The Big Ardèche Mountain-Bike Crossing runs from north to south, from Annonay to Bourg-Saint-Andéol, over more than 313km. If you like wide-open spaces, then this is a chance to see the Mézenc and Gerbier de Jonc Mountains, the Païolive Wood and the Ardèche Gorges.
Up there, on the borders of the Ardèche and Haute-Loire regions, the foothills of the Massif Central will be your starting point for this adventure on the GTA VTT. Then it's on to the Ardèche mountains and their trails. Today, it's seen as a place of authenticity and freedom. Further south, people are happy to claim that they belong to the Cévennes Ardèche. And last but not least, you'll cycle through the southern Ardèche, the most highly-rated and coveted of the Ardèche regions, so full of treasures.
Crossing the Parc naturel régional des Monts d'Ardèche, you'll set off for the Monts Mézenc and Gerbier de Jonc, the Tanargue massif, the Païolive wood and the Ardèche Gorges. You'll end up in the vineyards and orchards of the hillsides before reaching the banks of the Rhône.
313km in 7 stages in the heart of the Ardèche on the GTA VTT
Stage 1: Annonay - Devesset: 58.3km
Stage 2: Devesset - Les Estables: 47.5km
Stage 3: Les Estables - Lanarce: 52.6km
Stage 4: Lanarce - Montselgues: 39.5km
Stage 5: Montselgues - Les Vans: 34.3km
Stage 6: Les Vans - Vallon Pont d'Arc: 34.8km
Stage 7: Vallon Pont d'Arc - Bourg-Saint-Andéol: 51.4km
Note that there is a second start from Tournon-sur-Rhône to Devesset, a 105km variant in two stages:
Stage 1 variant: Tournon-sur-Rhône - Saint-Félicien: 54.8km
Stage 2 variant: Saint-Félicien - Devesset: 50.1km
Signposting and layout of the GTA VTT
The Grande Traversée de l'Ardèche VTT is signposted in the North > South direction.
Signposting: FFC mountain bike signposting, red directional arrow on white background.
The route is particularly suitable for mountain bikes or electrically-assisted mountain bikes.
It mostly follows long-distance footpaths (GR4 and GR7).
Terrain: Pebbles - Hard surface (tar, cement, flooring) - Earth
Transporting luggage, bikes and people on the GTA VTT
La Malle Postale accompanies you on the 7 stages from Annonay to Bourg-Saint-Andéol and can transport your luggage and mountain bikes between Annonay and Bourg-Saint-Andéol.
Trains and stations to reach the GTA VTT
- Saint-Etienne: TER 17 bus line Saint-Etienne-Annonay (40km) with free bike parking
- St-Vallier-sur-Rhône: nearest train station is Annonay (23km)
TER line Lyon / Avignon with free bike space
- Pierrelatte: nearest station to Bourg-Saint-Andeol (6 km)
TER line Lyon / Avignon with free bicycle parking.
Routes linked to the Grande Traversée de l'Ardèche VTT
- Via Fluvia (common section from Annonay to “Les Seux” - Boulieu-lès-Annonay)
- Dolce Via (connection to Saint-Agrève)
- ViaRhôna (connection to Bourg-Saint-Andéol)
Domaine de Saint Clair is an amazing spot in the middle of an 18-hole golf course: 54 modern rooms and apartments conceived for your comfort. There are also a 1 star restaurant, a bar and a wellness centre.
This campsite in the heart of the Ardèche is surrounded by stunning mountains by the Vernazon River near the village and shops. Ideal for nature lovers.
Family-friendly and sun-soaked campsite in the Ardèche mountains, 200m from the village and on the banks of the Loire. 12km from Mont Gerber de Jonc and the source of the Loire.
Quiet, friendly, spacious and demarcated pitches, quality bathroom facilities, volleyball, football, heated pool, badminton, snack, bread baked on-site, pastries, GR hiking trail from the campsite.
Le Petit Marchand is a hamlet at an altitude of nearly 900m in the heart of the Ardèche Verte surrounded by woods and hills. Our house is several centuries old and South-facing with stunning views.For over 20 years, we have been welcoming visitors, hikers and cyclists in a protected environment. A friendly, comfortable and gourmet welcome to the farm. Our two bedrooms each have a private entrance, a sitting area, a refrigerator, a shower room and private WC.
