VTT N°51 - From the Dourbie Valley to the Larzac Plateau
Sur le Puech Bassel
Sur le Puech Bassel - Virginie Govignon - OT Larzac et Vallées
Nant

VTT N°51 - From the Dourbie Valley to the Larzac Plateau

Agropastoralism
Flora
History and heritage
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Through broad-leaved tree  forests and the bare moors of the limestone plateau, between wide tracks and boxwood-lined paths, a grand loop to explore the southeastern slopes of the Larzac plateau in Aveyron. A guaranteed delight.

Given its length and elevation gain, a certain level of endurance is required on this route, which presents few technical difficulties, except for a few particularly steep sections between Algues and Sauclières. These efforts will be rewarded halfway through with a stop at the Templar village of La Couvertoirade, followed by crossing the Larzac region's  landscape reminiscent of a western landscape!

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Description

  1. From the parking area, cross the road to take the track that climbs gradually to the hamlet of Algues. Continue for approximately 2 km along the road until you reach the junction with the RD999.
  2. Take the track that branches off to the right, descending slightly but quickly climbing again with some very steep sections.
  3. At the intersection with the road, follow it to the left for about 400 m, cross the bridge, then turn left to join the old Le Vigan-Tournemire railway line and the GTMC mountain bike route as far as La Couvertoirade. Continue straight ahead to go through the tunnel and continue for 2.5 km on a gentle climb.
  4. Cross the road and continue along the old railway line for 500 m. Leave it to the left to join the D7 and follow it to the right for 300 m.
  5. Leave the road and take the track on the left to reach the highest point of your route, the Puech du Bassel, at the GTMC mountain bike marker. The route crosses the Larzac plateau via a series of tracks and paths typical of the Causse region, passing by the Domaine de Gaillac (accommodation, restaurant, equestrian center, museum). In La Couvertoirade, follow the road to the left to visit this fortified Templar and Hospitaller site (round trip).
  6. Join the D185 towards La Pezade for 800m to find a beautiful, wide track on the right. Stay on this track, which has a Wild West feel. In La Salvetat, enter a very beautiful  boxwood-lined path (to the right of the track).
  7. At the hamlet of Le Cun, turn right to reach La Blaquèrerie. Cross the village to reach the D7 and take the road opposite, slightly to the right, towards La Portalerie. Continue for about 1km, then turn right onto the old railway line for about 3km.
  8. Continue left on the GR71D for 6 km to reach Nant. At the gas station, follow the road towards St-Jean du Bruel for 1 km to reach the  Castelnau farm.
  • Departure : D999, Castelnau Farm, Nant
  • Arrival : D999, Castelnau Farm, Nant
  • Towns crossed : Nant, Saint-Jean-du-Bruel, Sauclières, La Couvertoirade, and Cornus

Forecast

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

This route crosses pastureland, and livestock guarding dogs are preset to protect the flocks.

If you encounter livestock guarding dogs:

- Stop and dismount so they can identify you. Remain calm and passive; do not threaten or pet them.
- Give the flock a wide berth and keep your distance to disturb it as little as possible.
- Continue walking alongside your bicycle.
- Keep your dogs on a leash.

Learn more

Is in the midst of the park
This itinerary is located in the World Heritage zone Causses and Cévennes, mediterranean agropastoral cultural landscape.

Information desks

Tourist Office Larzac et Vallées

Place du Claux, 12230 NANT

http://www.visit-larzac.com/infos@tourisme-larzac.com+33(0)565622364

Located on the ground floor of the Town Hall (mansion of the 18th century), The Tourist Office welcomes you all year and offers tourist information on the Larzac and its valleys, the department of Aveyron, and also on neighboring counties. Free Wifi access.

Opening hours :

From Novembre to February: Tuesday morning 9:00-12:30
March and October :  Tuesday to Friday 9:00-12:30
April : Tuesday to Friday 10:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:30
May, June : Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:30
July and August : every day 10:00-12:30 and 14:30-18:00
September : Tuesday to Saturday 10:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:30

Find out more

Transport

To travel by bus or train, by carpooling  Aires de covoiturage and hitchhiking Rezopouce.

Access and parking

35 km southeast of Millau via the D809 and D999 (Larzac plateau) or the D991 (Dourbie Gorges). Castelnau: 2 km from Nant towards St-Jean du Bruel via the D999.

Parking :

Castelnau Farm, near the walnut tree

Accessibility

Emergency number :
114

Source

C.C. Larzac et Vallées - Site Grands Causses VTT-FFC N°321
Site VTT cofinancé par l’Union Européenne.

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