Top 5 Destinations for Mountain Biking

If a vegan falls off his bike, can we say he has hurt himself?

Our beautiful France is known for its sublime roads that are used every year by the most watched sporting event in the world: the Tour de France. But the hexagon also offers lesser-known and equally splendid nature routes that are just waiting to be explored.

So saddle up to discover the 5 best mountain bike trips of your life!

Great Crossings of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

2 itineraries are available to you " L'Alpes-Provence " and the " TransVerdon " of one week each, mainly on technical and fun trails ( 10,000 m of negative elevation gain! ), allowing you to discover the most beautiful landscapes of the Alps, Haute-Provence and Verdon. Each itinerary starts from the Mercantour National Park, in the middle of the mountain pastures at an altitude of 2,000 m, to finish in Manosque in the Luberon Regional Natural Park. You will cross the Transubayenne, the Montclar bike park, the fabulous Terres Noires, the Durance Valley mountain bike site, the Enduro trail of the Lure mountain. Sounds tempting, doesn't it?

Mountain bike trails in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Practical information

Alpes-Provence: 300 km and 8,500 D+
La Transverdon: MTB: 260 km and 7,850 D+ / VTTAE: 225 Km and 5,700 D+
Difficulty: 4/5
labeled “Grande Traversée VTT®” by the French Cycling Federation.

Great Crossing of the Massif Central

The Grande Traversée du Massif Central by mountain bike (or "GTMC") is the largest off-road trail in France . Over nearly 1,400 km, its route stretches from the Morvan to the Mediterranean, crossing the Massif Central. A fairly accessible mountain bike trail along volcanoes, causses and forests, alternating between paths, trails and small roads. This route, which crosses 5 natural parks, has many entry and exit points on the route. You can very well select part of the route over 3 days to 1 week. For the more adventurous, the entire route can be done in 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your pace. Themattresses that are good for taking a break ;)

Practical information:

Location: Avallon ↔ Agde
Distance: 1400 km
Elevation gain: 30,000 meters
Difficulty: 2/5
labeled “Grande Traversée VTT®” by the French Cycling Federation.

Great Crossing of the Rhone

The local stopover at Muule! A 230 km route starting in the heart of Beaujolais to the Rhone Valley, passing through the Monts du Lyonnais and the Pays des Pierres Dorées. You will have to admire vineyards and orchards, forests and mid-mountains, a route rich in diversity. Along the route, the panoramas follow one another, the descents are rather rolling but sometimes technical. Small heritage and charming villages will also punctuate your trip, the start and end of the route are easily accessible by train. Need a cozy sleeping bag to rest?

Practical information:

Distance: 230 km
Elevation gain: 6,380 meters
Negative elevation: 6,400 meters
Maximum altitude: 860 meters
Marking: Route 100% marked
Difficulty: 2/5
labeled “Grande Traversée VTT®” by the French Cycling Federation.

Great crossing of the Jura

Set off to explore the trails of the Jura mountains, starting from Mandeure in the north of the Doubs massif and winding its way to Culoz in the Ain. You will be surprised by the richness of the landscape as you pass through the blue of the Doubs gorges during the first stages, contrasting with the lush greenery of the meadows and forests. Little by little, the slope rises as you arrive at the gates of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park , to end in apotheosis between high valleys and wide open spaces at the foot of the Grand Colombier, the arrival point of this wild crossing.

Practical information

Distance: 415 km
Elevation gain: 9,585 meters
Average duration: 2 to 7 days
Marking: Route 100% marked
Difficulty: 2/5
labeled “Grande Traversée VTT®” by the French Cycling Federation

Great crossing of the Hautes Alpes

This route, the highest in France in average altitude , takes you from La Grave-Villar d'Arène to Laragne-Montéglin, through the diversity of breathtaking landscapes offered by the Hautes Alpes. Imagine yourself leaving at the foot of the glaciers in a high mountain setting, to end your journey in the middle of orchards and lavender fields under the Provençal sun. On the way, you will pass by the balconies of Lake Serre-Ponçon, taking spectacular paths. And if you want to extend the adventure, you can join the Chemins du Soleil to the south. What more could you ask for? To go independently, do not hesitate to consult our Tents section.

Practical information

Departure: La Grave-Villar d’Arène
Arrival: Laragne-Montéglin
350 KM
17,000 D+
Max Altitude: 2500 m
Difficulty: 5/5
2 versions:
- High-altitude passes version (via Queyras and Dévoluy)
349 km / D+ 17,610 / D- 18,620
- South Balconies version (via Ecrins and Gapençais)
357 km / D+ 17140 / D- 18 110
Average duration of the course: approximately 7 to 10 days per version, depending on the level.
labeled “Grande Traversée VTT®” by the French Cycling Federation.

We could list a thousand good mountain bike spots. But we find these ones to be real gems.

Now, all you need is the professional gear to go off on your own: a lightweight helmet and the right clothing . And of course, bags to store all this great gear.

Article written by Colin de Muule on August 29, 2024.