88 kms / 800 mts of elevation / 70% paved / 30% light gravel / difficulty level: easy to medium
Interactive map and GPX file below
Ardeche is a beautiful region in the South of France, it is bordered on the west by the mountains of the Massif Central and on the East by the river Rhône. In between the two there are valleys, rivers, rock formations and forests. It's an area of great contrast and stunning beauty.
We stayed for 10 days in the beautiful town of Labeaume and did daily cycling explorations, mostly in the valleys. These 88 kms could be slightly challenging for a one day ride, we cycled them by sections in multiple days, we stopped a lot and enjoyed walking around the very picturesque little towns, tasting drinks and food, swimming in the rivers and walking in the forests. Cycling was a great way to explore the area.
This loop is about 50 kms and 600 mts of elevation, it runs on quiet roads and cycle paths. It goes through the very picturesque towns of Labeaume, Largentière and Vogüé.
Labeaume and the road to Largentière
Largentière
Cycling paths and the river Ardèche
It is a 25 kms ride with 150 mts of elevation from Labeaume to the forest of Païolive. When you get to the forest the best is to lock the bikes in one of the parkings and go for a walk, there are some stunning view from the edges of the forest.
There are only 15 kms between Labeaume and Vallon Pont-D'Arc and the ride is pretty much flat on cycling paths or relatively quiet roads. The rock formations are incredible and you will get the chance to swim in the river Ardèche.
Rock formations at Vallon Pont-D'Arc