The Ardechoise : The Chestnut
Description
Named after the chestnut - the signature fruit of the area – the circuit passes through the heart of Ardèche, including Privas, the capital of glazed chestnuts. You will alternate between mountainous areas and bright fresh valleys, both gentle and deep, where rivers, streams and natural springs flow. Discover village life throughout the seasons, enjoy the architecture and markets where you'll find all sorts of homegrown specialities – cheese, meat products and a whole variety of fruit including raspberries, blueberries, chestnuts and peaches – each with their own particular flavour from the land where they were grown.
Technical informations
573 km
|
max. 1514 m
min. 152 m
10815 m
| |||
Style : Hiking | ||||
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Steps
Départ
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 Chalancon
Alt : 694 m Village de caractère Office de tourisme Photo OTECA
Col de Burianne
Alt : 618 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 Four
Alt : 793 m
Privas
Office de tourisme
Col du Benas
Alt : 795 m
Vals les Bains
Office de tourisme A voir : Maison Champahnet
Col de Vals
Alt : 402 m
Col de Genestelle
Alt : 648 m
Antraïgues sur Volane
Office de tourisme Village de caractère ©M-Pesenti
Col d'Aizac
Alt : 642 m
Col de la Croix de Molières
Alt : 464 m
Meyras
Office de tourisme Village de caractère
Jaujac
Office de tourisme Village de caractère
Col de la Croix de Millet
Alt : 776 m
Col de Bonne Rencontre
Chassiers
Village de caractère
Largentière
Office de tourisme A voir : Filature du Moulinet
Col de Planzolles
Alt : 507 m
Col de Brès
Alt : 459 m
Col de la Croix Blanche
Alt : 890 m
Col de l'Echelette
Alt : 845 m
Col du Chap del Bosc
Alt : 1169 m
Col de la Croix du Chap del Bosc
Alt : 1162 m
Saint Laurent les Bains
Office de tourisme
Col de Notre Dame des Neiges
Alt : 1103 m
Saint Etienne de Lugdarès
Office de tourisme
Col de Pratazanier
Alt : 1222
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 : 1431 m
Col de la Chavade
Alt : 1266 m
Col du Cros de Boutazon
Alt : 1352 m
Saint Cirgues en Montagne
Office de tourisme A voir : Parc du Chien Nordique
Col de Gage
Alt : 1098 m
Lac d'Issarlès
Office de tourisme
Col des 4 Chemins
Alt : 1260 m
Sainte Eulalie
Office de tourime
Col du Gerbier de Jonc
Alt : 1416 m A voir : Mont Gerbier de Jonc
Col de la Croix de Boutières
Alt : 1506 m A voir : Mont Mézenc
Col de Médille
Alt : 1332 m
Col de la Scie
Alt : 1210 m
Saint Clément
A voir : L'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 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 : 1092 m A voir : - Basilique - Musée Saint Régis - Fontaine 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
In the country
Village centre
Lake 5 km away
River 5 km away
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
Website : www.ardechoise.com/
Data author
The Cirkwi brief
Embark on a journey through the heart of Ardèche with a bike route that encapsulates both the ruggedness and the serenity of its landscapes. Travel from towering mountains to the sparkling freshness of its valleys, encountering wild and cultivated fruit delicacies along the way—raspberries, blueberries, chestnuts, and peaches. This itinerary, curated by Ardèche Hermitage Tourism, not only showcases the region's rich gastronomic heritage, from its cheese and charcuterie to the iconic chestnut, but also its vibrant village life, architecture, and markets. Feel the essence of Ardèche in every pedal stroke on this immersive trail.
Technical Journey Overview
This cycling route spans approximately 573 kilometers with an elevation range from 148 meters to 1508 meters at its highest point. Cyclists will tackle a total positive altitude change of 10815 meters, indicating substantial climbs and descents along the way. Given these figures, the route presents a challenging yet rewarding adventure for experienced riders, offering varied terrain across the Ardèche landscape.
Seasonal Tips and Safety
As your local guide, I recommend spring for its blooming landscapes and autumn for the harvest season—perfect for enjoying the nuances of the Ardèche. Summer offers extended daylight for longer rides but prepare for heat. Always check your bike, carry repair tools, and stay hydrated. Elevations mean rapid weather changes; bring layers and a rain jacket. The route's demands mean physical preparation is key; ensure you're conditioned for long distances and significant climbs.
A Glimpse into Ardèche Heritage
Saint-Félicien, alongside its surrounding territories, sits deeply rooted in the historical tapestry of the Ardèche department, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This area boasts a rich narrative of human settlement, agricultural development, and a distinct culinary legacy encapsulated by the revered chestnut, symbolizing the resilience and adaptability of its people throughout centuries. This cycling route, therefore, is not just a physical journey, but a passage through time, inviting travelers to experience the enduring spirit of Ardèche.
Weather Insights for Cyclists
Ardèche's Climate: Best Times to Visit
The region enjoys a temperate climate with distinct seasonal changes. Summers are warm, making early morning or late afternoon the optimal times for cycling to avoid the midday heat. Winters are mild but can be unpredictable in the higher elevations. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant riding conditions, with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. Planning your trip during these seasons enhances the experience with ideal weather and vibrant landscapes.