Le Vigan / Blandas

After Le Vigan, the first part of this GTMC à VTT stage takes you through forests. Reaching Montdardier, the landscape changes, becoming more open, with wide stretches of prairie land where no trees or shrubs grow – you’ve reached the Causse de Blandas, marked out by its megaliths and old grazing and farming traditions. Continue on to a Grand Site de France, the Cirque de Navacelles, a staggering natural bowl of land formed by a meander, and the highlight along this stage. The Blandas belvederes, located at the heart of a protected natural zone covering 46 hectares, offer four different, stunning views down on the Cirque de Navacelles and the Vis Gorges.

The route

Once you’ve crossed the town of Le Vigan via the riverside path, take on the physically demanding climb to Roquedur le Haut, alternating between quiet country roads, forest tracks, and paths. Take in the great views too! There are a few steps to negotiate before heading off in the direction of Saint-Bresson. Be very careful along here – the way finishes with a very fast stretch. There are further climbs, steep at times. Admire the views as far as Montdardier as you alternate between tracks and roads, then finish this portion on a singletrack. Reach Blandas via Rogues.