L'Ardéchoise : La Méridionale
Description
The longest circuit on the "Routes of the Ardéchoise" has the good taste to take in the neighbouring regions of Gard, Lozère and Haute-Loire to supply a whole host of contrasts - and cols to be crossed!
The longest circuit of 'Sur les Routes de l'Ardéchoise'. It skirts the neighbouring counties of the Gard, the Lozère and the Haute-Loire to offer even more contrasting scenery and ...more hill valleys to traverse. The circuit is a mini replica of the Ardèche, revealing its volcanic, Mediterranean and Cévenol terrain. The landscape changes colour with the seasons and you'll discover all the iconic products of the Ardèche - chestnuts, wines, lavender, fruit, farm cheese and hams. And you'll receive a warm welcome in the villages, each one full of traditional charm as expected from villages designated as a 'village de caractère'.
Technical informations
620 km
|
max. 1514 m
min. 47 m
10775 m
| |||
Style : Hiking | ||||
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Steps
Saint Félicien
Office de tourisme A voir : église romane
Col des Croix
Alt : 599 m
Col de Mayres
Alt : 603 m
Col du Serre
Alt : 599 m
Alboussière
Office de tourisme
Col de la Justice
Alt : 679 m
Vernoux en Vivarais
Office de tourisme © Nicolas Garousse
Col de Chalencon
Alt : 694 m Office de tourisme Village de caractère Photo OTECA
Col de Burianne
Alt : 620 m
Col de la Faye
Alt : 1019 m
Saint Pierreville
Office de tourisme A voir : Ardelaine
Col de Tauzuc
Alt : 688 m
Col de la Fayolle
Alt : 877 m
Col de Sarasset
Alt : 825 m
Col des Pierres de Faux
Alt : 793 m
Privas
Office de tourisme
Col du Benas
Alt : 795 m
Col de Fontenelle
Alt : 703 m
Alba la Romaine
A voir : - Village de caractère - Site archéologique Crédit photo : Mairie d'Alba la Romaine
Col de la Fare
Alt : 336 m
Saint Remèze
A voir : - Musée de la lavande distillerie - Aven Marzal - Ardèche Lamas
Gorges de l'Ardèche
Saint Martin d'Ardèche
Office de tourisme A voir : Grottes de Saint Marcel d'Ardèche
Aiguèze
Plus beaux villages de France
Orgnac l'Aven
A voir : Grand Site de l'Aven d'Orgnac Crédit photo : JM André
Aven Grotte de la Forestière
Labastide de Virac
A voir : Château des Roures
Col de la Serre
Alt : 371 m
Bois de Païolive
Banne
Village de caractère
Col du Mazel
Alt : 415 m
Col de la Pigère
Alt : 318 m
Les Vans
Office de tourisme
Chambonnas
A voir : Musée Vivant du Cochon
Col de Teste Rouge
Alt : 1079 m
Col du Chap Del Bosc
Alt : 1169 m
Saint Laurent les Bains
Office de tourisme
Col de Notre Dame des Neiges
Alt : 1139 m
Saint Etienne de Lugdarès
Office de tourisme
Col de Pratazanier
Alt : 1222 m
Col de la Croix de Toutes Aures
Alt : 1199 m
Col de Meyrand
Alt : 1370 m
Col du Bez
Alt : 1229 m
Col du Pendu
Alt : 1435 m
Col de la Chavade
Alt : 1266 m
Col du Cros de Boutazon
Alt : 1378 m
Saint Cirgues en Montagne
Office de tourisme A voir : Parc du Chien Nordique
Col de Gage
Alt : 1098 m
Le Lac d'Issarlès
Office de tourisme
Col des 4 Chemins
Alt : 1260 m
Sainte Eulalie
Office de tourisme
Col du Gerbier de Jonc
Alt : 1416 m A voir : Mont Gerbier de Jonc
Col de la Croix des Boutières
Alt : 1506 m A voir : Mont Mézenc
Col de Médille
Alt : 1332 m
Col de la Scie
Alt : 1205 m
Saint Clément
A voir : Ecole du Vent
Col de l'Ardéchoise
Alt : 1184 m
Col de Saint Martial
Alt : 876 m A voir : Lac de Saint Martial
Saint Martin de Valamas
Office de tourisme
Saint Agrève
Office de tourisme A voir : - Panorama du Mont Chiniac - Eglise
Col de Clavière
Alt : 1088 m A voir : Grange de Clavière
Col de Freydaparet
Alt : 1115 m
Col de Rochepaule
Alt : 891 m
Col des Grands
Alt : 1009 m
