VTT N°75 - Circuit south of Larzac
A track and footpath offering sweeping views of La Couvertoirade and Roc Castel, in true Larzac style. Part of the Grande Traversée du Massif Central mountain bike route. Technical sections on the return journey from the Templar town of La Couvertoirade.
Places to discover along the way: the village of Caylar in Larzac (Roc Castel, carved tree, local heritage sites, Parc du Theil) – the village of Le Cros – La Couvertoirade.
From the hills of Le Cros to the barren moors of La Couvertoirade and on to the iconic Caylar rock, this route invites you to explore the southern Causses, following the ‘Grande Traversée du Larzac’ mountain bike route along the way. Savour the stunning panoramic views across the vast Causses landscape, whilst keeping an eye out for a few tricky sections!
2 points of interest
Buissière - ©PNR Grands Causses 
AgropastoralismThe buissière.
The slow progression inside dense hedges of boxwood trees arboreal, they were intended to protect and channeling herds.
Sources: PNRGC_DA
Chêne pubescent - ©PNR Grands Causses 
FloraThe pubescent oak
The pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens) is widespread in the areas of the south of France. Its leaves are hairy on their underside, which is an adaptation to drought (the hairs limit evaporation and retain moisture). Formerly, the acorns were collected for animals or eaten by the herds on site.
Sources: PNRGC_DA
Description
- Set off from in front of the market hall, taking the Passa Méridia to cross through the village.
- At the first junction, turn right onto the dirt track and follow it for about 2.3 km. Then leave the Passa Méridia.
- Take the path on the right, then after a few metres turn left towards the lavogne. Once you’ve gone round it, rejoin the Passa Méridia track. Walk through the village of Le Cros, passing in front of the castle, take the road towards La Couvertoirade and, 150 metres after leaving the main square, turn right.
- This lovely route will take you out onto the RD 152 E7, which you’ll follow to the left for 400 metres, then turn left again to reach the ruins of the Mas de Grimal.
- Then turn left onto a smooth, slightly steep track which will take you onto a plateau with remarkable views over the Causse; after a lovely descent, you’ll rejoin the main track heading towards La Couvertoirade, which you’ll follow to the right. A wide, smooth dirt track with a few tricky bits leads to the entrance to the medieval town.
- Ride 300 m along the tarmac road and, opposite the southern gate of the town, turn left. Follow the GR 71 and the Tour du Larzac Méridional on the return leg, which features a few technical sections before Mas Aussel and others on the final stretch. The route ends on the RN 1009.
- Drive 450 m along the hard shoulder of the RN 1009, then turn left into Rue du Mas Gervais and continue along Grand Rue until you reach the belfry. Turn right onto the RN 1009 to return to the market hall, the starting point.
- Departure : Le Caylar
- Towns crossed : Le Caylar, Le Cros, and La Couvertoirade
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Information desks
7 Place du Rialto, 34700 LODEVE
Access and parking
Via the A75 motorway
Exit 49 from Montpellier/Béziers
Exit 49 from Clermont-Ferrand/Millau
Parking :
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