Get on your bike in Provence Occitane and discover a southern region where secondary roads, cycle paths and signposted itineraries intertwine to offer a multitude of routes to suit all abilities. Whether you’re a fan of long, leisurely strolls or a keen cyclist, you’ll find a network of routes perfectly integrated into the landscape. The signposted mountain bike trails and cycle tourism loops link the villages, run alongside the rivers and through the vineyards, while taking in the breathtaking views. In this accessible and structured setting, cycling becomes the ideal way to explore this natural, lively and environmentally-friendly part of the Gard at your own pace.
Provence Occitane offers a network ofshared cycle tourism routes, designed to suit all speeds. Safe loops take you along little-travelled roads, skirting rivers and crossing peaceful valleys, ideal for cyclists looking for comfort and freedom. Among these routes, the “Vallée de la Cèze” loop, between Goudargues and La Roque-sur-Cèze, takes you along the Cèze valley, offering charming stops in characterful villages, culminating in the famous Sautadet waterfalls.
At the same time, more immersive itineraries take you to the heart of the southern vineyards. The winegrowing loop around Laudun-l’Ardo traverses land shaped by centuries of winegrowing. Here, the vine-lined paths reveal a panorama typical of the south, between fragrant garrigue, vines bathed in light and uninterrupted views of the relief of the Gard rhodanien. These routes, rich in sensory and visual discoveries, are all opportunities to immerse yourself in a cultivated and welcoming natural environment.
For lovers of outdoor sports, Provence Occitane is a fantastic playground. Thanks to its accredited FFC mountain biking area, it offers a structured network of signposted routes for beginners and experienced mountain bikers alike. These carefully-maintained routes offer a whole new way of discovering the region, along a variety of immersive paths.
The Provence Occitane MTB-FFC area offers around twenty routes spread over different parts of the region. Route 7, “Villages et Cascades du Sautadet”, is 29.2 km long and offers a complete loop starting from Cornillon, passing through Goudargues, La Roque-sur-Cèze and Saint-Laurent-de-Carnols. The route alternates between rolling sections and more technical sections, highlighting the emblematic landscapes of the Cèze valley.
The mountain bike trails criss-cross wooded hills, cross limestone plateaux and plunge into dense forests, offering varied relief and stunning panoramas. Every climb reveals a breathtaking view of the southern countryside, and every descent becomes a moment of pure freedom. Cycling here also means riding in a respected environment, where nature is omnipresent, between scrubland, vineyards and streams, for a sporting experience as much as an aesthetic one.
After a day’s cycling or mountain biking, there’s nothing like stopping off in one of the villages of Provence Occitane for a refreshing change of scene. Here, the atmosphere is simple and genuine: the café terraces welcome cyclists for an invigorating break, and the little squares come alive gently as the day progresses. You will naturally be invited to share a moment, put down your bikes and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Provence Occitane also boasts a gastronomy rooted in its terroir. Whether it’s a tasting session at an independent winegrower’s, a trip to the farmers’ market, or a plate of simple, well-prepared products in a village bistro, the flavours of the south are fully expressed. Olive oil, garrigue honey, goat’s cheese and local wines make up a generous and accessible range. These gourmet delights are a natural complement to the cycling experience, combining nature, heritage and the art of living.
Discovering Provence Occitane by bike also means choosing a gentle, environmentally-friendly way to travel. By taking the signposted cycle and mountain bike routes, you can limit your impact on the natural environment while enjoying the richness of the countryside to the full. This way of travelling reconciles pleasure and conservation, promoting sustainable and balanced tourism.
You don’t have to change your habits, just take small steps to help protect local biodiversity: stay on the marked trails, don’t leave anything behind, and respect the sensitive areas you pass through. It’s thanks to this shared attention that our region remains accessible and welcoming to all.
In short, whether you’re a keen cyclist or a more committed mountain biker, Provence Occitane offers a complete and authentic experience. Here, each route reveals a fragment of an exceptional natural heritage, to be discovered in complete freedom, while respecting this unique setting that we are committed to preserving.
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