Gravel N°16 - Gravel Ride to the Combalou
Roquefort depuis le Combalou
Roquefort depuis le Combalou - Virginie Govignon
Roquefort-sur-Soulzon

Gravel N°16 - Gravel Ride to the Combalou

Agropastoralism
Geology
History and heritage
Panorama
Embed this item to access it offline

This climb is certainly worth its cheese! The ascent of Combalou, the rock that shelters the Roquefort cellars, is the highlight of this route, crowned by a spectacular 360° panoramic view.

A gradual climb from Roquefort? Yes, but beware: the ascent along the foothills of Combalou soon becomes demanding, even if the landscape unfolding before you more than rewards your efforts. The descent, along a fairly rocky and bumpy trail, requires you to slow down and stay focused.

1 point of interest

  • Vue depuis le Plateau du Combalou
    Vue depuis le Plateau du Combalou - Roquefort Tourisme
    Geology

    The Combalou Plateau

    The Combalou Plateau is a spectacular geological site located in the heart of the Roquefort region. Formed around 150 million years ago, when a shallow sea covered the area, this vast limestone landscape was shaped over time by layers of sediment.

    Today, the Combalou is best known for its natural caves, which are essential to the production of Roquefort cheese. Crossed by natural fissures called “fleurines,” the plateau benefits from constant natural ventilation that maintains stable temperature and humidity levels. These unique conditions create the perfect environment for the aging of the famous Roquefort cheese.

Description

  1. From the Tourist Office, follow the road towards the heart of the village, then take the first right at the traffic lights. After a few hundred metres, you will join the Combalou trail.
  2. At this point, continue straight ahead towards the summit.
  3. After a well-deserved break to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views over the surrounding area, it’s time to turn back towards Lauras. When you reach point “2” again, take the trail below you on your left.
  4. After approximately 2 km of descent along a beautiful trail, follow the road to your right to return to Roquefort, with one final climb on the road.

Point of interest : 360° panoramic view from Combalou : km 5

Technical section : Bumpy 2 km descent (reduce your speed to avoid falls and punctures) : km 7.5

37% roads and 63% trails

Riding time depending on your level : 1 to 1h30

  • Departure : Roquefort Tourist Office
  • Arrival : Roquefort Tourist Office
  • Towns crossed : Roquefort-sur-Soulzon

Forecast

Altimetric profile

Information desks

Avenue de Lauras, 12250 Roquefort/Soulzon

http://www.roquefort-tourisme.fr/contact@roquefort-tourisme.fr0565585600

Situated in the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park, the cheese village of Roquefort stretches on the hillside over the famous scree of the Combalou Rock, in southern Larzac. The village is at an elevation of 630 m and has 700 inhabitants.

OPENING PERIODS:

The Tourist Office is open all year round:

  • In July and August, Monday to Saturday: 9.30 to 18.30, Sunday: 10.00 to 17.00.
  • April, May, June, September, October; Monday to Saturday: 9.30 to 12.15 & 13.00 to 17.30, closed on Sunday.
  • January, February, November, December; Monday to Friday: 9.30 to 12.15 & 13.00 to 17.00, closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Find out more

Transport

All the information is available on the Tourist Office website.

Access and parking

Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, 25 km south-west of Millau via the D992, D999 and D23. 14 km from Saint-Affrique via the D999 towards Millau. At the roundabout in Lauras, take the D23 towards Roquefort.

Parking :

Tourist Office Car Park, Roquefort-sur-Soulzon

Source

Espace GRAVEL FFC

Report a problem or an error

If you have found an error on this page or if you have noticed any problems during your hike, please report them to us here: