Valleraugue - Road bike circuit #7

Description

The road gently follows the river Hérault and meanders around hamlets. The climb is steep and long but the view is surprising and breathtaking ! The first kilometres to Le Mazel are a pleasant warm-up, followed by a beautiful road to Saint-André-de-Majencoules and Mandagout. Then things spice up, with the passes of Col des Vieilles pass and the famous Col de La Luzette (altitude 1,351 m), where even five-times Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault had to dismount ! Another small effort to L'Espérou before the downhill section to Valleraugue. From Valleraugue, bike towards Le Vigan on the D986. - At Le Mazel, take the D170 to Saint-André-de-Majencoules. - After St-André-de-Majencoules, at Les Quatre Chemins, take the D354. - Then take the D329 to Mandagout. - At Mandagout, continue on the D329 to L’Espérou via Cap-de-Côte and the Col de La Luzette. - Continue to L’Espérou on the D548 and go downhill to Valleraugue on the D986.

Difficulty

Official rating: difficult, by Parc national des Cévennes.

Before you go

• Before committing yourself to a circuit, ensure that it is suitable for your activity level and ability. Respect traffic laws and other road users; stay in control of your speed and trajectory. Make sure to be seen and travel in single file when in a group. Remember that the weather changes quickly in the mountains. Take enough water. Safe trip !

Getting there

Start: Valleraugue, Val-d'Aigoual (30).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Cévennes, Licence Ouverte 1.0, Licence Ouverte 1.0 (Etalab) (destination.cevennes-parcnational.fr/trek/95050-Col-de-la-Lusette). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 1,673 m, Parc national des Cévennes