Col de Lalouvesc
Alt : 1192 m Office de tourisme A voir : - Basilique Saint Régis - Fontaine Saint Régis - Musée Saint Régis - Panorama
Col du Faux
Alt : 1021 m
Col du Buisson
Alt : 917 m A voir : Village miniature
Pailharès
Village pittoresque
Additional information
Environments
Lake 5 km away
River 5 km away
Village centre
In the country
Updated by
Ardèche Hermitage Tourisme - 06/04/2024
ardeche-hermitage.com
Report a problem
Contact
Phone :
04 75 08 10 23
04 75 06 06 12
Email : info@ah-tourisme.com
Website : www.ardechoise.com/
Data author
The Cirkwi brief
Embarking on a cycling journey through the Ardéchoise is like wheeling through a living tapestry, rich with the essence of French rural beauty. Composed by Ardèche Hermitage Tourisme, this grand loop, labeled as "L'Ardéchoise: La Méridionale," weaves through neighboring departments, unveiling a spectrum of landscapes and elevations. Imagine pedaling past a patchwork of vineyards, through forests of whispering chestnuts, and along roads bordered by blooming lavender, all while tasting the region’s exquisite cheeses and cured meats. It's a harmony of physical challenge and cultural immersion, offering riders a memorable blend of exertion, scenic pleasures, and the authentic charm of local villages.
Brief Technique: Stats for Cyclists
This route, spanning 620 kilometers, demands respect with its altitude fluctuating between 46 and 1508 meters above sea level. Cyclists will conquer a staggering 10775 meters of positive elevation gain, a testament to the course's challenge and the endurance required. Riders' perseverance is rewarded with unparalleled views and a sense of achievement. Structured for completion within 3 to 4 days, this cycling odyssey is not for the faint-hearted, appealing to those with a zeal for pushing limits.
Seasonal Tips for Riders
When planning your adventure, consider the seasons; each offers its unique palette and climate. Spring and autumn are particularly magical, with mild temperatures and the countryside adorned in either blooming flora or a mélange of autumnal hues. Summer presents its own charm, though higher temperatures necessitate an early start to your day to beat the heat. Regardless of when you visit, safety, especially in terms of hydration and sun protection, is paramount. Additionally, ensure your bicycle is equipped to tackle the demanding terrain and varying altitudes.
Heart of Ardèche: A Cultural Tapestry
Saint-Félicien, the starting point of this epic journey, sits nestled in the heart of Ardèche, a region steeped in history and rich cultural heritage. Ardèche's landscape is a testament to its tumultuous past, from ancient volcanic activity to the shaping hands of human settlement. This territory, characterized by its rugged natural beauty, has been a crossroads of trade, culture, and innovation for centuries. As you cycle, each village reveals layers of history, from medieval architecture to the remnants of old industries, each telling the story of a land and people resilient and vibrant.
Climate Insights for Cyclists
The Ardèche enjoys a varied climate, with distinct seasonal changes that influence the best times for cycling tours. Generally, the region experiences warm summers and mild winters. Spring, with its cool, pleasant climate, and autumn, offering a respite from the summer heat with mild temperatures and less rainfall, are ideal for cyclists. To fully enjoy L'Ardéchoise without the extremes of summer's heat or unpredictability of winter weather, planning your visit during these seasons is advisable for the most comfortable cycling experience.