mediterranean zone and that of the Atlantic zone. Very often, a watershed is associated with a pronounced difference in climates.
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The mountain bike trails around Mayres offer a range of difficulties. You'll find options from easy loops, such as the 8.0-mile route from Col de la Croix de Bauzon, to more challenging and difficult long-distance routes like the 56.3-mile Watershed – Mazan-l'Abbaye loop. Overall, there are 2 easy, 24 moderate, and 16 difficult routes available.
The terrain around Mayres is diverse, characterized by mountainous landscapes, river valleys, and varied forest types. You can expect significant elevation changes, with routes like the Watershed – Mazan-l'Abbaye loop featuring over 2,200 meters of ascent. The region transitions from Mediterranean vegetation at lower altitudes to forests of chestnut, beech, and fir trees as you ascend towards the Ardèche plateau.
Yes, the area offers several notable viewpoints and natural landmarks. For panoramic views, consider the Col de la Croix de Bauzon – Col de Meyrand Viewpoint loop. Other interesting natural monuments and peaks in the vicinity include the Pont du Diable (Thueyts), the Queen's Ladder, and Abraham's Rock.
Mayres experiences a transition from Mediterranean to more 'Nordic' flora, suggesting varied conditions. While specific seasonal advice isn't provided, the diverse landscapes indicate that spring and autumn would likely offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, especially at lower altitudes, while higher elevations might experience cooler conditions.
Yes, among the 42 mountain bike routes available, there are 2 classified as easy. These shorter, less challenging routes are generally more suitable for families or those new to mountain biking. For example, the Col de Meyrand Viewpoint – Signal de Coucoulude loop is an 8.0-mile easy trail that can be completed in about 1 hour 16 minutes.
The mountain bike trails around Mayres are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 50 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the varied terrain, which includes mountainous landscapes, river valleys, and diverse forests, providing a mix of challenging climbs and scenic descents.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Mayres are designed as loops. Examples include the Watershed – Mazan-l'Abbaye loop from Mayres, the Col de la Croix de Bauzon – Col de Meyrand Viewpoint loop, and the Mountainbike loop from Barnas.
Experienced riders looking for a challenge will find several difficult routes. The Watershed – Mazan-l'Abbaye loop from Mayres is a demanding 56.3-mile trail with over 2,200 meters of elevation gain. Another difficult option is the Watershed – Col de Meyrand Viewpoint loop, covering 86.6 km with significant climbing.
Mayres is situated in a valley carved by the Ardèche river, which forms natural bathing spots. While specific locations along mountain bike trails are not detailed, the presence of the river suggests opportunities for refreshing dips after your ride, particularly in the warmer months.
Beyond mountain biking, the Mayres area is excellent for hiking, with numerous trails. You can also explore charming medieval villages like Thueyts and Jaujac, or enjoy river activities on the Ardèche. The region's diverse natural environment and cultural heritage offer a rich experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are over 40 mountain bike trails around Mayres, with a total of 42 routes documented. These include a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult options to suit various skill levels.


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