4.4
(117)
455
riders
68
rides
Mountain biking around Saint-Haon-Le-Vieux offers a diverse landscape at the foothills of the Monts de la Madeleine. The region is characterized by immense forests of pine and beech, providing varied terrain for riders. Trails traverse a mix of forest paths and areas with heather moorland, with some routes offering views of vineyards and historical elements like the ramparts of Saint-Haon-le-Châtel. This area provides a compelling destination for mountain biking enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
3.7
(3)
7
riders
50.1km
05:14
1,550m
1,550m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(7)
18
riders
16.1km
01:38
480m
490m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
5.0
(3)
13
riders
44.8km
04:36
1,300m
1,300m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(1)
12
riders
49.4km
04:39
1,210m
1,210m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
11
riders
37.8km
03:43
1,000m
1,000m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
A very nice and pleasant pass with several climbs more or less accessible depending on the level and distance. Each side offers its share of landscapes and small villages. If you want to climb it for the beauty of the landscapes, I recommend the ascent via Les Noës or via Charrier, and for those seeking a difficult climb, Charrier also serves as the hardest side.
1
0
A long, steady climb. Almost no cars, wide roads and beautiful surroundings! Hard to find a coffee or lunch place though.
0
0
Not to steep but technical skills are required. Ride from west to east to ride it downhill.
0
0
The Glassworks Plateau is located at an altitude of 1,015 meters. It is a large open plateau in the Magdalen Mountains. The landscape is wild and relatively unspoiled.
0
0
One of the beautiful passes in the area. Little traffic
0
0
From this place, located just before the true highest point of the plateau, one enjoys an unobstructed view of the Roannais, the Alps and the regions of Auvergne.
3
0
If you are looking for a hiking adventure in a unique and wild landscape, you should visit the Verrerie plateau, a natural site protected by Natura 2000. This plateau is the last open moor of the Monts de la Madeleine, and it is home to rare and diverse flora and fauna in its bog, which dates back to 4600 BC. A wooden walkway will allow you to enter the protected area without harming the environment. From this plateau, you will have a breathtaking view of the Roannais, the Alps and the Auvergne. In the past, glassmakers burned all the beech trees to melt the silica. The Plateau de la Verrerie is a place where nature and history meet, and where you can experience a different hike.
4
0
The region offers a wide range of mountain bike trails suitable for various skill levels. Out of 68 total tours, you'll find 5 easy routes, 44 moderate routes, and 19 difficult routes. This diversity ensures options for everyone from beginners to experienced riders.
The trails traverse a diverse landscape at the foothills of the Monts de la Madeleine. You can expect a mix of immense pine and beech forests, forest paths, and areas with heather moorland. Some routes also offer picturesque views of vineyards and historical elements.
Yes, there are options suitable for families. For instance, the region research highlights "Boucle 3 / La Romantique / Saint-Haon-le-Vieux - Saint-Haon-le-Châtel," an 8.2 km loop ideal for family rides, winding through vineyards and offering views of the historic ramparts of Saint-Haon-le-Châtel. You can find more details about this route on Loire Tourisme.
The area is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can encounter features like the Pisserotte Waterfall, the Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs Municipal Forest, and the Rouchain Dam Lake. Additionally, routes may offer views of the historic village of Saint-Haon-Le-Châtel and the Col de la Loge des Gardes.
Absolutely. The region, particularly within the Monts de la Madeleine, offers challenging routes. For example, the route Les Gouttes is a difficult 50.1 km trail with over 1550 meters of elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Col de la Loge des Gardes – Arcon loop from Renaison, which covers 44.8 km with over 1300 meters of ascent.
The mountain bike trails around Saint-Haon-Le-Vieux are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 100 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the immersive experience through dense forests, and the varied options available for different ability levels.
Yes, many routes in the area are circular. For instance, the View of the Dam loop from Renaison is a moderate 15.7 km circular path offering scenic views. Another option is the View of the Dam – Col de la Croix du Sud loop from Renaison, a difficult 37.8 km route.
The region's diverse landscape, with its forests and varied terrain, makes it enjoyable across multiple seasons. While specific seasonal conditions are not detailed, generally spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery for mountain biking. Summer can also be great, especially in the shaded forest areas.
Yes, you can find scenic viewpoints. The Plateau de la Verrerie is a notable viewpoint in the area. Additionally, some routes, like the View of the Dam loop from Renaison, are specifically highlighted for their scenic views.
While the guide does not explicitly state dog-friendly policies for all trails, many natural areas in France permit dogs on trails, often requiring them to be on a leash. It's always best to check specific trail regulations or local signage before heading out with your dog.
Among the highlighted routes, Les Gouttes is a challenging 50.1 km trail. The region research also mentions a challenging 92 km "tour des monts de la Madeleine" for very experienced riders, indicating options for long-distance adventures.
Yes, some routes provide a blend of natural beauty and cultural sights. The "Boucle 3 / La Romantique / Saint-Haon-le-Vieux - Saint-Haon-le-Châtel" is noted for winding through vineyards and offering views of the historic ramparts of Saint-Haon-le-Châtel. This adds a unique charm to the riding experience.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.