The best cycling routes around Le Roux
4.4
(74)
806
riders
51
rides
Touring cycling routes around Le Roux offer access to the diverse landscapes of the Ardèche and Cévennes regions in France. The terrain transitions from lush river valleys to limestone plateaus, featuring significant elevation changes with mountains like Mont Aigoual and Mont Lozère. Cyclists can navigate through deep gorges, such as the Gorges de l'Ardèche, and along picturesque rivers like the Eyrieux. The area is characterized by a mix of verdant forests, open plateaus, and volcanic rock formations.
Best touring cycling routes around Le Roux
- The most popular touring cycling route is Col de la Croix de Bauzon – Mazan-l'Abbaye loop from Montpezat-sous-Bauzon, a 49.5 miles (79.7 km) trail that takes 5 hours 43 minutes to complete. This challenging route features varied terrain, traversing both forested areas and open landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Mazan Abbey – Mazan-l'Abbaye loop from Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne, a moderate 15.0 miles (24.2 km) path. This route leads through scenic countryside and past historical sites.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Lac d’Issarlès – Col de Gage - south side loop from Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne, a 23.6 miles (38.0 km) trail leading through diverse landscapes, often completed in about 2 hours 34 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Le Roux is defined by deep gorges, volcanic rock formations, and river valleys. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate paths to more challenging mountain ascents.
- The routes in Le Roux are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. More than 800 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Le Roux's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
13
riders
127km
09:15
2,650m
2,640m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
11
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
6
riders
24.2km
01:37
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
25.8km
02:24
540m
540m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
57.2km
04:43
1,130m
1,130m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Etymology: comes from Mas d’Adam, the name of the old estate that was located on 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 (a toponym that would evolve into MAZAN), and were joined by monks from the abbey of Bonnevaux. These religious men built a huge abbey, of which only the remains exist 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 for 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 looting, the monks, according to legend, would have melted a golden bell with all their treasures, which they would have buried somewhere, facing and opposite the bull's-eye window, within earshot of the rooster's crow. montagnedardeche.com/patrimoine-culturel/village-de-mazan-labbaye-2387
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The Col de Gage is a mountain pass located in Ardèche. It is situated at an altitude of 1,091 meters.
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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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Sanitary facilities in Mazan-l’Abbaye
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Break for lunch at the Lanarce pizzeria, a treat, and always well received
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Le Roux?
There are over 50 touring cycling routes around Le Roux, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes over 800 times, highlighting the area's popularity among cyclists.
Are there touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Le Roux?
Yes, the region offers routes suitable for all abilities. While many routes are challenging, there are also easier options. For a gentler experience, consider exploring the well-developed greenways like the "Via Ardèche" or the "Dolce Via" which follows a former railway line through the Eyrieux Valley. These paths are secure and ideal for families, often featuring opportunities for picnics and swims. One moderate route is the Mazan Abbey – Mazan-l'Abbaye loop from Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne, which is 15.0 miles (24.2 km) long.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes near Le Roux?
The terrain around Le Roux is incredibly diverse, transitioning from lush river valleys to barren limestone plateaus (Causses). You'll encounter significant elevation changes, with routes ascending mountains like Mont Aigoual and Mont Lozère, offering challenging climbs. The region also features deep gorges, volcanic rock formations such as the Giant's Causeway in Thueyts, and picturesque river valleys like the Ardèche and Eyrieux.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many touring cycling routes around Le Roux are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the challenging Mazan-l'Abbaye – Mont Gerbier de Jonc loop from Mazan-l'Abbaye is a 74.8 miles (120.4 km) route with panoramic mountain views. Another option is the Col de la Croix de Bauzon – Mazan-l'Abbaye loop from Montpezat-sous-Bauzon, a difficult 49.5 miles (79.7 km) path traversing varied landscapes.
What natural attractions or landmarks can I see while cycling around Le Roux?
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle past the impressive Ray-Pic Waterfall, explore the unique basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway in Thueyts, or admire the natural arch of the Pont d'Arc in the Gorges de l'Ardèche. Other notable sights include the Pont du Diable (Thueyts) and the Queen's Ladder.
Can I find routes that offer panoramic views?
Absolutely. The mountainous terrain, including peaks like Mont Aigoual and Mont Lozère, provides numerous opportunities for breathtaking panoramic views. Routes often climb to high passes, rewarding cyclists with expansive vistas of the Ardèche and Cévennes landscapes. The Mont Gerbier de Jonc – Gerbier de Jonc Pass loop from Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne is an example of a route that offers significant elevation gain and likely stunning views.
Are there any historical or cultural sites accessible by bike?
Yes, beyond natural wonders, you can discover charming villages and historical sites. The Mazan-l'Abbaye area, for instance, features an artistic installation at Mazan Abbey. The Cévennes region also has a rich history, with evidence of Roman presence and connections to Robert Louis Stevenson's famous travels, offering cultural insights along your ride.
What services are available for touring cyclists in the Le Roux region?
The region is cyclist-friendly, offering "Accueil Vélo" services. These services ensure quality provisions such as accommodation, restaurants, bike rental, and repair facilities are available along the routes. This support network makes touring cycling in the Ardèche and Cévennes regions more convenient and enjoyable.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Le Roux?
The diverse landscapes of the Ardèche and Cévennes can be enjoyed across different seasons. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures for cycling, avoiding the peak heat of summer and the colder conditions of winter. These shoulder seasons also tend to be less crowded, providing a more serene cycling experience.
Are there options for more challenging or advanced touring cyclists?
Definitely. The region is well-known for its challenging routes, particularly those that ascend mountains like Mont Aigoual (1567 meters) and Mont Lozère (1699 meters). With 34 out of 50 routes rated as difficult, experienced touring cyclists will find plenty of demanding climbs and technical descents. Routes like the Lac d’Issarlès – Col de Gage - south side loop from Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne offer significant elevation gains over their distance.
What do other cyclists say about touring cycling in Le Roux?
The touring cycling routes around Le Roux are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from river valleys to mountain passes, and the stunning natural features like the Gorges de l'Ardèche and volcanic formations. The variety of routes caters to different skill levels, making it a popular destination.
Are there dedicated greenways for touring cyclists in the region?
Yes, the region boasts excellent greenways (Voies Vertes) that are perfect for touring cyclists seeking safer and more scenic paths. The "Via Ardèche" is a secure cycle path, often utilizing old railway lines, offering picturesque views and access to charming villages. Another notable greenway is the "Dolce Via," a 90 km route through the wild Ardèche, also built on a former railway line through the Eyrieux Valley. More information can be found on France Vélo Tourisme.
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