The best MTB trails around Loubaresse
4.7
(27)
181
riders
20
rides
Mountain bike trails around Loubaresse offer diverse and challenging terrain within the Ardèche region. The area features significant elevation changes, wide-open spaces, and broom-covered heathland. Ridge passages provide expansive views, particularly of the Cévennes mountain range, and the region is home to mountains like Mézenc and Gerbier de Jonc. The Grande Traversée de l'Ardèche (GTA) also passes through Loubaresse, providing extensive routes with varied surfaces.
Best mountain bike trails around Loubaresse
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Watershed –…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.8
(5)
43
riders
70.9km
07:00
1,730m
1,730m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(3)
22
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
20
riders
79.0km
07:52
1,970m
1,970m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(6)
9
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
46.1km
04:53
1,380m
1,380m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Other adventures around Loubaresse
Tips from the Community
Etymology: comes from Mas d’Adam, name of the old domain which was located at the site of the current village which was ceded by the lord of Géorant to the bishop of Viviers to allow him to found the abbey of Mazan. It all begins with the foundation of the Cistercian abbey in the heart of the village. This takes place between 1119 and 1122. At the beginning of the 12th century, canons came to settle on the site of Mas d’Adam (toponym that would evolve towards MAZAN), and were joined by monks from the abbey of Bonnevaux. These religious men built an immense abbey, of which only the remains are left today, which experienced a period of apogee that lasted until the Hundred Years' War. It gave birth to four other abbeys which are Bonneval, Sénanque, Sylvanès and le Thoronet as well as establishments of nuns. After this prosperous period, misfortunes followed one another at the abbey of Mazan: it was plundered by the great companies of the Hundred Years' War, then attacked by the Huguenots in the modern period. Before this last pillage, the monks, according to legend, would have melted a golden bell with all their treasures, which they would have buried somewhere, opposite and in front of the bull's eye, within earshot of the cock's crow. https://www.montagnedardeche.com/patrimoine-culturel/village-de-mazan-labbaye-2387/
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The view from the pass over the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park is breathtakingly beautiful. The new Meyrand viewpoint, a little south of the summit of the pass, was inaugurated in July 2024. It offers an exceptional panorama of the Monts d'Ardèche, the Cévennes, and you can even see as far as Mont Ventoux.
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Climbing up to the Col du Meyrand from Valgorge, you get a magnificent view of the gorges of the valley from which you came. To do this, you have to overcome sixteen kilometers at an average of 5.1%.
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Break for lunch at the Lanarce pizzeria, a treat, and always well received
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The Col du Pendu from the Col du Bez is short (3 km) but with an average gradient of 7% peaking at 1,435 meters above sea level with sections at a maximum gradient of 8.5%.
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This watershed limit is actually a bit random, because it is difficult to locate precisely, as the geography can change. It hydrographically divides the watersheds. In this case here that of the Mediterranean zone and that of the Atlantic zone. Very often, a watershed is associated with a pronounced difference in climates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available around Loubaresse?
There are 17 mountain bike trails around Loubaresse, offering a range of experiences from easy to difficult. This includes 2 easy, 7 moderate, and 8 difficult routes, ensuring options for various skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails in Loubaresse?
The terrain around Loubaresse is diverse and challenging, characterized by significant elevation changes, wide-open spaces, and broom-covered heathland. You'll find ridge passages with expansive views, particularly of the Cévennes mountain range, and some routes incorporate unpaved segments requiring good fitness. The region also features mountains like Mézenc and Gerbier de Jonc.
Are there any easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Loubaresse?
Yes, there are a couple of easy mountain bike trails. For a less strenuous ride, consider the Col de Meyrand Viewpoint – Signal de Coucoulude (1,448 m) loop from Col de la Croix de Bauzon, which is about 12.9 km long and offers a manageable elevation gain.
What are some notable viewpoints or natural features to see while mountain biking in Loubaresse?
The region offers stunning natural features and viewpoints. You can enjoy expansive views of the Cévennes mountain range from various ridge passages. Specific highlights include the Col de Meyrand Viewpoint, and the scenic La Drobie Valley. The area is also known for its broom-covered heathland and unique geological formations like 'Gargantua's balls' near Montselgues.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Loubaresse?
The Ardèche region, including Loubaresse, is generally excellent for outdoor activities. Spring and autumn often provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes. Summer can be warm, but the higher elevations and shaded forest sections can offer relief. Winter riding might be possible, but conditions can be more challenging due to potential cold or snow in higher areas.
Are there any long-distance mountain bike routes that pass through Loubaresse?
Yes, Loubaresse is situated along the renowned Grande Traversée de l'Ardèche (GTA), a significant mountain bike route stretching over 315 km. Loubaresse features in Stage 4 of this extensive trail, offering a mix of sharp ascents, descents, and plateau sections with magnificent views of the Cévennes.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Loubaresse?
The mountain bike trails around Loubaresse are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 29 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse and challenging terrain, the stunning landscapes, and the expansive views, particularly of the Cévennes.
Are there any moderate mountain bike trails for intermediate riders?
Absolutely. A popular moderate trail is the Col de la Croix de Bauzon – Col de Meyrand Viewpoint loop from Col de la Croix de Bauzon. This route covers about 30.0 km and offers scenic views while traversing varied landscapes, making it a great option for intermediate riders.
Can I find challenging mountain bike routes with significant elevation gain?
Yes, Loubaresse is known for its challenging routes with significant elevation changes. For instance, the Watershed – Mazan-l'Abbaye loop from Mayres is a difficult 90.6 km trail with over 2200 meters of elevation gain, typically taking around 9 hours to complete. Another demanding option is the Watershed – Col de Meyrand Viewpoint loop from Col de la Croix de Bauzon, which is 86.6 km long.
Are there any specific mountain passes I might encounter on the trails?
Yes, the region around Loubaresse is home to several mountain passes that are often part of the biking routes. Notable passes include Col de la Croix Blanche (White Cross Pass), Col du Pendu, Col de la Croix de Bauzon, and Col du Chap del Bosc. These passes often offer panoramic views and challenging climbs.
Are there any circular mountain bike routes available?
Many of the mountain bike trails around Loubaresse are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the challenging Watershed – Mazan-l'Abbaye loop from Mayres and the moderate Col de la Croix de Bauzon – Col de Meyrand Viewpoint loop from Col de la Croix de Bauzon.
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