The best traffic-free bike rides around Mayres
4.6
(99)
1,060
riders
25
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Mayres, located in the Ardèche department of France, traverse a landscape characterized by mountains, rivers, and picturesque villages within the Parc Naturel Régional des Monts d'Ardèche. The region features diverse terrain, including challenging mountain passes and scenic valleys, offering varied elevations for touring cyclists. This area provides a preserved and scenic environment with unique geological formations and natural attractions.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Mayres
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Bridge over the Lignon – Meyras Village loop from Thueyts, a 22.9 miles (36.8 km) trail that takes 2 hours 46 minutes to complete. This difficult route features significant elevation gain through varied landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Col de Meyrand Viewpoint – View from Col de Meyrand loop from Col de la Croix de Bauzon, a moderate 8.0 miles (12.9 km) path. This route offers scenic views from a mountain pass with a moderate climb.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Mazan Abbey – Mazan-l'Abbaye loop from Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne, a 15.0 miles (24.2 km) trail leading through rural scenery and past historic sites, often completed in about 1 hour 36 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Mayres is defined by mountains, rivers, and picturesque villages, with options for different ability levels. The network includes routes through the Parc Naturel Régional des Monts d'Ardèche and past unique geological formations.
- The routes in Mayres are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 70 reviews. More than 900 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Mayres's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
4.6
(8)
42
riders
37.2km
02:48
860m
860m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
6
riders
24.2km
01:37
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
25.8km
02:24
540m
540m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Mayres
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Etymology: comes from Mas d’Adam, the name of the old estate that was located on 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 (a toponym that would evolve into MAZAN), and were joined by monks from the abbey of Bonnevaux. These religious men built a huge abbey, of which only the remains exist 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 for 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 looting, the monks, according to legend, would have melted a golden bell with all their treasures, which they would have buried somewhere, facing and opposite the bull's-eye window, within earshot of the rooster's crow. montagnedardeche.com/patrimoine-culturel/village-de-mazan-labbaye-2387
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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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Sanitary facilities in Mazan-l’Abbaye
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Magnificent gravel ascent from the hamlet of Chambons, and superb panoramas when arriving on the plateau
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Mayres?
There are over 25 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Mayres, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels. These routes are designed to help you explore the beautiful Ardèche region safely and peacefully.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these traffic-free cycling routes?
The terrain around Mayres is diverse, ranging from gentle gradients on former railway lines to more challenging ascents through the mountainous landscapes of the Parc Naturel Régional des Monts d'Ardèche. You'll encounter a mix of paved paths and well-maintained greenways, ensuring a smooth ride away from vehicle traffic.
Are there any family-friendly, traffic-free cycling options near Mayres?
Yes, the region offers excellent family-friendly options. The Via Ardèche, a 53 km cycling and pedestrian path built on former railway lines, is particularly suitable. Its gentle gradient and car-free environment make it ideal for families to discover the region's landscapes and charming villages safely.
What natural attractions or landmarks can I see along the routes?
Many routes offer stunning views and pass by notable natural features. You can explore areas with unique geological formations like the 'sucs and young volcanoes'. Highlights include viewpoints such as Col de Meyrand Viewpoint and Panoramic View from Sommet de Méjan, as well as impressive rock formations like Abraham's Rock. The area is also rich in mountain passes like Col de la Croix de Bauzon.
Are there any circular no-traffic cycling routes available?
Yes, there are several circular routes designed for touring cyclists seeking a car-free experience. For example, the moderate Col de Meyrand Viewpoint – View from Col de Meyrand loop from Col de la Croix de Bauzon offers a scenic 12.9 km ride. Another option is the moderate Pont du Diable – Pont du Diable (Thueyts) loop from Thueyts, covering 15.4 km.
What is the best time of year to enjoy traffic-free touring cycling in Mayres?
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for cycling in Mayres, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, but the region's rivers and shaded routes provide relief. Winter cycling is possible, especially on lower elevation paths, but some higher mountain passes may be less accessible.
Can I find cafes, pubs, or accommodation near the traffic-free cycling routes?
Yes, Mayres and the surrounding picturesque villages like Thueyts, Jaujac, and Antraigues-sur-Volane offer various services for cyclists. You'll find cafes, pubs, and accommodation options, including cyclist-friendly hotels and camping sites, making it easy to plan stops and overnight stays along your touring adventures.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Mayres?
The komoot community rates the touring cycling experience in Mayres highly, with an average score of 4.57 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's stunning natural beauty, the tranquility of the traffic-free paths, and the diverse landscapes that offer both gentle rides and challenging ascents.
Are there any longer, more challenging traffic-free routes for experienced touring cyclists?
Absolutely. For those seeking a greater challenge, routes like the difficult Bridge over the Lignon – Meyras Village loop from Thueyts cover nearly 37 km with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the difficult Col de la Croix de Bauzon – Col de Meyrand Viewpoint loop from Col de la Croix de Bauzon, which spans over 26 km and includes substantial climbs.
Is it possible to rent bikes in or near Mayres for these routes?
While specific rental shops in Mayres are not listed, the Ardèche region, being a popular cycling destination, typically has bike rental services available in larger towns or near major greenway access points. It's advisable to check with local tourist offices or search online for 'bike rental Ardèche' or 'location vélo Ardèche' to find options that might serve the Mayres area.
What are the options for parking when accessing these traffic-free routes?
Parking is generally available at or near the access points for major greenways like the Via Ardèche, and in the villages that serve as starting points for many routes. For specific routes, it's recommended to check the individual route details on komoot for information on designated parking areas or village parking facilities.
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