Mountain biking – Le Grand Bois
An accessible 15 km loop with moderate terrain, ideal for a smooth off-road ride. The route alternates between forest tracks, undulating paths and short climbs. After a gentle start, the route climbs gradually before leading into a long, rolling section followed by a steady descent. A few climbs add a bit of variety to the return journey to the start. A well-balanced route combining exertion and enjoyment in the heart of the countryside.
Description
- To help you get started, use the small map in the top left-hand corner of the Info Rando sign. From the Info Rando sign in the cemetery car park, head towards the Fontaine junction; follow signs for Salavas.
- Follow the red-and-white markings along a small tarmac road, then a track suitable for vehicles, before reaching the Vausservières junction; follow signs for Dolmen de Champagnac Rieusset. When you reach a track, continue straight on until you reach the Dolmen junction; follow signs for Rieusset. Continue along this stony track which descends to the La Selve junction; follow signs for Salavas.
- Carry on straight ahead to the La Michollère junction; follow signs for Salavas. Follow the stony track which descends to the Champagnac junction; follow signs for Gour d’Estelle and Salavas. Continue along a tarmac road.
- Cross the D 579 road and, a few metres further up, join a tarmac track branching off to the left. Follow it to the Gour d’Estelle crossroads; follow signs for L’Épingle and Salavas. Continue along a wide track that climbs, then descends to the Darbousset junction; follow signs for Grand Chêne and Vagnas.
- Continue along a wide track that climbs up to the Lastic junction; follow signs for Grand Chêne Vagnas. Follow the road to reach the Grand Chêne crossroads; follow signs for Brujas. Reach the Champ Lacloque junction; follow signs for Vagnas.
- After crossing a wooden footbridge, carry on straight ahead along a stony path which leads to a house. Take the tarmac road. At the end of the straight stretch, take the narrow path through the woodland. Then follow the D 255, which leads to the Le Valadas junction; follow signs for Vagnas.
- When you reach the crossroads, cross the D 579. Then turn right towards the town hall. Opposite the ‘Info Rando’ sign, turn left onto the small tarmac road.
- Head down towards the Chemin de la Planche; follow signs for Labastide-de-Virac. Then head towards Flacher; follow signs for Labastide-de-Virac. At the entrance to the village, follow the D 217 for 50 metres, then turn left to return to the starting point.
- Departure : Cemetery Car Park – 222 Rue Centrale
- Arrival : Cemetery Car Park – 222 Rue Centrale
- Towns crossed : LABASTIDE-DE-VIRAC, SALAVAS, VAGNAS, and BARJAC
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Follow the signposted paths, keep your speed in check and always give way to pedestrians with a smile. The southern Ardèche is home to an exceptional and fragile ecosystem: help to preserve it by staying on the tracks, taking your rubbish away with you and closing gates behind you. Before setting off, check your mountain bike, wear your helmet, pack water and a repair kit, and let a friend or family member know if you’re setting off alone.
🚨 Emergency: 112 or 18
Cycling ;) – Suitable shoes, plenty of water, sun-protective clothing.
Information desks
Office de Tourisme Gorges de l'Ardèche - Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
16 rue des Abeilles, 07150 Vallon Pont d’Arc
Transport
You can travel from Vagnas on the E15 bus route (check the bus timetable and days of operation)
Access and parking
From Vallon Pont d'Arc, take the D579 towards Salavas. Follow the signs for Labastide de Virac. Shortly after entering the village, at the wayside shrine (cross), turn left and park at the cemetery.
Parking :
Report a problem or an error
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