Mont Aigoual, at the crossroads of the Cévennes and Languedoc, is known for its contrasting landscapes and the historic weather observatory at its summit — a site famous for recording some of the highest rainfall in France, which shapes the particularly dense forests on its slopes.
A route between forest and open ridgelines
Starting from Meyrueis, a typical village in the Jonte gorges, the route climbs via the wide, fast-rolling fire-break tracks (DFCI) that criss-cross the massif, before reaching the open ridgelines of Mont Aigoual where the scenery changes dramatically: 360° views over the Cévennes, Mont Ventoux on a clear day, and sometimes as far as the Pyrenees.
The descent can be taken via Valleraugue, a steeper and rockier side, for a full loop of around 72 km and 1,600 m of elevation gain — a demanding ride that calls for solid fitness and careful management of food and water.
How to approach the ride
The rugged profile and high mileage for a gravel ride make this a serious outing: pack more water and food reserves than an equivalent flat-terrain route, as supply points are scarce once you’re out of Meyrueis. A wide tire (40-45mm) with a knobby tread is recommended for the rockiest sections on the Valleraugue side.
Summer fire risk can lead to temporary closures of some forest tracks in July-August — check locally before heading out during peak dry season.
When to go
Spring (May-June) and the shoulder season (September-October) offer the best conditions: moderate temperatures, good visibility at the summit, and lower fire risk. In winter, the summit can be snow-covered and the road closed.
Good to know
Meyrueis, at the gateway to the Tarn and Jonte gorges, has a decent choice of accommodation for a village its size, with several places used to cyclists and hikers.