Cévennes & Ardèche (Southern France)
- Explore this remote and beautiful part of France, experiencing cliff-hugging roads, open moorland, and ancient forests
- Cycle through the spectacular gorges of the Jonte, Tarn, and Ardèche
- Summit the Tour de France stage ending of Mont Aigoual
- Comfortable and friendly hotels with local cuisine geared to cyclists
- Route options daily so you decide how much or how little you want to cycle
- Excellent support from two customised support vans and two expert, proactive and fun guides, focused on making your holiday the very best it can be
- Transfers included from and to Marseille airport with numerous, good value flight options
Days on the bike
Quote
This was my 6th Marmot trip, each one has been fantastic, but this one was the best of the lot. The Cevennes & Ardeche are beautiful regions of France, the routes were excellent, and the people made a great holiday even better. Thank you again Marmot you smashed it !!
Introduction
This flexible-pace French road cycling tour has been carefully crafted so you can explore the very best cycling on offer in this beautiful and remote corner of the south of France. We run this cycling itinerary in spring and autumn when the weather is ideal for cycling. Quiet, well-surfaced roads, spectacular and varied scenery, and historic villages are the hallmarks of this mountainous region. During this tour you will encounter deep gorges, open moorland, meandering rivers, vineyards, limestone plateaus, and ancient forests - the scenery is a delight. The views are far-reaching and dramatic, and the sense of achievement as you summit the climbs is incredible.
This is a Marmot Classic style holiday, so it's perfect for mixed-ability pairs or groups of friends. You'll have two or three route options daily, including a Classic and a Challenge route - so it's entirely up to you how much (or how little) you choose to ride each day. Those on the Classic route can expect to cycle an average of 80km a day with 1,280m of ascent, so it is one of our gentler tours. The optional extra climbs or loops on the Challenge route clock up an average of 125km a day with 2,100m of ascent, for those wanting to push themselves further.
Regardless of which route you choose each day, this week is most definitely a holiday! Our two Marmot guides with customised support vehicles are there to offer you incomparable support on the road, to help you achieve your goals, and to have an unforgettable cycling experience!
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included (evening meals on all nights for 2026)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for details
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Les Vans (from 2027), so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! The weather is likely to vary during your trip, and even during fine weather it can be cold in the morning and on descents. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from cold and rain.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 2* and 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Despite endless perseverance from us, some hotels still struggle at times to accommodate specific diets. It is possible you’ll encounter some repetitive dishes across the week.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench).
See FAQS for more detail.
Travel Documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
Departure Dates & Prices
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
- Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
- Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
- Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer included airport transfers at scheduled times during the day from Marseille Airport (MRS) to our start hotel near the pretty market town of Anduze (a journey of around 2 hrs).
Check in, assemble bikes, and gather with your fellow riders for a briefing from your guides before sharing a hearty meal in preparation for the adventure ahead! Those of you on early flights may want to head out on your bike for a warm-up ride, explore the town or go for a swim.
Day 1: Anduze to Meyrueis via the Corniche des Cévennes
We begin our week of adventure on the road appropriately named the "Corniche des Cévennes". It snakes its way along a ridge linking picturesque ancient villages nestled between forests of chestnuts & Mediterranean oaks. Rather than being one climb, it undulates over a series of cols to the high point of the Col de Solpérière (1010m). En route, there are several spectacular views of the region we'll be exploring for the rest of the week.
After climbing the best part of 50km, we enjoy a descent into the Tarnon valley, which we follow up to the Col de Perjuret (1030m) on the southern edge of the limestone plateau of the Causse Méjéan. Our destination is the picture-perfect village of Meyrueis, where we stay for 2 nights.
Those wanting a bit more cycling can extend the ride by heading up to the Causse Méjéan (987m) and looping back via the Gorges de La Jonte.
Classic : 87 KM with 1800m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 122 KM with 2380m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: Day ride from Meyrueis - Mont Aigoual
Today is all about climbing Mont Aigoual (1567m)! When the sky is clear, it's possible to see Mt Ventoux, the Pyrenees and even Mt Blanc from the summit. Six roads climb to the weather station and cafe at the top and today we try to experience as many of them as possible!
Starting at 700m ASL, we follow the river Jonte to its source via the Col de Perjuret (1030m). The scenery and flora are ever-changing as we move from limestone to granite and steadily gain altitude. The forest gives way to open moorland for the final push to the summit.
From here we descend to the Col de la Serreyrède (1299m), where you can choose to return to Meyrueis via the Col de Montjardin (1005m), or head south over the Col du Minier (1264m) and back to the Col de la Serreyrède via the spectacular Col de la Lusette (1351m). Either way, these are all fantastic rides!
