SPdC - Col de Trélis - SPdC

This road bike route starts in the charming village of Saint-Privat-de-Champclos and takes you through a beautiful part of the Ardèche and the Gard, alongside historic villages, breathtaking views, and challenging mountain passes. The route, which is approximately 98 km long, offers a mix of rolling roads and steep climbs, ideal for the athletic cyclist who enjoys variety and natural beauty.

You depart from the picturesque Saint-Privat-de-Champclos, where the calm atmosphere of the countryside is immediately palpable. The first few kilometers serve as a warm-up as you ride southeast, with a slight descent towards the first stop.

The route quickly takes you to Saint-Sauveur-de-Cruzières and then to Saint-André-de-Cruzières, where you pass the historic Église Saint-André. This Romanesque church is a beautiful example of local architecture and worth a visit for history enthusiasts. The narrow, quiet roads here are perfect for getting into a rhythm.

After Saint-André-de-Cruzières, you arrive in the picturesque village of Beaulieu, which is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The route remains relatively flat until Le Pouget, where the road gradually begins to rise towards the first serious climb of the day.

In Banne, you pass the impressive Château de Banne, a historic castle that towers above the village. From here, the climb to the Col de Pigère begins. The ascent is challenging, but the views of the surrounding hills and valleys are well worth the effort. Once at the top, you can enjoy the stunning view of the Cévennes.

After descending from the Col de Pigère, you cycle through Gagnières and then along the banks of the Ganière, a soothing river that forms the border between the Gard and the Ardèche. This part of the route offers beautiful views and is a perfect transition to the next climb.

In Robiac, you begin the climb to the Col de Trélis, a tough but beautiful ascent that takes you through the mountainous landscape of the region. Along the way, you pass the village of Rochessadoule, a small hamlet at the foot of the mountain. The climb is technically challenging but not excessively steep, allowing you to maintain a good pace.

After descending from the Col de Trélis, you continue through Le Martinet and Saint-Jean-de-Valériscle, two charming villages nestled in the valleys of the Gard. In Les Mages, you come onto flatter terrain, providing a welcome break after the efforts of the mountains.

The route continues through Saint-Victor-de-Malcap, where you ride past expansive fields and vineyards. Next, you cycle through Saint-Jean-de-Maruéjols-et-Avéjan, a village known for its medieval architecture and narrow streets.

The last kilometers are relatively quiet and flat, a nice way to let your legs rest after the day's efforts. You return to Saint-Privat-de-Champclos, where you can enjoy a well-deserved break and the satisfied feeling after a beautiful ride through this part of southern France.

Distance and Difficulty:

Total distance: Approximately 98 km

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, with challenging climbs such as the Col de Pigère and Col de Trélis.

Highlights of the route:

Église Saint-André de Saint-André-de-Cruzières: A beautiful Romanesque church in a typical French village.

Château de Banne: Historic castle with impressive views.

Col de Pigère and Col de Trélis: Tough but beautiful climbs that make the route a sporting challenge.

Gagnières and Ganière: Cycling along the soothing river with beautiful landscapes.

Conclusion:

This road bike route offers a beautiful mix of nature, culture, and sporting challenges. The course takes you through the picturesque landscape of the Gard and the Ardèche, with highlights including the climbs of the Col de Pigère and the Col de Trélis. This ride is ideal for cyclists who appreciate variety between rolling landscapes, challenging passes, and quiet villages.