Vallées, châtaignes et volcans

300m section with 10% descent after Valgironne.

Short but hilly, this route connects villages and sites heavily influenced by volcanism and chestnut cultivation. Two scenic round-trip excursions invite you to extend the adventure to the hilltop villages of Thieure and Genestelle.

→ From the village square (Place de la Résistance): Go past the Maison Jean Ferrat and go down the street (Montée du Portail) to the crossroads.
Stay right and go past the grocery store to follow the road in front of you which will go down to the Dupont Bridge.

→ Dupont Bridge: the road climbs steadily towards Genestelle

→ Col de Genestelle (648m):
Left towards Genestelle for a short round trip to the village (500m) and return to the Col
On the right, you continue the route towards the Château de Craux

→ Château de Craux: Follow the road downhill [be careful, the gradient reaches 10% in some areas] and cross the hamlets of Rochegude and Valgironne to the Pont Neuf which spans La Volane.

→ Pont Neuf: Turn left onto the departmental road – drive for about 70m, then follow the small road which climbs to the right with several bends to Grange Sagnard.

→ Grange Sagnard:
Left towards Thieure for a return trip to the hamlet (one way: 3,5km)
The road passes through the hamlets of Le Fau, La Combe, and La Brugère, and continues to climb to the shoulder of Vernadel. A stop is a must to admire the panorama of the Volane Valley, the Craux volcano, and, in the distance, the Ardèche mountains. Continue along the flat road until you reach the crossroads of the Coulet cross. Turn left toward the hamlet, where you'll see the first houses. Pass the cemetery and go straight ahead to a square, at the end of which stands the hamlet's bread oven and a panoramic view of the Besorgues Valley.
Then return by the same route to reach the Grange Sagnard crossroads and follow the signs which will take you back to Antraigues.

In front of you, follow the road which will cross the hamlet of Cupiat then descend into the forest to the hamlet of Le Serret

→ Le Serret: The road descends to an intersection with the D254. Turn right to reach the place called Le Pont de l'Huile. Cross the bridge to the stop sign at the intersection with the D578.

→ Le Pont de l'Huile: Cross the RD578 to take the road almost opposite you which goes up to the village of Antraigues (Montée de la Croisette) – Possible stop on the way up for a view of the Espissard waterfall with an interpretation panel – the road continues to climb to the village square.

CODE OF GOOD CONDUCT
→ The route follows roads open to traffic. Although these are lightly trafficked, please respect the highway code.
→ Remember to bring the essential accessories for a good ride: helmets, repair kits, pump, anti-theft device. Be visible (vest or colorful clothing).
→ Respect other cyclists, pedestrians and motorists, and be attentive to agricultural machinery.
→ Take water, a snack or a picnic then take your rubbish back with you.

WHERE TO RENT / WHERE TO REPAIR
→ VAE rental:
• further to Aubenas:
Cycles, 52 route de Montélimar, 04 28 91 11 55
Cycles Moulin, 275 Chemin des vignettes, 04 75 94 87 55
Cycles AMC7, 43 av. de Bellande, 04 28 40 02 00

→ Repair:
• in Aubenas:
Cycles Moulin, 275 Chemin des vignettes, 04 75 94 87 55
Cycles AMC7, 43 av. de Bellande, 04 28 40 02 00