Marmot Tours :: Mountain bike holiday in the Cevenees

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Stevenson's trail - Auvergne to the Cevennes

A classic off road mountain biking tour through rural southern France


Suitable for all mountain bikers. Vast variety of scenery. Bags transported. Manageable distances with optional extras. Comfortable **hotel accommodation. Villages Cafes. Lakes, gorges, forest and moorlands. Biking tuition.
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OVERVIEW

One of Europe's best mountain biking journeys. Fantastic off road trails, a stunning variety of scenery, fine food and good accommodation. France at its best!

If back in 1878 the mountain bike had been invented, it would surely have been Robert Louis Stevenson's first choice of companion, as he set out on his epic journey across the Cévennes. As it was Stevenson (Scottish novelist), set out on his 220km, 12 day adventure with a badly behaved donkey called Mondestine. The result was a much loved children's book entitled "My Travels with a Donkey". Many years have past since then, but the countryside has remained a beautiful un-spoilt corner of France, now enhanced by comfortable hotels and fine restaurants.

This trip does not lack variety, the biking, scenery and locally produced food change daily as we head south. We start high on the Auvergne Plateau, which is broken by volcanic cones and crater lakes, we pass through chestnut forests, along river valleys, over high moorlands and drop into some awesome limestone gorges of the Cévennes. Its not all about biking, there is plenty of time to bath in the many lakes and river, explore the villages and to sample the local brews!

IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?

This is an ideal trip for all levels. The cycling is 80% off road, usually on wide trails however there are a lot of optional single track descents. The daily distances between hotels is manageable for all, at an average of 35km per day with an average of 500m of ascent. For those wanting more of a workout, on most days there is an optional (harder) guided ride to explore the proximity of the nights accommodation. There are some long (6km) climbs, however these are mostly on road or good trails. It is important to me that people book the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have have any doubts.

DATES

There are currently no scheduled departures for this trip in 2008, however, if you are interested, please contact us to make enquiries.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The holiday costs £560, starting at St Etienne Airport, ending at Montpellier Airport. Flights can be picked up very cheaply if booked in advance. Expect to pay £80 return. The only thing not included is drinks and snacks, allow £30 depending on your thirst. There are no other local payments or hidden costs. Please note that we offer a 5% discount if you book more than 3 months before the departure date. We also offer group and loyalty discounts. More Info >>

WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?

6 days guided rides. Airport Transfers (at specified times). Vehicle Support. 7 nights in comfortable hotels. 7 evening meals, 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches.

WHERE DO WE STAY

We stay in a variety of small town Hotels and Auberges. Accommodation is normally allocated on a twin share basis and most of the hotels have private facilities.

FOOD

Food is a very important part of all biking trips and French way of life. We pass through many different regions where our hosts spoil us with local specialties. All breakfasts are included and are continental style. Picnic lunches will be provided on biking days which you will be expected to carry with you. Evening meals will be taken in the Hotel or Local restaurants.

GUIDING AND INSTRUCTION

You are accompanied by James Thompson, who has over 7 years of experience of leading mountain biking trips around the world. James is a competent mechanic and experienced First-aider. During the week informal instruction will be given for those wanting to improve their technique. James will be assisted by another leader.

GROUP

There is a maximum of 15 people (minimum 4) plus James and assistant on this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as activity holidays are a great way to make new friends.

TRANSPORT / SUPPORT

Throughout the trip you are supported by a minibus fitted with a bike rack. It will intercept the group where possible offering medical / mechanical assistance as well as a lift up the hills (if you would like it). Bags are naturally transported from hotel to hotel.

BIKE HIRE

If you do not want to have the hassle of bringing your own bike; you can hire one from Marmot-Tours (and return it dirty at the end of the holiday). Marmot-Tours has a fleet of Specialised Rockhoppers Bikes with either 'Normal' of 'Disc' Brakes. There are no full suspension bikes available. For more information please see the Bike Hire section.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

The trip starts at St-Etienne Airport and ends at Montpellier Airport. Ryan Air provide a reasonably priced flight service between London Stansted and both of these airports. If booked in advance flights should not cost more than £80. A minibus transfer will be arranged to tie in with these flights (approx 1hr transfers). For further flight information please look at www.ryanair.com. Ryan Air also serves the UK with regional connections.

Please see the Transport section for more information on airlines, airport transfers and travelling with a bike

HOLIDAY ITINERARY
DAY 1	Transfer from St-Etienne airport to our hotel in La Monastier. This mountainside community owes its existence due to the 12th century Benedictine Abbey. We will have time to explore the narrow streets and sort out the bikes before drinks and dinner.
DAY 2	We start with a gentle warm up on the plateau to get used to the bikes. The views are breathtaking with volcanic cones disappearing into the distance. An excellent descent takes us the picture postcard village of Goudet which straddles the River Loire - only a small stream here. After a swim we climb up to towards our comfortable hotel on the banks of Le Lac du Bouchet. This is one of the largest crater lakes in the area and is the perfect place to relax. The forest around the lake is a perfect playground for the keen bikers. (28km, 17.5miles)
DAY 3	Today we traverse the high Auvergne plateau, this is a region that has tiptoed through the last century, barely noticing it. The landscape is very lush and the meadows awash with wild flowers. As we pass the haunting sound of cow bells seems all around us. A fast descent takes us to the market town of Langogne, our base for the night. We should arrive in plenty of time to head up to the lake for a swim or even to take out a canoe or windsurfer. (32km, 20miles)
DAY 4	We leave town on a series of paths past mills and wayside cavalries. Stevenson wrote, "Moor, heather marsh, tracts of rock and pines, woods of birch, green and stony cattle tracks..." Little has changed in the 125 years. The riding becomes more challenging as we head towards our La Bastide Puylarent, where we stay the night. Those with any energy left can take an optional ride up to the monastery of Notra-Dame-des-Neiges. The monks home brew is worth a tipple! (45km, 28miles)
DAY 5	The hills are now becoming more challenging, however chestnut forests shade us from the heat. We pass through Chasseradès before climbing over the Montagne du Goulet (1413m). Here the source of the River Lot trickles from the forest. A final descent takes us to Le Bleymard, a picturesque mountain village. (30km, 19miles)
DAY 6	The day starts with a grueling 600m (optional) climb up to the summit of Mt Lozère (1699m). This open moorland is the highest point in the Parc National des Cévennes, wild horses graze freely and the view towards the sun baked south is breathtaking. Some excellent biking trails take us along a high ridge before dropping down into the market town of Florac, the capital of the Cévennes. (42km, 26miles)
DAY 7	Our final day on the bikes starts following the magnificent Gorge of the Mimenta gently upstream on an old railway line. A sharp climb through the forests brings us out on the Corniche des Cévennes, a stunning trail which follows the limestone escarpment. Descending on a mix of foresters trails and quiet lanes we arrive in St-Jean-du-Gard with 250km of trails behind us. Time for a celebration! (53km, 33miles)
DAY 8	Time to leave. We have a leisurely morning before transferring to Montpellier airport full of the memories of a truly magnificent biking journey.

Contact Marmot Tours: info@marmot-tours.co.uk
Tel/fax: 0033 561 02 80 43. French Mob: 0033 (0)6 30 01 12 98