Karst and contrasts around Balazuc and the Ardèche by bike
Vue du pont de Balazuc vers le village
Vue du pont de Balazuc vers le village - Marina Geray
BALAZUC

Karst and contrasts around Balazuc and the Ardèche by bike

Lake - River - Waterfall
Built heritage
Summit and viewpoints

Mix of greenway (gravel and asphalt) and small roads with gradients of up to 7% over a maximum of 2.5 km.

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This cycle route has everything you could wish for and is sure to make for a very enjoyable (half) day. It offers a chance to explore, get some exercise and relax.

On the itinerary: the villages of Balazuc, Pradons and Chauzon. But also panoramic views, a shaded greenway and engineering structures, narrow roads and a plateau covered in garrigue, rocky cirques and cliffs, beaches and a river for swimming.


Description

From the parking lot, turn right, follow the "Via Ardèche" signs, and take the small road that descends parallel to the D579 and the greenway. After approximately 500 meters, turn left onto the greenway, then turn left again and go through the tunnel with the multicolored lighting. The Via Ardèche then alternates between bridges and sections opening onto the valley, and passages under the canopy of trees. 1. In the village of Pradons, leave the greenway at the sign indicating the direction of "Chauzon" to the right. After a few meters next to the supermarket parking lot, you will reach a traffic light that allows for a safe crossing of the D579 to reach the D308 towards Chauzon. The loop is marked from here on.
The bridge offers very beautiful views. To get a good view of the Cirque de Gens, continue straight ahead after the bridge and climb slightly until you find an unobstructed viewpoint. Then take the road that overlooks the Ardèche River back to the parking lot at the entrance to the village. Head uphill to the left. Follow the Route des Gras (turn left at the first two intersections, then right; and straight ahead thereafter). At the roundabout, bear left. This small road climbs through the woods and then offers superb panoramic views.

At the intersection after the campsite, turn right. The road crosses a garrigue landscape of austere beauty. Then the valley deepens, the road climbs, and offers the most beautiful views of the charming village of Balazuc. Cross the bridge over the Ardèche River. Admire the gorges carved by the river.
The road climbs back up through the village, also listed among the most beautiful in France. It's time to leave your bike [there are bike racks above the car park (3)] and explore the little streets on foot. Some may enjoy the beach or even a swim.

After getting back on the road and going up to the exit of the village, you descend to the right until you reach the D 579. Cross it to return to your starting point.

  • Departure : Parking opposite the start of the D294 towards Balazuc along the D579
  • Arrival : Parking opposite the start of the D294 towards Balazuc along the D579
  • Towns crossed : BALAZUC, PRADONS, and CHAUZON

Forecast


Altimetric profile


Recommandations

You travel at your own risk on this route, which follows small roads and a greenway. Respect the rules of the road and other users of the greenway. Ride carefully.

Don't miss Balazuc: a charming village, listed among the most beautiful in France. You can explore it by bike, but it's best to walk. You can park your bike in the racks above the car park at the bottom of the village, near the bridge over the Ardèche River.

E-bike or hybrid bike with gearing suitable for climbs. A lock to secure your bikes. Water bottle, helmet, and appropriate clothing.


Information desks


Transport

"Balazuc" bus stop

Route X76: Valence TGV / Montélimar / Vallon Pont d’Arc
Route E15: Avignon/Aubenas
Bicycles may be taken on board coaches, subject to booking 48 hours in advance on 04 75 35 69 90 or via our website: www.ginhoux-autocars.com. Limited to between 2 and 6 bicycles. Bicycles may be transported without a booking, subject to availability.


Access and parking

From Aubenas: via the D579 then the D579A. From Montélimar: via the N102 then the D103, followed by the D579 and D579A. From Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Ruoms: via the D579 then the D579A.

Parking :

Car park near the junction of the D294 towards Balazuc and the D579 between Vogüé and Ruoms

Report a problem or an error

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