Cycling in the Gard: Road Bike and Mountain Bike Tours
Located between the Cèze Valley and the Cévennes, our vacation home is nestled in the heart of an area that delights both road cyclists and mountain bikers alike. Hilly terrain right outside the door, quiet side roads, plus two true classics within easy reach: the Corniche des Cévennes for road cyclists and the Espace VTT Cévennes d'Ardèche for those who prefer more technical trails.
Right outside the door: a warm-up lap
If you’re just looking to get started, you don’t have to go far. The St-Ambroix–Serre de Gajac loop begins in Saint-Ambroix, just a few minutes away from us: about 10 km, 260 meters of elevation gain, technically easy (“Green” level), but a real treat in terms of scenery. The trail follows a ridge with views across the entire valley. The ride takes about an hour—ideal as an introductory ride or a short after-work loop following a day at the pool.
For road cyclists: the Corniche des Cévennes
The classic route for anyone traveling with a road bike is the Corniche des Cévennes, the scenic road between Saint-Jean-du-Gard and Florac. About 44.5 km long, with up to 1,100 meters of elevation gain depending on the direction, and sections with gradients of up to 14%—it’s challenging but one of the most scenic routes in the region. The barren stretch between Le Pompidou and the Col du Rey, in particular, offers unobstructed views of the surrounding valleys. Saint-Jean-du-Gard, the starting point, is a good 40 minutes away from our vacation home—if you set out early, you’ll often have the road all to yourself.
Already thinking about when to go? If you're looking for a base for your next cycling trip in the Gard:
For mountain bikers: Espace VTT Cévennes d'Ardèche
Those who prefer off-road riding will find the Espace VTT Cévennes d'Ardèche, one of the largest marked MTB areas in southern France: 615 km of trails spread across 31 loops, ranging from green to black, plus a 180-km multi-day tour for those who really want to rack up the kilometers. The routes lead from Mediterranean plains up to the ridges of the Cévennes, featuring karst plateaus, vineyards, and technical sections in the Tanargue and Drobie areas for more experienced riders.
Starting points like Les Vans or Joyeuse are in the same area as Vallon Pont d'Arc—only about 27 km or 33 minutes away for us.
Rent a bike locally
Don't have your own bike? In Uzès, about a 40-minute drive from us, there's a rental shop offering high-quality road bikes and e-bikes, including delivery to the surrounding area upon request. This is convenient if you're traveling without a bike rack or if you suddenly feel like going for a ride.
Practical Tips for Bicycle Tours in the Gard
Start early in the summer: It gets hot quickly on the open stretches of the Corniche starting at noon, and shade is scarce.
Be sure to bring plenty of water, as places to stop for refreshments are often few and far between on mountain trails.
The side roads in the Gard are often narrow and winding: watch out for oncoming cars and motorcycles.
If you're riding an e-bike, you should plan your battery range realistically. Especially on the Corniche, there are no charging stations along the way.
Whether it’s a relaxed after-work ride, a major road cycling classic, or a day off-road: For us, the Gard is one of the most underrated destinations for cyclists in southern France. If you’re planning your next tour, feel free to check with us for availability . We look forward to serving as your base camp.
