The Tarn Valley (by mountain-bike)

Description

This circuit is ideal for a little family bike trip and a swim in the Tarn, as well as exploring the village of Bédouès and its surroundings. This circuit alongside the river Tarn covers a section of the Stevenson Trail. Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish writer, crossed the Cévennes with his she-donkey Modestine in 1878. Today, it is your turn to discover the landscapes that inspired Stevenson's book. Mountain-bike route #9. Exit right from the car park, towards La Baume. Before La Baume, take the path (GR70) that runs alongside the waterway to get to the Azinières housing scheme. You return by retracing your “footsteps”. Back in Bédouès, the route takes you around the village. Head for Pontèse to join up with a track upstream of the Tarn (there-and-back).

Difficulty

Official rating: very easy, by Parc national des Cévennes.

Before you go

• You are strongly advised to wear a helmet. The route is stony, and is also used by donkeys.

Getting there

Start: Bédouès, salle des fêtes, Bédouès-Cocurès (48).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Cévennes, Licence Ouverte 1.0, Licence Ouverte 1.0 (Etalab) (destination.cevennes-parcnational.fr/trek/38479-La-vallee-du-Tarn---VTT-n9). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 206 m, Parc national des Cévennes