The best gravel rides around Aulan

Gravel biking around Aulan offers a diverse landscape, characterized by dramatic gorges carved by the Toulourenc river, such as the Gorges d'Aulan, and mountainous terrain with elevations around 740 meters. You'll encounter limestone cliffs, rolling hills, and a mix of backroads, tracks, and forgotten passes, providing varied and often challenging rides.

The gravel bike trails listed around Aulan are generally considered challenging, with significant elevation gains and distances. All 9 routes in our guide are rated as 'difficult'. While the region is excellent for experienced gravel bikers, beginners might find these specific routes demanding. It's advisable to check individual route details for elevation and distance before setting out.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the dramatic The Toulourenc Valley, which includes the Gorges d'Aulan, or discover the scenic Fontaube Pass. Other highlights include Montagne de Vic and the Gorges de Saint-May, offering stunning views and geological formations.

While the routes primarily focus on natural landscapes, the village of Aulan itself is home to the medieval Château d'Aulan, dramatically perched on a rocky spur, and a small Romanesque church. For a broader cultural experience, the nearby settlement of Montbrun-les-Bains is also a notable highlight in the area.

The Drôme Provençale region, where Aulan is located, is known for its picturesque scenery, especially during spring and autumn with fragrant lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards. These seasons generally offer pleasant temperatures for gravel biking. Summers can be hot, while winters might bring colder conditions, especially at higher elevations.

Yes, several routes offer significant distances and elevation. For instance, the Col de l'Homme Mort – Mont Ventoux loop from Ferrassières is a substantial 99.9 km (62.0 miles) ride with over 2400 meters of elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Fontaube Pass – Magnificent view loop from Ferrassières, covering 88.2 km (54.8 miles).

The gravel biking routes around Aulan are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.3 stars from over 7 reviews. Many riders appreciate the challenging climbs, panoramic views towards Mont Ventoux, and the wild, untouched scenery of the gorges and mountainous terrain.

Yes, the Gorges d'Aulan – Col d'Aulan loop from Reilhanette is a 64.0 km (39.8 miles) route that takes you directly through this dramatic natural feature, offering an immersive experience of the Toulourenc river's carved landscape.

Absolutely. The region's mountainous terrain provides stunning 360-degree panoramic views, including Mont Ventoux. The Col de l'Homme Mort – Mont Ventoux loop from Ferrassières and the Col de Veaux climb – Northern Route of Mont Ventoux loop from Savoillan both offer extensive climbs and direct views towards the iconic Mont Ventoux.

The shortest route listed in our guide is the Séderon – Col d'Aulan loop from Séderon, which is 39.1 km (24.3 miles) long and typically takes around 3 hours 43 minutes to complete. While shorter, it still features significant elevation gain, characteristic of the region's challenging terrain.

Aulan's location within the Baronnies Provençales Regional Natural Park and its extensive network of quiet backroads make it an excellent base for multi-day gravel adventures. The region is known for its 'Tour of Secret Provence' gravel trips, suggesting that numerous routes can be linked for longer excursions, with daily distances often ranging from 60 to 80 km and significant elevation gains.