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All-terrain adventure

The Grande Traversée de l'Ardèche (GTA) is a mountain bike itinerary that demonstrates once again what a fabulous country France is for adventure. The scenery, freedom and culture never disappoint. What's so special about this GTA is the diversity of spectacular scenery over a relatively short distance. The 310-kilometer route runs from Annonay to Bourg-Saint-Andéol.

The route begins in the lovely hills of the Cance valley, on undulating trails through beautiful forests and broom heaths, with some truly picturesque villages and hamlets. As you gain altitude, you reach the volcanic plateau of Mézenc, where the landscape changes dramatically, giving way to pastures and pine forests.

You continue to gain height in the Parc Naturel Régional des Monts d'Ardèche, where you pass through the volcanic domes of Mont Mézenc and Mont Gerbier-de-Jonc, recognizable by their cone shape due to phonolite eruptions (they're nicknamed "sugar loaves"). The panoramas are spectacular and the landscape stretches as far as the eye can see.

At medium altitude (between 1,000 and 1,600 metres above sea level), the route continues over rolling moorland before reaching the Col du Bez, where you cross the Continental Divide. When it rains here, the water flows either towards the Mediterranean or the Atlantic.

You then cross the high Tanargue range, offering splendid views of the Cévennes. You soon leave the heather and broom behind, the granite turns to limestone, and the scenery quickly becomes very Mediterranean. You quickly lose altitude, and the route plunges through chestnut woods on an impressive singletrack. The heat suddenly rises and you can smell the rosemary and thyme. Next, you pass through the Païolive woods, with its limestone rocks and scrubby oaks, before moving on to the famous Ardèche Gorges.
Navigation is incredibly easy, as the route is clearly marked with red arrows (north to south). You could almost leave your GPS at home