Are you going to visit the Aveyron? Here’s our top 8 of the mountain bikes in the Gorges de l’Aveyron!
From Bruniquel to Najac, the Gorges de l’Aveyron, between rivers, cliffs and old bastides of Rouergue. This great must-have site Occitania region is between the Tarn-et-Garonne and the Aveyron. Mountain biking in the Gorges de l’Aveyron allows you to explore a wild nature and picturesque villages, perched on the hillside. The Gorges de l’Aveyron form a stalk of cliffs flowing across the river for several decades.
Between medieval bastides, cliffs and bathing spots, travelling to mountain biking these natural beauties is like making a trip to the Middle Ages. Are you ready to go for a sport holiday in the South West? Here’s our top of the 8 circuits where to mountain bike in the Gorges de l’Aveyron!
1. Circuit Saint-Gignac
Departure: Camping de Najac
Duration: 1h
Level: average
Deranked: 215 m
This circuit where mountain biking in the Gorges de l’Aveyron allows you to explore the surroundings of Najac about 8 kilometers. The path begins a small ascent through the Roc du Pont. He runs along the Aveyron to Saint-Gignac. You will find a small farm where a shepherd watches over his sheep during the beautiful season. This circuit allows you to radiate in mountain biking in the gorges of Aveyron and see varied landscapes in the Aveyronnaise nature. The path makes a loop to the starting point in Najac.
Don’t miss visiting the town of Najac, one of the most beautiful in the country. Among the monuments to be seen in Najac, the majestic medieval fortress, hung at 200 meters above sea level. The castle, dating from the 11th century, is classified as Historic Monument. It overlooks the gorges of Aveyron and its dungeon offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. We also imagine what fate was reserved in the Middle Ages to the assailants of the fortress...
Visit also the Faubourg square, the Saint-Barthélémy chapel, the Governor’s House, and the Saint-Blaise Bridge (classified Historical Monument), for rich breaks of History and Culture.
2. Circuit Bano de Biau
Departure: Camping de Najac
Duration: 1h40
Level: difficult
Deranked: 340 m
This mountain bike ride in the Gorges de l’Aveyron starts from the campsite of Najac. This path leads you to the Aveyron Valley, exploring its wild landscapes. From the start, you will have a breathtaking view of the village and its fortress.
The route passes through Cassagnes where you will find his church, dating from the 13th century. Over the centuries, the building has undergone improvements, including its 15th century bell tower. The return is through the Aveyron Valley, along the river. This mountain bike getaway in the Gorges de l’Aveyron requires good calves!
3. Circuit de Montricoux in St Antonin-Noble-Val
Departure: Montricoux
Duration: 2:30
Level: average
Deranked: 257 m (positive), 246 m (negative)
Coming to mountain biking in the Gorges de l’Aveyron, you will discover the medieval villages, rolling on the footsteps of our ancestors. Cross your mountain bike by taking the Montricoux bike to Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. This route requires a confirmed level, because denivels are sometimes important. The road begins in Montricoux, and follows the course of Aveyron.
It will show you the villages of Bruniquel, Penne, Cazals, and Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. It is also worth noting the former Templar Commandery of Montricoux, which has preserved its medieval dungeon. Don’t miss the excellent Marcel-Renoir museum. As for Bruniquel, it is truly one of the more beautiful French villages , especially for its position, since it overlooks the Gorges de l’Aveyron. You will discover prehistoric vestiges in the two caves of the village: the Cave of Bruniquel and the Cave of Mayrière superior. The village castle, classified as Historical Monument, is also to be seen.
On the Bicycleroute, the Penne fortress is also immanquable. Juched on its rock, it seems to watch over the Gorges de l’Aveyron and offers a unique panorama. Swipe the medieval alleys of the village and return to your road.
Finally, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val is a must-see medieval village along the Gorges de l’Aveyron, classified in the Natura 2000 area. Located in the cliffs of the Roc d’Anglars, the village bears witness to a rich historical heritage. During your visit you can discover the Roman House, the English barracks and the ancient tanneries.
4. Circuit de Saint Antonin-Noble-Val in Laguépie
Departure: Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val
Duration: 2h
Level: easy
Deranked: 104 m (positive), 53 m (negative)
Here is one of the essential steps to make mountain bikes in the Gorges de l’Aveyron. The Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val circuit in Laguépie is only 25.6 kilometres away. It is accessible to mountain bike beginners because its denial is low. In Féneyrols you will pass on the bridge over the Aveyron to enjoy its splendid view.
The road leads you to Varen, then to Laguépie, a nice village to visit. You will find a swimming spot on the beach of Viaur.
5. Circuit de Bruniquel à Penne
Departure: Bruniquel
Duration: 5h
Level: very difficult
Deranked: 1630 m (positive), 1630 m (negative)
Do you want to do mountain biking in the Gorges de l’Aveyron, with a high-level hike? This circuit between Bruniquel and Penne by Cazals will make you warm your legs! It makes a loop of a total distance of 55 kilometers through the tortuous paths of the Gorges de l’Aveyron.
The climbs are steep and technical by location. If you are athletic, this mountain bike route will seduce you by its technicality and difficulties. And in addition, you'll see it. The circuit passes through the medieval village of Cazals and climbs up to the entrance of Penne.
6. Baye valley circuit with Aveyron Gorges
Departure: main square of Verfeil
Duration: 4h
Level: very difficult
Deranked: 1500 m (positive), 1500 m (negative)
This 41-kilometre circuit is one of the best tracks of the Aveyron Gorges: it leaves Verfeil, joins the Aveyron Gorges road to Najac. The hike is very physical and the climbs are steep. You will cross two valleys: the Aveyron valley, and the Baye valley. The itinerary includes some very technical passages, opinions to the confirmed!
If it is difficult, it is nevertheless considered one of the best circuits of the Aveyron Gorges.
7. Circuit de Bruniquel à Penne by GR 46
Departure: parking by the Vère (Bruniquel)
Duration: 3h
Level: average
Deranked: 800 m (positive), 800 m (negative)
This mountain bike route promises to be a bit physical too, but nevertheless without great difficulty. He goes up by the Cabeou, passes through the heights of Cazals and joins the GR 46 . The circuit extends over 34 kilometers and includes some steep climbs. This route from Bruniquel to Penne to Cazals is a must-see of the Aveyron Gorges.
8. Circuit de la Salvetat des Carts
Departure: Mergious
Duration: 1h20
Level: difficult
Deranked: 310 m
Attention: to perform this mountain bike circuit in the Gorges de l’Aveyron, it is recommended to have a good physical condition. At the start of the Mergieux, south of Najac (Aveyron), the trail winds up and sinks into nature through the woods.
The departure is made of the Mergieux, overlooking the river. This route leads to the Salvetat-des-Carts. From this hamlet of Najac, visit the homonymous church. It is essential for its choir from the 11th century. Several times renovated in the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, it will delight lovers of old stones and historical monuments. Steles of medieval times were preserved in the adjacent cemetery.
The circuit runs a loop of about 15 kilometers, up to its starting point. On your return you will pass through the equestrian farm of Daoudou, the paths of Galy and the Baussanière.
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