The Tour du Lempezou (by mountain-bike)

Description

This circuit goes through the Ramponenche state forest (Douglas fir, Scots and black pines) to end up alongside the river Tarn. Mountain-bike route # 10. Exit right from the car park onto the D 998. After a few metres, turn right towards La Baume. Immediately after the bridge turn right and cycle along the Tarn to the campsite and the D 998. Turn right onto the bridge, then take the first left, which is a smooth track that runs alongside the Tarn before going uphill to the Col de Perpau. Just after this pass, the route's highest point (971 m), begin the descent towards Bédouès. After the Col du Lempézou, take the single-track path leading to the D 998. Turn left onto the road, then turn right onto the bridge over the Tarn, just after the campsite. Go past the holiday village (village de vacances), then take the track on the right bank of the Tarn to return to Bédouès (N.B.: bikes are travelling in both directions on this section).

Difficulty

Official rating: difficult, by Parc national des Cévennes.

Before you go

• No cycling off-track. You are strongly advised to wear a helmet. Do not forget your repair kit and a small set of tools. Please shut all gates and barriers after yourself. Slow down in farms and hamlets.

Getting there

Start: Bédouès, Bédouès-Cocurès (48).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Cévennes, Licence Ouverte 1.0, Licence Ouverte 1.0 (Etalab) (destination.cevennes-parcnational.fr/trek/38812-Le-tour-du-Lempezou---VTT-n10). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 662 m, Parc national des Cévennes