4.5
(151)
1,149
riders
173
rides
Mountain bike trails around Le Born are primarily found in a region characterized by its lakes, forests, and mountain passes. The landscape features varied terrain, including the area around Lac de Charpal and the Col de la Barte. This environment provides diverse routes suitable for mountain biking.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
5.0
(3)
32
riders
102km
08:57
1,590m
1,590m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
5
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.3
(3)
7
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.0
(2)
5
riders
20.0km
01:31
190m
190m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The Fortunio peak is the highest point in the Margeride massif. It is therefore naturally designated as the ideal observation post for Lake Charpal.
0
0
Unexpected and yet very present! In the middle of this wild part of the Margeride massif you will find this superb washing and repair station for your bike: compressor, all valves and tools are available free of charge, while the washing device requires a contribution (normal). Also take the opportunity to fill your water bottles thanks to the small tap on the left.
0
0
Lac de Charpal lies at an altitude of 1,360 meters amidst raised bogs, forests, and heathland. This artificial reservoir, built in the 1930s, supplies Mende with drinking water. Today, it is a tranquil retreat, popular for hiking, nature observation, and its protected flora and fauna.
0
0
Lac de Charpal lies at an altitude of 1,360 meters amidst raised bogs, forests, and heathland. This artificial reservoir, built in the 1930s, supplies Mende with drinking water. Today, it is a tranquil retreat, popular for hiking, nature observation, and its protected flora and fauna.
0
0
Very nice walk, the first part is a little difficult to access the lake because of the big difference in altitude. But the tour of the lake is very pleasant, and accessible with children (10 years old)
0
0
An extremely pleasant walk with beautiful panoramas, to do on foot or by bike, a successful experience despite a headwind on the eastern side of the lake which cools the air, I highly recommend it.
1
0
The Charpal lake discovery trail offers numerous perspectives on the body of water. This one is particularly beautiful! A path allows you to approach the water.
1
0
A dam on the Colagne river created this Charpal lake. It supplies the town of Mende with drinking water. The Charpal site was originally chosen in 1925 to create an underwater munitions depot. This strange project never took place, because the lake was not deep enough and did not allow the immersion of the powder.
1
0
Le Born offers a diverse range of mountain bike trails, characterized by its lakes, forests, and mountain passes. You'll find routes suitable for various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult options. The terrain provides varied environments for cycling, from lakeside paths to more challenging ascents and descents through forested areas.
Yes, Le Born has trails suitable for beginners. There are 12 easy mountain bike routes available. An example of an easy route is the GTMC; sometimes a little wet – Lac de Charpal loop from Aire de Camping-cars du Lac Charpal, which covers 13.9 km and takes about 1 hour 8 minutes to complete.
Experienced mountain bikers will find plenty of challenging routes in Le Born, with 39 difficult trails available. The longest and most demanding route is the Col de la Barte (La Barte Pass) – Lac de Charpal loop from Lac de Charpal, spanning 99.6 km with over 1500 meters of elevation gain, typically taking around 8 hours 47 minutes.
Many of the mountain bike routes in Le Born are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Chapelle Saint-Féréol – Lac de Charpal loop from Aire de Camping-cars du Lac Charpal is a moderate 33.7 km circular path that explores the area around Lac de Charpal.
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, mountain biking in regions with lakes, forests, and mountain passes like Le Born is generally best enjoyed during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early autumn. This period offers more stable weather conditions and accessible trails, avoiding snow and ice at higher elevations.
The trails around Le Born offer scenic views and access to several points of interest. You can ride along the beautiful Lake Charpal, or explore historical sites such as the Village Mort de La Chaumette and the Lanuéjols Roman Mausoleum. The region also features the Mende Old Town and Cathedral Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Privat, offering cultural insights.
The mountain bike trails in Le Born are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 130 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the varied terrain, the beautiful lakeside paths, and the extensive network of routes that cater to different skill levels.
Yes, Lake Charpal is a central feature for many mountain bike routes in the area. A popular option is the Lake Charpal – Lac de Charpal loop from Installation de stockage de déchets non dangereux, a 26.2 km trail that leads through forested areas and along the lake, taking about 2 hours 16 minutes.
The duration of mountain bike trails in Le Born varies significantly depending on the route's length and difficulty. For instance, a moderate route like the Lac de Charpal – Lake Charpal loop from Lac de Charpal is about 25.8 km and takes around 2 hours 8 minutes, while more challenging routes can take several hours.
While specific parking locations for all trails are not detailed, many routes, especially those around Lac de Charpal, often start from areas like 'Aire de Camping-cars du Lac Charpal' or 'Installation de stockage de déchets non dangereux', suggesting accessible starting points where parking facilities are likely available for visitors.
With 12 easy routes available, Le Born offers options that could be suitable for families, especially those with some mountain biking experience. These easier trails typically feature less challenging terrain and shorter distances, providing a pleasant outdoor experience for all.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.