The Grande Traversée de l’Ardèche VTT links Annonay with Bourg-Saint-Andéol in the Rhône valley. Recognised by the French Cycling Federation as a Grande Traversée VTT, it brings together high plateaus, volcanic landscapes and the limestone scenery of southern Ardèche in one demanding journey.
From Annonay to the high plateau
The Ardèche Tourism Development Agency describes a seven-stage main itinerary from Annonay to Bourg-Saint-Andéol. The opening leg heads towards Devesset, with views over the Cance valley before reaching a landscape of conifer forests, moorland and pastures. Devesset's lakes and wetlands make a distinct stopping point on the plateau.
From Devesset the route passes the source of the Eyrieux and Saint-Agrève on its way towards Les Estables and the Mézenc volcanic plateau. The next section continues through the Ardèche mountains towards Lanarce, passing the Mont Gerbier de Jonc area and its Loire sources.
Mountains, Cévennes and the southern gorges
South of Lanarce, the itinerary moves through the Borne valley towards Montselgues and the Cévennes. The following stage descends from the plateau towards Les Vans and the Vivarais cévenol. These changes of landscape are central to the traverse: riders move from the high country into southern Ardèche over several stages.
Between Les Vans and Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, the route crosses the Bois de Païolive on its way to the Ardèche gorges. The final leg leads towards Bourg-Saint-Andéol and the Rhône valley, with views over the Ardèche valley and vineyards as the journey draws to a close.
Choosing an approach and preparing to ride
The main route is marked north to south using French Cycling Federation mountain bike signs. Ardèche Guide rates the itinerary difficult and identifies mountain bikes and electrically assisted mountain bikes as suitable choices. Much of the route follows the GR4 and GR7 long-distance paths, with a mixture of stony, earth and hard surfaces.
An alternative start from Tournon-sur-Rhône reaches Devesset via Saint-Félicien in two stages. The federation describes the approach through the Saint-Joseph hills, past Lac des Meinettes and the Gorges de la Daronne. This gives riders a different northern approach before joining the main traverse.
The federation lists an opening period from 1 April to 30 October, subject to snow conditions in the mountain zone. Check conditions before setting out. For trip planning, Ardèche Guide also identifies connections with Via Fluvia near Annonay, Dolce Via at Saint-Agrève and ViaRhôna at Bourg-Saint-Andéol.