The best gravel rides around Lachapelle-Graillouse
4.0
(1)
33
riders
4
rides
Gravel biking around Lachapelle-Graillouse offers diverse terrain within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, characterized by its rugged natural landscape. The area's mountainous features, part of the Massif Central, include distinct volcanic formations and ancient lava flows. Gravel bike trails here navigate through varied surfaces, from unpaved sections to forest paths, often featuring significant elevation changes. The region also encompasses numerous lakes and rivers, providing a mix of challenging climbs and scenic routes.
Best gravel bike trails around Lachapelle-Graillouse
- The most popular gravel…
Last updated: July 17, 2026
17
riders
118km
09:18
2,210m
2,210m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
31.6km
02:24
690m
690m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
riders
39.4km
03:18
870m
880m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
4
riders
53.1km
03:45
880m
880m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
31.0km
02:16
520m
510m
Hard gravel ride. Very 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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These ruins once housed the Choisinets castle and orphanage. The construction of this unusual building spanned the entire second millennium. The ruins of two towers dating from the 12th and 17th centuries are still in good condition, testifying to the various architectural influences.
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Market on Tuesdays (summer) and Saturdays
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There we found the Meteil bread seller (a mixture of rye and sourdough) from the previous day's market in Costaros, under the market hall. Producers of fruit and vegetables, cheeses, and charcuterie. Everything for an ideal picnic.
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Must have been a monastery or something similar. Unfortunately the entrance is blocked 🤷🏻♂️👍🙂
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Cemetery of St-Cirgue-en-Montage. Outside, to the left of the entrance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Lachapelle-Graillouse?
There are currently 5 gravel bike trails available around Lachapelle-Graillouse. These routes are generally considered difficult, offering challenging terrain and significant elevation changes for experienced riders.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while gravel biking near Lachapelle-Graillouse?
The region around Lachapelle-Graillouse is characterized by its mountainous terrain and volcanic landscapes, part of the Massif Central. You'll encounter diverse natural features including ancient lava flows, dense beech and Scots pine forests, and river landscapes with basaltic cliffs. Routes often traverse a mix of paved and unpaved paths, including forest trails and winding roads.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly gravel bike routes in Lachapelle-Graillouse?
The gravel bike routes listed for Lachapelle-Graillouse are generally rated as difficult, featuring considerable elevation gain and challenging sections. There are currently no routes specifically categorized as easy or moderate in the immediate area, making it more suitable for experienced gravel bikers.
What natural attractions or viewpoints can I find along the gravel bike routes?
Many routes offer scenic views of the volcanic landscape and natural features. For instance, the Rocky Outcrop on the Loire – Château de Beaufort loop from Goudet provides views of the Loire River. The region is also home to significant lakes like Lac d’Issarlès, which you can explore on the Lac d’Issarlès – Bridge over the Loire loop from Le Lac-d'Issarlès. The distinctive volcanic plug of Mont Gerbier de Jonc, the source of the Loire River, is also nearby.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes available?
Yes, all the gravel bike routes listed for Lachapelle-Graillouse are circular. Examples include the Riou Tunnel - 1,268 m – Voie verte du Velay loop from Goudet and the Lake Bouchet – Château d'Arlempdes loop from Arlempdes, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.
What historical sites or landmarks can I see while gravel biking?
The region is rich in history. The Rocky Outcrop on the Loire – Château de Beaufort loop from Goudet passes by historical landmarks like Château de Beaufort. You might also encounter charming villages like Arlempdes, known for its picturesque views, or visit Mazan-l'Abbaye, which is part of the Mazan Abbey – Mazan-l'Abbaye loop from Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Lachapelle-Graillouse?
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region offers varied conditions. Spring and autumn generally provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, ideal for gravel biking. Summers can be warm, while winters might bring colder weather and potentially snow in higher elevations, making some routes more challenging or inaccessible. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Are there any routes that pass by waterfalls?
While the listed gravel bike routes don't explicitly mention passing waterfalls, the region is known for picturesque cascades such as the Cascade de la Beaume and Cascade du Ray-Pic. You might find these natural attractions accessible via short detours or nearby hiking trails, offering a refreshing break from your ride.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails in Lachapelle-Graillouse?
The gravel biking routes around Lachapelle-Graillouse are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 2 reviews. Riders often praise the challenging terrain, the diverse volcanic landscapes, and the scenic beauty of the lakes and forests.
Are there any family-friendly gravel biking options in the area?
Given that all listed routes are rated as difficult with significant elevation changes, they may not be suitable for young children or beginners. For family-friendly options, you might look for dedicated 'Voie Verte' (greenway) sections or less demanding paths in the wider Ardèche region, which often feature converted railway lines suitable for easier cycling.
Are there places to eat or drink along the gravel bike routes?
While the routes themselves might not have direct access to cafes or pubs, Lachapelle-Graillouse and nearby villages like Goudet, Le Lac-d'Issarlès, and Arlempdes offer amenities where you can find places to eat and drink. It's always advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially on longer or more remote sections.
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