Fraisse-sur-Agout - Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare

A great bicycle ride from Fraisse-sur-Agout to Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare and back on generally small and quiet roads over 7 passes and the top of l'Espinouse. The ride starts with an easy climb towards Murat-sur-Vèbre over a col with no name. From Murat-sur-Vèbre it follows a larger road with little traffic going up and down a little until le Col de la Croix de Mounis. In the col there is a splendid view on the valley of La Mare and the road ahead. From the col it goes down all the way to Saint Gervais-sur-Mare. Initially and until Le Péras this is on a broad road in very good shape. From Le Péras we take the smaller road via Castanet-le-Haut. Notice that from the Col de la Croix de Mounis one enters a region with an explicit Mediterranean look and feel to it. In Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare there are fine cafés and restaurants to rest, eat and drink. From Saint-Gervais-sur-Mare the route follows small roads to return to the top of l’Espinouse. On the way, 5 cols are to be climbed (Col de Pierre Plantée, Col de Madale, Col des Avels, Pas de la Lauze, Col de l’Ourtigas), however, they are easy to do and the scenery is splendid. Near and on the top of l'Espinouse the wind can be a bit of a problem. From the top the route goes down smoothly and steadily to Cambon. Next the col de Fontfroide is to be climbed. Again easy to do. From the col it goes downhill to Fraisse-sur-Agout.