Classic : 58 KM with 1100m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 95 KM with 1580m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 109 KM with 2400m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: Meyrueis to Florac via the gorges of the Jonte & Tarn
Today is less about climbing and more about the WOW factor! The Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses exhibits limestone scenery at its best. The high, slightly arid plateaus are scarred by deep canyons, forged by turbulent rivers that meander their way below the sheer cliffs. Despite the geographical challenges, roads have been hewn out of the rocky landscape to link the remote communities, and today we reap the benefits.
We start by following the river Jonte deeper into the gorge to Le Rozier, where it joins the river Tarn. Here you can start to climb up the Gorges du Tarn to Sainte-Enimie, or descend further to Millau (famous for the impressive viaduct) and climb back to Le Rozier over the Causse Noir - La Cade (836m)
Our destination is Florac, the capital of the Cévennes, which is definitely worth exploring. If you haven't had enough climbing today, then you could head up to the Causse Méjéan and the Col de Pierre Plate (1016m) for more of a challenge.
Classic : 84 KM with 640m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 97 KM with 1100m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 129 KM with 1370m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: Florac to Les Vans via Mont Lozère
Climbing is back on the agenda today, as we continue up the river Tarn to the pretty village of Le Pont-de-Montvert. Here things get a bit more severe as you climb up through scrub moorland (with its glorious yellow broom flowers in May/June), to the bleak Col de Finiels (1541m) in the heart of Mont Lozère. Your efforts are rewarded with another big-sky view and a sweeping descent, past a ski station, to Le Bleymard.
A small climb over the Col de Tribes (1131m) takes you down to Villefort, which is dominated by a reservoir bisected by a railway viaduct. From here a small climb over the Col du Mas de l'Ayre (946m) takes you into the Ardèche and the large touristy town of Les Vans, where we spend two nights.
The optional extra ride today takes you back over Mont Lozère via the Col du Pré de la Dame (1474m) for some more spectacular views.
Classic : 96 KM with 1540m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 139 KM with 2600m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Ride from Les Vans into the Ardèche
If you'd like a rest day from cycling and if the weather is good, then there are plenty of non-cycling activities to be enjoyed within walking distance of the hotel.
However, you're at the southern gateway to the Ardèche, a landscape of ridges and valleys, dotted with remote villages, so not surprisingly, there's some excellent cycling on offer today. We've crafted a spectacular route up a very narrow road that follows the river Borne to La Bastide-Puylaurent and back via St-Laurent-les-Bains and the Col du Chap del Bosc (1169m). This ride is genuinely remote!
Those wanting a bit more can venture further into the Massif de Prataubérat before rejoining the Classic route at the Col de La Croix Blanche (890m).
**NEW FOR 2027 TOURS:** Tonight's dinner is not included, giving you the opportunity to try out some of the fine restaurants in town.
Classic : 88 KM with 1700m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 136 KM with 2500m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Les Vans to Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche via the Gorges de l'Ardèche
Thought by many to be the most spectacular canyon in France, the Gorges de l'Ardèche certainly makes for an impressive grand finale! (The Verdon Gorge is the other contender, which you can ride on our Ventoux & Verdon Gorge holiday.)
The first 35km of our ride is through rural France at its best, and it takes us to the entrance of the Ardèche Gorge at the Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.
The canyon road starts at the same level as the river, and you get a fantastic view of the iconic rock arch. It soon climbs up onto the plateau and meanders along the top of the precipitous cliffs. It's well worth detouring slightly to the many viewpoints to look down at the canoeists way below.
A wonderful descent takes us to the picturesque town of Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche where we stay the night. Here you can opt to hang up your bike and enjoy an afternoon swim in the river, or head off on an undulating ride to explore the Cèze valley.
Classic : 75 KM with 1100m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 116 KM with 1600m ascent [ride profile]
Day 7: Departure day
Sadly, you've come to the end of your week in the Cévennes and Ardèche, but you've no doubt racked up a host of great memories. We offer included transfers back to Marseille Airport (MRS), a journey of about 1hr 30min.
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included (evening meals on all nights for 2026)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for details
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Les Vans (from 2027), so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! The weather is likely to vary during your trip, and even during fine weather it can be cold in the morning and on descents. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from cold and rain.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 2* and 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Despite endless perseverance from us, some hotels still struggle at times to accommodate specific diets. It is possible you’ll encounter some repetitive dishes across the week.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench).
See FAQS for more detail.
Travel Documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
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