Accommodation and catering in an enclosed leafy park. Numerous work rooms. Bike-friendly approved.
Welcome to the Vocance Valley a.k.a. the "Valley of Wood"! The Bonnet family would love to welcome you to their villa for short or long stays on the family-run farm dating back to 1898. Horse riders welcome with field for horses. Bike-friendly approved.With years of hiking behind them, on horseback and mountain bike, they can now share with you the best paths and viewpoints in the region. With long-distance hiking trails nearby, halfway between the Pilat and Monts d'Ardèche regional nature parks, you can stop off at La Chanal to hike from gîte to gîte with their partners, or stay on site, where you can follow a looped route from the gîte with luggage supervision.....
Hôtel Au Parfum des Bois is a family hotel and restaurant where you can enjoy peace and quiet in the Ardèche mountain. Home cooking. We can't wait to meet you!
Hotel in the midst of pine forests near the Espezonnette River, fishing. Private car park. Outdoor heated pool. Logis de France restaurant approved: 2 "saucepans".
Hotel situated in a traditional building in Annonay town centre near restaurants, bars and shops. Generous breakfast and overnight packages.
With comfortable rooms and good food guaranteed, you can just sit back and enjoy a really relaxing holiday.
Small hotel complex with swimming pool, tennis courts, table tennis, pool table. 12km from the main roads, near Annonay and its golf. Family-run hotel with restaurants nearby. Bike-friendly approval.Possible good tips: visits : Safari Parc Peaugres 3 km; Caves de Sarras 5 km; Distillerie Gauthier St Désirat 3 km; Musée du car Vanosc 20 km; Fabrique bonbons St Julien 15 km; Ferme communale le Monestier fromage 20 km; Chocolat Valrhona
Have a peaceful holiday and a breath of fresh air at Hôtel le Vivarais in the heart of the charming village of Lalouvesc. 10 rooms with all mod cons, shower, toilet, phone and TV.The traditional cuisine, meticulously prepared, is served in the restaurant and features mushroom and chestnut-based specialities and typical Ardèche charcuterie.
This villa can sleep up to 18 in groups or families throughout the year in 5 rooms and a dorm each with a sink, shower and toilet. Nearby: lots to do at lakes, rivers and forests.For the pleasure of your eyes... The lodge is located at the foot of the Gerbier de Jonc mount, in the small village of Usclades. Nearby, you can also visit the Bourlatier farm, the Auberge de Peyrebeille, the Écomusée de Bigorre-Les-Maziaux as well as picturesque villages and thatched roofs. ...and for the pleasure of your taste buds... In the evening, the lodge offers traditional cooking and typical dishes of the area made with local products: Fin Gras du Mézenc beef, maoche, charcuterie meat, trouts, mushroom omelets, lentils, etc. Deserts featuring blueberries, raspberries and chestnuts are also on the menu!
En pleine nature, entre forêts de sapins et prairies, cette superbe maison bénéficie d'une environnement exceptionnel sans aucun vis à vis. Maison traditionnelle de montagne, aménagement haut de gamme et de grande qualité. Maison sur 3 niveaux.Lieu idéal pour les rencontres entre amis ou familles. St Agrève et tous commerces à 5 min. Sauna privé, tapis de marche, un espace de jeux avec babyfoot et flipper. Vaste pièce de vie avec coin-cuisine intégrée, 3 salons à disposition, poêle cheminée, 1ch(4 lits 1 pers), 1ch(3 lits 1 pers), 3ch(3 lits 2 pers), 1ch(2 lits 1 pers), 3 wc, 3 salles d'eau, 1 salle de bains (bain multijet), 2 terrasses, prêt de vtt, jeux d'enfant à l'extérieur. Ici tout est fournis, draps linge de toilette et cuisine. Connexion internet, 3 TV écrans plats, wii, console de jeux. L'été sera propice aux randonnées et au vtt, les sorties en raquettes pour les mois d'hiver. A 10km, Lac de Devesset avec baignade et planche à voile, golf 18 trous au Chambon sur Lignon. Restaurant gastronomique 3 étoiles à St Bonnet le Froid.
