In forest, Nature & small heritage
45,71 Km
3 h 30 min
I cycle a lot
45,71 km cycling route from Devesset to Les Estables
Riding past the source of the Eyrieux River, this second stage of the GTA VTT leads you smoothly to Saint-Agrève, a town where people from the steep slopes below and the high plateau above meet up. Leaving town, you come to the volcanic plateau of Le Mézenc. Silence reigns in these parts, although herds bring life to these grazing lands in summer and just the odd massive, isolated farm stands out. Fine pastureland alternates with pine forests. Wide drailles (paths for moving cattle from winter to summer pastures) guide you to Les Estables, at the foot of Mont Mézenc.
Elevation of the stage
704 m 894 m
La Grande Traversée de l'Ardèche by MTB from Devesset to Estables
Route signposted "Grande Traversée de l'Ardèche VTT"
After Chaudeyrolles, there’s a long climb towards the Mézenc Plateau, with a continuous slope, portions with a 10% gradient. It requires quite some effort, continuing upwards, especially on the 1.5km up to the pass of the Col de la Croix de Peccata. From here, there’s a small further climb, 400m in length, over stone slabs, then turn right through woods, riding along a narrower track. Continue along the slope to join the GR7 hiking trail to reach the Col de la Croix de Boutières, then the village of Les Estables.
Don’t miss
- Saint-Agrève: the views from Mont Chiniac across the Monts d'Ardèche (notably the Mont Gerbier de Jonc and Mont Mézenc) and to the Cévennes; Le Velay Express tourist train.
- Mars: Planète Mars, Observatoire Hubert Reeves
- Saint-Clément: Ecole du Vent, a visitor centre devoted to the theme of the wind
- Les Estables : Lugik Parc, where you can try out the toboggan track all year round
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