4.3
(585)
2,850
riders
277
rides
Mountain biking around Saint-Romain-Les-Atheux offers diverse terrain with altitudes ranging from 600 to 1000 meters. The landscape features a mix of deciduous and coniferous forests, expansive meadows, and numerous small streams. Elevated plateaus like Montamoger and Fournel provide panoramic vistas, while the Barrage du Cotatay is a notable natural landmark. This varied topography creates a range of mountain bike trails suitable for different skill levels.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.3
(9)
33
riders
23.2km
02:16
610m
610m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.2
(5)
29
riders
26.4km
02:34
630m
630m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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5.0
(2)
9
riders
36.7km
03:27
790m
790m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
1.0
(1)
8
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.3
(4)
8
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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The Gimel peat bog is located at an altitude of 1,200 meters. It is one of the sources of the Dunerette. The marsh forms a bulge and contains a mosaic of plant groups. It has the particularity of having never been exploited for its peat.
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Crêt de Chaussître is located at the southern end of Pilat. It offers a beautiful panorama of the Monts du Velay, Mont Mezenc, the Yssingeaux juices and the high plateaus of Forez.
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Do not miss the waterfall at the foot of the dam to take a cool break
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Nice example of a dam where you can walk under the structure that overlooks you. Impressive.
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By mountain bike, the northern accesses are difficult, large stones, very technical. Access by chemin du Teil easier but steep and partly paved. My favorite access is through the east in the woods from Prélager (before arriving at the picnic area, take the small grassy path on the left which descends slightly)
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Nice uphill too, not too steep and view of the Cotatay valley.
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access by the southwest path is steep with some stones. Access by the northwest path under the road is pleasant and not too steep with views over the Cotatay valley.
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Nice pass. Wooden bridge, old stone walls covered with moss. Be careful, the north access is steep for a few meters.
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There are over 275 mountain bike trails around Saint-Romain-Les-Atheux listed on komoot, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences.
The majority of mountain bike trails in Saint-Romain-Les-Atheux are rated as moderate, with 183 moderate routes. There are also 23 easy trails for beginners and 69 difficult trails for more experienced riders, ensuring options for all abilities.
Yes, many routes in the area are circular. For example, you can explore the Sap dam – Pilat Mountain Bike Tour loop from Saint-Romain-les-Atheux, which is a moderate 27.67 km ride. Another option is the Pilat Mountain Bike Tour – Crêt de Chaussître loop from Saint-Genest-Malifaux, a moderate 13.36 km loop.
The terrain around Saint-Romain-Les-Atheux is quite varied, with altitudes ranging from 600 to 1000 meters. You'll encounter a mix of deciduous and coniferous forests, expansive meadows, and numerous small streams. Elevated plateaus like Montamoger and Fournel offer panoramic views, while valleys feature dense woodlands.
Absolutely. The area is rich in natural beauty. You can ride past the Gouffre d'Enfer Dam, or visit the Crêt de Chaussître, a prominent summit. The Gimel Peat Bogs are also a unique natural monument to explore.
The mountain bike trails in Saint-Romain-Les-Atheux are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 650 reviews. Riders often praise the varied elevation, dense forests, and open plateaus that cater to different ability levels.
Yes, the area around the Cotatay Dam is known for its waterfall. You can experience this on routes like the Cotatay Dam – Cotatay Dam Waterfall loop from Saint-Genest-Malifaux, which is a moderate 23.2 km trail.
Given the varied topography and mix of forests and meadows, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking, with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can also be good, but be prepared for warmer weather, especially on exposed sections. Winter riding is possible but may be affected by snow or ice at higher elevations.
Yes, beyond the natural attractions, you can find historical interest. The ruins of an old spinning mill are near the Cotatay dam. Additionally, the Rochetaillée Castle is a notable nearby attraction that adds a historical dimension to your visit.
One of the longer routes is the Les Pierres de Gimel – Crêt de Chaussître loop from Saint-Genest-Malifaux, a moderate 36.7 km trail that typically takes around 3 hours 26 minutes to complete.
While specific parking locations for every trailhead are not detailed here, Saint-Romain-Les-Atheux is well-equipped for outdoor visitors. Information on parking and trail access points can often be found in local guides available at the town hall and tourist office.


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