A real haven of peace in the true spirit of a traditional camping, Le Lion Campsite brings you large shaded pitches, mobile homes, gypsy caravans and bungalows so you can holiday your way.Located at the gates of the Ardèche (not far from the Drôme and the Gard), on the riverside of the Rhône and surrounded by trees, the Camping du Lion is the ideal destination to spend your holliday with family or friends and to be charmed by the south of the Ardèche. Many attractions nearby
The holiday cottages, “Le Domaine de la Jeanne” is located on an old agricultural property of 2 ha, surrounded by olive-tree plantations and old vines. The swimming-pool is heated at 25 degrees minimum from May until the end of September which guarantee you a lovely pre and post summer season. We propose lodgings out of stone and wooden of contemporary aspect with a total capacity of 55 peoples. The cottages or gîtes are classified 3 stars, are of great comfort with one to three bedrooms which is very adaptable for couples, families, hiking or cycling clubs.Sandrine and Xavier as former restaurant owner also offer a full and half board service for groups (15 to 55 pers) and an host table during summer evenings with authentic fine meals. Located in full nature, facing southward with the Cevennes National Park nearby, La Jeanne is ideally located to enjoy outdoor activities : river, canoe, climbing, cannyoning, fishing, baths, horse riding, and obviously hiking..... We are open from early April until mid November, For a real discovery of Southern Ardèche come and visit us!
Rural Provençal farmhouse surrounded by vineyards. Local "Goûtez l'Ardèche" breakfast. On a long-standing organic wine estate with stunning view of the valley. Private swimming pool and spa, wine tasting and shop with local products.Reception room for groups. 5 bedrooms
On the edge of the village, 50m from the shops in beautiful grounds with a pool, 1 communal TV room, boules, table tennis, private car park. Near the river and boat rentals.
On the edge of the village, 50m from the shops in beautiful grounds with a pool, 1 communal TV room, boules, table tennis, private car park. Near the river and boat rentals.
Our hotel and restaurant will give you a warm welcome no matter how long you stay. 15km from Pont d'Arc Valley and 8km from from the Cèze Valley on the Aven d'Orgnac site.Approval pending for the "Tourisme et Handicap" label (visual and mental disability).
Family-run hotel set against a backdrop of old stones and olive trees 40km from Pont d'Arc Cave. Shaded terrace with pool. Relaxing spot for young and old alike.Situated at the heart of numerous sightseeing tours, caves, not far from culture places like Avignon, Nîmes, Arles, Orange. A lot of sport activities : canoe, swimming, climbing, hiking, horse riding... Quality label (Logis de France) for the restaurant : 2 cocottes. Recommended by le guide du Routard, le Petit Fûté.
Le Carmel is a former convent built in 1845. It closed in 1972 and reopened as a 26-room restaurant following renovation. 3 minute walk from the centre. Le Carmel has stayed true to the charm and serenity of its initial vocation.
A modern and friendly hotel in a building with personality. Our hotel is designed to provide food and accommodation for groups. Whether you're on foot, by bike, with your family, as a couple, with friends or in a group, you are all welcome.Our hotel welcomes you in one of our 24 all-comfort rooms (free wifi, canal+ ; canal sat, sport+…) in a warm and nice setting. Thanks to the sun, the mild climate and the opportune geographical location this hotel is the ideal take-off for excursions or other activities and the place to be if you just want to relax.
Hotel approved by Logis de France (2 "chimneys") in a former priory. Terrace with panoramic views of the Rhône. Spacious family rooms and good food in a hotel with personality."12th century building, on the bank of the Rhône. Charming hotel, gastronomic cooking. Unique in the Ardèche: the gastronomic restaurant with view on the Rhône and with its tables set where were once the ancient water wheel, the ancient chapel is now the bistro with a nice panoramic view on the terrace."
