VTT N°52 - Algues Castle
Dans le hameau d'Algues
Dans le hameau d'Algues - Virginie Govignon - OT Larzac et Vallées
Nant

VTT N°52 - Algues Castle

Agropastoralism
History and heritage
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Climb around the ruins of Algues Castle, sometimes skirting its hill, sometimes overlooking it with a superb panoramic view of the Causse Bégon plateau. A route recommended only for the most experienced mountain bikers.

A challenging climb between Algues and Sauclières, followed by a tricky descent towards Saint-Michel-de-Rouviac, are the two highlights of this magnificent hike, which demands a high level of technical skill. The Marquis d’Assas's residence, the ruins of Algues Castle, and the Romanesque church of Saint-Michel dot a breathtakingly beautiful limestone plateau landscape.

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 junction with the road, follow it to the right towards Caussanel for about 600 m and continue on the track to the left for 400 m. Then take a path on the right that climbs the hill, descends on the other side, and rejoins a wide track heading towards a quarry. Continue to the left on the track, pass the quarry entrance, and continue for a few hundred meters.
  4. Take a narrower track that branches off to the right until the view opens up. This is followed by a wide and rapid descent, sometimes through the woods, sometimes along the edge, with a beautiful view of the valley.
  5. Almost at the bottom of the descent, at the small pass, take the track on the right to reach the hamlet of St-Michel de Rouviac (viewpoint of the hamlet from the crossroads of tracks), cross it and pass in front of the Romanesque church (11th century) to rejoin the D999. Turn right to reach the starting point 250m further on.
  • Departure : D999, Castelnau Farm, Nant
  • Arrival : D999, Castelnau Farm, Nant
  • Towns crossed : Nant, Saint-Jean-du-Bruel, and Sauclières

Forecast

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

Steep descent between point 4 and point 5.

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

35km 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 :

At the Castelnau Farm, 2km from Nant towards St-Jean du Bruel

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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