The best cycling routes around Mayres
4.6
(91)
1,011
riders
72
rides
Touring cycling around Mayres offers diverse landscapes in the Ardèche region of France. The area is characterized by its volcanic origins, featuring ancient basaltic flows and mountainous terrain. River valleys and elevated passes provide varied routes for cyclists. This region presents a network of trails suitable for exploring its natural features.
Best touring cycling routes around Mayres
- The most popular touring cycling route is Col de la Croix de Bauzon – Croix de Millet Pass loop from Barnas, a…
Last updated: August 23, 2026
11
riders
127km
09:15
2,640m
2,640m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
88
riders
71.9km
05:31
1,730m
1,730m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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16
riders
63.4km
04:38
1,180m
1,190m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
82.1km
06:42
1,850m
1,850m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Etymology: comes from Mas d’Adam, the name of the old estate that was located on the site of the current village, which was ceded by the lord of Géorant to the bishop of Viviers to allow him to found the abbey of Mazan. It all begins with the foundation of the Cistercian abbey in the heart of the village. This takes place between 1119 and 1122. At the beginning of the 12th century, canons came to settle on the site of Mas d’Adam (a toponym that would evolve into MAZAN), and were joined by monks from the abbey of Bonnevaux. These religious men built a huge abbey, of which only the remains exist today, which experienced a period of apogee that lasted until the Hundred Years' War. It gave birth to four other abbeys which are Bonneval, Sénanque, Sylvanès and le Thoronet as well as establishments for nuns. After this prosperous period, misfortunes followed one another at the abbey of Mazan: it was plundered by the great companies of the Hundred Years' War, then attacked by the Huguenots in the modern period. Before this last looting, the monks, according to legend, would have melted a golden bell with all their treasures, which they would have buried somewhere, facing and opposite the bull's-eye window, within earshot of the rooster's crow. montagnedardeche.com/patrimoine-culturel/village-de-mazan-labbaye-2387
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Etymology: comes from Mas d’Adam, name of the old domain which was located at the site of the current village which was ceded by the lord of Géorant to the bishop of Viviers to allow him to found the abbey of Mazan. It all begins with the foundation of the Cistercian abbey in the heart of the village. This takes place between 1119 and 1122. At the beginning of the 12th century, canons came to settle on the site of Mas d’Adam (toponym that would evolve towards MAZAN), and were joined by monks from the abbey of Bonnevaux. These religious men built an immense abbey, of which only the remains are left today, which experienced a period of apogee that lasted until the Hundred Years' War. It gave birth to four other abbeys which are Bonneval, Sénanque, Sylvanès and le Thoronet as well as establishments of nuns. After this prosperous period, misfortunes followed one another at the abbey of Mazan: it was plundered by the great companies of the Hundred Years' War, then attacked by the Huguenots in the modern period. Before this last pillage, the monks, according to legend, would have melted a golden bell with all their treasures, which they would have buried somewhere, opposite and in front of the bull's eye, within earshot of the cock's crow. https://www.montagnedardeche.com/patrimoine-culturel/village-de-mazan-labbaye-2387/
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superb pass from Largentière
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The view from the pass over the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park is breathtakingly beautiful. The new Meyrand viewpoint, a little south of the summit of the pass, was inaugurated in July 2024. It offers an exceptional panorama of the Monts d'Ardèche, the Cévennes, and you can even see as far as Mont Ventoux.
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Climbing up to the Col du Meyrand from Valgorge, you get a magnificent view of the gorges of the valley from which you came. To do this, you have to overcome sixteen kilometers at an average of 5.1%.
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small road that turns into a path in places. A few steep slopes but a beautiful journey to reach the main road and finish climbing the Croix de Millet. Guaranteed car-free!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when touring cycling around Mayres?
The Mayres region is characterized by its unique volcanic origins, featuring ancient basaltic flows and mountainous terrain. You'll encounter varied landscapes, from river valleys to elevated passes, providing diverse and engaging routes for touring cyclists.
How many touring cycling routes are available in the Mayres area?
There are over 60 touring cycling routes around Mayres documented on komoot. The majority of these, about 50, are classified as difficult, with a smaller number of moderate and easy options also available.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Mayres?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Mayres are designed as loops. For example, you can explore the Col de la Croix de Bauzon – Croix de Millet Pass loop from Barnas, which is a challenging 101 km ride, or the Col de Meyrand Viewpoint – Col de la Croix de Bauzon loop from Col de la Croix de Bauzon, covering 63 km through volcanic landscapes.
What natural attractions can I see along the touring cycling routes near Mayres?
The region boasts striking natural beauty. You can encounter unique geological formations like the Rue des Géants Basalt Columns, often referred to as 'orgues basaltiques', or visit the Queen's Ladder. The Ray-Pic Waterfalls are also a notable natural heritage site in the wider Ardèche region.
Are there any historical or cultural landmarks to explore while cycling in Mayres?
Yes, the area around Mayres offers charming villages and historical sites. The nearby village of Thueyts, for instance, features the famous Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge). You might also pass through settlements like Mazan-l'Abbaye, which adds cultural interest to your ride.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Mayres?
The Ardèche region, where Mayres is located, generally offers pleasant conditions for cycling from spring through autumn. The varied terrain and mountainous areas mean that weather can change, so checking local forecasts is always recommended, especially for higher elevations.
What is the general difficulty level of touring cycling routes in Mayres?
Most touring cycling routes in Mayres are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation changes and extensive climbs and descents. For example, the Mazan-l'Abbaye – Mont Gerbier de Jonc loop from Mazan-l'Abbaye covers over 120 km with more than 2200 meters of ascent.
Are there any easier touring cycling routes for beginners or families in Mayres?
While the majority of routes are challenging, there is at least one easy touring cycling route available in Mayres. For those seeking a less strenuous ride, it's advisable to look for routes specifically marked as 'easy' or 'moderate' on komoot, as most options involve significant climbs.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Mayres?
The touring cycling routes in Mayres are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the challenge of the mountainous terrain, and the scenic beauty of the volcanic features and river valleys.
Are there any routes that offer panoramic views?
Yes, the mountainous terrain around Mayres provides numerous opportunities for panoramic views. The Col de Meyrand Viewpoint – Col de la Croix de Bauzon loop from Col de la Croix de Bauzon is a prime example, leading through volcanic landscapes that offer expansive vistas.
Can I find shorter touring cycling routes around Mayres?
While many routes are long, there are shorter options available. For instance, the Bellevedère in Loubaresse – Col de la Croix de Bauzon loop from Mayres is a difficult route that covers approximately 34 km, offering a challenging ride in a more condensed distance.
What are the typical elevation gains on touring cycling routes in Mayres?
Touring cycling in Mayres often involves significant elevation gains due to the mountainous terrain. Many difficult routes feature over 1000 meters of ascent, with some exceeding 2000 meters, such as the Col de la Croix de Bauzon – Croix de Millet Pass loop from Barnas, which has over 2100 meters of climbing.
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