Massif Central

Discover the beauty of the Ardèche and the Massif Central

The Massif Central is a high altitude area in the central-southern part of France, consisting of mountains and plateaus. The massif was created mainly by volcanism and uplift of older rocks. On this trip, you will discover the beautiful area of Gorges (gorges), Cuasses (plateaus) rivers and Cols. The Massif Central has a very diverse landscape with high peaks due to the many differences in altitude.

During the  first day route you will enjoy the beautiful southern France. You will ride the following Cols: Col de la Croix de Joanziecq, Col de la Croix de Homme Mort, Pas de Mousset and the Col de la Dételée. The route starts in a north-easterly direction. You are immediately rewarded by the beautiful, hilly landscape. The roads are undulating and shortcuts, making for great touring. Included in the route is Parc National Regional Livradois-Forez. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, this park is known for its pristine nature, diverse flora and fauna, and it includes the Livradois and Forez mountains

Today you will drive to the south-east of the Massif Central. The route includes the Cévennes National Park. The park is a vast area known for its varied landscapes, including deep gorges, plateaus, and forested hills. After many winding roads, you drive past Lac de Naussac, a reservoir named after the town that disappeared under water when the lake filled up. During this day route, you pass several more dams and many small rivers. Later today, you drive into the Gorges de l'Ardèche, a beautiful gorge. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the Gorges de l'Ardèche are formed by the river Ardèche. It is known for its natural bridge, the Pont d'Arc, and offers spectacular views of the limestone cliffs.

After a delicious breakfast, get back on the bike and ride to the Grands Causses of the Cévennes (the high plains). Many beautiful gorges you will visit today. You will follow the little river Allier at the beginning of the route. After a few kilometres, you will be enchanted by the view of the Gorges du Tarn. A gorge located in the Massif Central. This gorge is famous for its steep cliffs and picturesque villages along the riverbank. This gorge is followed by Col de Rieisse, Gorgers de Jonte, Causse Noir, Mont Aigoual, Col de Perjuret, Col de Fineis and Col de Goulet. 

As mentioned earlier, the Massif Central was created by volcanic activity, which is what you will discover today in the Volcano Park. The route immediately starts with slopes to gain altitude. You will then drive back into Livrados-Forez Natural Park to ride once more on the Col de Dételée. You are then treated to Parc des Volcans d'Auvergne. The landscape becomes greener, giving beautiful views of this wooded area. The park consists of stretched territory and includes several volcanoes, mountains, valleys, lakes and forests. The park is home to the largest concentration of volcanoes in Europe. You continue the route to Lac Chambon, Puy de Sancy, Col de Chaumoune and Col de Vestizoux. After all this scenic beauty, you will drive the last kilometres back to the hotel.

7 Cols are on the programme today! So it will be a promising route with lots of climbing and descending, which will make for stunning views! You will drive to Mont du Vivarais. This is a historic region that is part of the Ardèche. This area has many hills and valleys, part of the Massif Central. The area has a lot of natural beauty as well as history and culture.

You will pass the following Cols today:
- La Croix de Boutière, 1502m
- Col de Mézilhac, 1119m
- Col du Goulet de Peyrlle, 1459m
- Col Fayolle, 1119m
- Col de Sarasset, 825m
- Col du Trible, 540m
- Col de Gilhac, 520m