90 km Bike Circuit from L'Etoile Guesthouse in La Bastide-Puylaurent in Lozère

From L'Etoile, head toward the center of the village, then take the road straight to Villefort. Continue to the Pradillou roundabout, then follow the D4 straight ahead for 16.5 km to the Col du Chap del Bosc, passing through Saint-Laurent-les-Bains and the Ceytrou bridge over the Borne River—featuring magnificent granite pools ideal for swimming. At the pass, continue straight on the D4 toward Peyre. Turn right onto the D10, riding through the charming villages of Trouillas, Seyras, Les Sielves, and Chambonas. Cross the bridge over the Chassezac River to reach Les Vans. Take the D901 toward Villefort for 1.8 km, then turn right onto the D113. Cross the Chassezac bridge, then turn left to stay on the D113, following the river through Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère and Pied-de-Borne. At Pied-de-Borne, turn right onto the D151 toward Alzons, passing through Pantostier, Les Baumes, and Chalbos. About 500 meters after Alzons, leave the D151 and descend toward the bridge over the Borne, continuing toward Nicoulaud. Turn left onto the D573 to reach the Pradillou roundabout via Les Fagoux. Finally, turn left to return to La Bastide-Puylaurent.

Distance: 90 km
Maximum altitude: 1,167 m
Minimum altitude: 140 m
Total elevation gain: 3,148 m

IGN Maps: La Bastide-Puylaurent (2738E). Largentière, La Bastide-Puylaurent, Vivarais Cévenol (2838OT). Bessèges, Les Vans, Chassezac Valley (2839OT).

Print the route - Electric bike rental

Vivarais, situated within the modern boundaries of the Ardèche department, is an ancient province of the French kingdom, defined by its rich history and powerful cultural identity. Nestled in the Massif Central between the rugged Cévennes and the sweeping Rhône Valley, the region has long been shaped by the influence of the Church. The diocese of Viviers emerged as a significant religious center as early as the 4th century. During the 16th century, Vivarais became a major focal point for the Protestant Reformation and the subsequent Wars of Religion, with Privas standing as a formidable Huguenot stronghold. These brutal conflicts left deep scars, particularly following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, which led to the fierce persecution of the Protestant community, triggering exoduses and lingering tensions. Historically, the local economy relied on agriculture, livestock farming, and the silk industry. Sericulture and silk weaving boomed during the 17th and 18th centuries, bringing great prosperity to the region, though the industry later suffered a sharp decline due to disease and industrial competition. Beyond its history, Vivarais is celebrated for its breathtakingly diverse landscapes—ranging from towering mountains and volcanic plateaus to deep river valleys. Today, these stunning vistas attract nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike, with the spectacular Ardèche gorges and their legendary prehistoric caves, such as the globally renowned Chauvet cave, drawing visitors from around the world.

Chambonas is a picturesque commune in the Ardèche, renowned for its peaceful natural setting and rich historical heritage. Highly popular for outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, and canoeing in the Chassezac River, the village is dramatically dominated by an imposing 14th-century castle. Listed as a historic monument, this magnificent stronghold was heavily influenced by the La Garde family, who drove its development from the Middle Ages onward. Though closed to the public, the castle remains a regional emblem, having been beautifully modernized in the 16th and 17th centuries with elegant French-style gardens and sprawling terraces. Historically, Chambonas served as a vital hub along the ancient mule routes linking Les Vans to Puy-en-Velay—a crucial commercial artery for trading silk, wine, and cereals between the Mediterranean plains and the mountainous Velay. This bustling trade fostered local prosperity, marked by the rise of lively inns and mills, while royal fairs instituted by King Charles VII further cemented the town's importance. The La Garde family, initial supporters of the Reformation, played a pivotal role in the religious and economic relations between the Protestant communities of Ardèche. Under Louis XIV, the castle was embellished to serve as a pleasure residence, cementing Chambonas as a leading historical and cultural site in the region.

Les Vans, nestled in the heart of the Chassezac River basin at the foot of the Serre de Barre, is a historic town brimming with southern charm. Located within the Monts d'Ardèche Regional Natural Park and bordering the Cévennes National Park, it enjoys a beautifully mild Mediterranean climate. The area boasts a profound history stretching back to prehistoric times, evidenced by ancient dolmens and decorated caves. During the Middle Ages, Les Vans flourished around the Saint-Pierre church under the powerful influence of the Abbey of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, driven by a thriving leather trade and fortified by medieval ramparts. The 16th-century Wars of Religion brought turbulence as the town embraced the Reformation, leading to the destruction of its church, which was later magnificently rebuilt in the 17th century with a striking Baroque altarpiece. In the 18th and 19th centuries, agricultural prosperity and the arrival of the railway transformed Les Vans into a dynamic cantonal capital. Today, the town is renowned for its vibrant weekly market, bustling with local flavors like regional wines, oils, and artisanal cheeses. Surrounded by spectacular natural wonders—from the mysterious limestone rock formations of the Païolive wood to the dizzying cliffs of the Chassezac gorges—Les Vans perfectly blends natural beauty with deep cultural heritage, making it an essential and captivating stop for any traveler.