Maison restaurée de 180 m² dans petit hameau calme de l'Ardèche méridionale, proche de la rivière le Chassezac. Magnifique salle voûtée en pierre de 60m², 1ch (1 lit 2 pers) en rdc. Séjour/c.cuisine à l'étage, 1ch (1 lit 2 pl), 1ch (2 lits 1 pl), grand...« Bienvenue dans votre gîte "L'Oubesou" ! C'est une maison idéale pour les grandes familles, dans un petit hameau calme de l'Ardèche méridionale, à 100m de la rivière le Chassezac. En rez de chaussée, une belle salle voûtée de 50 m², fraiche en été où vous pouvez jouer au baby-foot, une chambre avec un lit 160, une salle d'eau, un wc et la buanderie. Au 1er niveau, séjour/cuisine avec un poêle à bois, une chambre avec un lit 160, un coin nuit d'appoint avec 2 lits une place (permettant un accueil de 10 personnes) et un accès sur la terrasse couverte , un salon détente avec TV, DVD + hifi, une salle d'eau, un wc. Au 2ème niveau, une chambre mansardée avec un lit 140, une petite chambre avec 2 lits superposés (bas en 140 et haut en 90), une salle d'eau avec wc. Chauffage électrique, lit bébé, baignoire et chaise haute à disposition. Vous profitez de la belle terrasse couverte qui donne sur la cour pour prendre vos repas. Dans la cour fermée, arborée et fleurie, un abri pour 2 voitures. Cette région est une invitation permanente à la découverte d'un patrimoine exceptionnel (dolmens, Bois de Païolive et ses rochers ruiniformes, gorges de l'Ardèche et la Caverne du Pont d'Arc... ). Vous serez émerveillés par la beauté des villages de Balazuc, Labeaume, Banne, Naves... Pour trouver la fraicheur, prenez de la hauteur en allant au Gerbier des joncs, à la cascade du Ray Pic, ou dans les grottes de l'Aven d'Orgnac, Marzal, La Cocalière... C'est aussi un excellent terrain de jeux pour les activités de pleine nature. Vous goûterez aux joies des baignades dans les gorges du Chassezac. Les amateurs d'escalade seront comblés par la diversité des voies proposées sur les sites tout proches et réputés de Cholet et de Mazet... Les randonneurs, motards, cyclistes et/ou vététistes trouveront leur bonheur sur les nombreux circuits au départ de la maison située sur le parcours du GR4. De belles vacances en prévision ! Autres locations disponibles 10/13 personnes. Nous contacter. »
Welcome to LA FAGE gîte, at heart of village, 1,000m up between the Ardèche mountain and Cévenne ardéchoise. 9 little bedrooms (2 to 6 beds) ? 3 with shared facilities and 6 with private facilities. Kitchen, living room available. Cooking based on local produce. Many outdoor activities, sports, natural and cultural heritage all around. Piano in living room. Weekend lets, weekly lets for groups, families, nature classes. Beginner's orienteering and heritage discovery can form part of walks/hikes. Activity organiser on-site. 1 bedroom with disabled access.
Large 18th century stone house in peaceful traditional village in southern Ardèche. Typical vaults and arches, separate entrance to guest rooms. 2 double rooms with en-suite shower room et WC. 1 family suite of 2 double bedrooms, en-suite shower room et WC. Open to guests: large living room with kitchen area (open fireplace, TV). Breakfast served on large terrace in shade of wisteria ? many specialities, wide selection of homemade preserves. Gîte for 6 people on same property. Shared swimming pool with attractive poolside area.
Belle maison de caractère blottie au coeur d'un superbe parc de 7000m² avec jeux pour enfants, en bordure de la rivière Le Chassezac. Idéale pour les fêtes de famille ou se retrouver entre amis.Garage fermé. Vaste terrasse de 200m² avec bains de soleil, ping-pong. Au 1er étage, grand séjour-salon, cuisine, 1ch(1 lit 2 pl, 1 lit 1 pl). Au 2ème étage, 3 ch(1lit 2 pl), 1 ch(3 lits 1 pl), 1 ch(1 lit 2 pl, 1 lit 1 pl). Chambres équipées de wc et s.de bains privatives. Accès piscine du camping à proximité. Nombreuses activités et nombreux sites à visiter : Pont d'Arc, gorges du Chassezac, Païolive, villages de caractère.
Our 180m² group chalet in the heart of the Ardèche mountain has 46 beds in 10 4-bed dorms and 3 3-bed dorms. Half-board available at the foot of the slopes and hiking trails.
Welcome to the sunny Southern Ardèche. Rev'Ô Thijol Vacances would love you to experience their "3 key" approved chalets and quality services in a stunning natural setting all year round, 2 disabled-friendly chalets.
Agence de Développement Touristique de l'Ardèche - 14/08/2024
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Website : www.ardeche-guide.com/grande-traversee-de-l-ardeche-vtt
Map references :
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