Day 9 Mende – Vallon Pont D’Arc 74 miles
Garmin file: https://connect.garmin.com/course/8759675 Elevation Gain – 1392m
Overview
Initially we start of on a hilly road out of Mende and then after Bagnols Les Bains we follow the Lot River towards its source along a meandering valley. A lovely winding and undulating road continues through woodlands with some stunning views. Further along the route descends down a fantastic winding valley for 15 miles and we will pass by the impressive Chateaux de Champ before arriving at our lovely picnic spot overlooking the Lake L’Altier. In the afternoon the scenery is stunning as we cycle through the limestone gorges of the area into the Ardeche. The final section into Vallon Pont D’Arc see us cycling past orchards and vineyards as the route flattens out.
Practical Notes
The road away from Mende is quite a fast road but there isn’t much traffic.
The road to Vallon and onto the hotel at the end of the day is busy. Please be aware.
You will pass through some tunnels today so will need your lights on your bikes.
The amber flashing lights at the tunnels mean proceed with caution.
From now until the end of the tour we will be using roads that don’t always have a barrier to stop you careering off the edge so please stay nice and controlled.
Map
Elevation Profile
Start Point
Outside the hotel at 8.45.
Lunch
By the L’Altier Lake at 34 miles or if the weather is bad then at Villefort at 35 miles.
Evening meal
At the hotel whenever you’re ready.
Route Notes
Miles Route
0 Facing away from the hotel go R up to the traffic lights, and at the t-lights go L down the road and over the bridge.
At the R-bout with the sculpture on it go straight over to Centre Ville.
As you approach the cathedral, keep R to Toutes Directions and Office de Tourisme, this is the ring road around Mende, stay on the ring road.
1.0 Opposite the Marie just under half way round the ring road keep a close eye out and fork R to Le Puy & Aubenas. Be careful not to miss this turn, shortly after you will pass the Hotel Lion d’Ors.
0.7 At the r-bout go straight over continuing along the N88.
3.6 Pass through the village of Badaroux.
5.5 Keep an eye out for a sign to Bagnols & Villefort on your R and turn R along the D901. This is a much quieter road. The road descends over a rail track. Stay on this road.
12.0 Pass through Bagnols-des-Bains. Follow the road through the village and continue over the bridge then follow the road round to the R continuing along the D901.
14.7 Continue through a tunnel which is about 100m long.
17.5 Continue through the village of Le Blaymard.
At about 20 miles you will have a fantastic winding descent for about 15 miles. You will pass the Chateau des Champs and drop down to the L’Altier Lake.
34.5 After lunch you will come to a r-bout. Go R here to Villefort 1.5 & Ales.
35.3 Pass through Villefort. There are some public toilets opposite Café Le National here.
There is a stiff climb away from Villefort.
35.8 At the r-bout go L (3rd exit) to Folcheran 15 & Les Vans 23 continuing along the D901.
After the climb the road descends for a long time and there can be oncoming traffic, potholes, partly deformed road (chaussee deformee) and some tight twists and turns. As ever please take care and don’t cycle beyond your limits.
49.8 Drop down to Les Vans and continue over a mini r-bout past lots of cafes. In the centre of town you will go past the large market square on your L.
At the end of the market square follow the road round to the L and continue to the D104A to Aubenas. There are a few nice places to buy ice cream in Les Vans.
Follow the road round past the market place then go round to the R and follow the road to a r-bout. At the r-bout take the 2nd exit along the D104A to Aubenas.
50.6 Further along you will come to another r-bout. Continue straight over to Aubenas along the D104A.
52.4 Turn off to the R to Casteljau 5 along the D252. There are some tight winding bends along this section with bumpy surface so please take extra care.
At about 55 miles the road flattens out at the bottom of the valley.
57.5 Follow the road round to the L.
58.4 Eventually you will come to a T-junction with the D104. Go L here to Aubenas 35.
This is a busier road than you have just been on so please be aware of traffic.
58.6 Come into Maison-Neuve and go R along the D208 to Labeaume 15.
60.0 Continue through the village of Chandolas.
61.5 Further on continue round to the R to Labeaume 10.
62.0 Turn R to Grospierres along the D246 over an interesting narrow bridge.
62.8 You will meet a junction at a main road. Go L to Roums and Vallon Pont D’Arc along the D111.
65.9 At the large r-bout go R to Vallon Pont D’Arc 7. This is a busy section of road with a lot of traffic so please take care here, try not to get flustered by the traffic, stake your claim on the road and don’t go too close to the stone walls on the side. Stay on this road to Vallon Pont D’Arc.
As you approach Vallon there is a cycle path. Continue over a number of small r-bouts to Vallon Pont D’Arc.
69.9 You will come to a r-bout where you can go straight over into Vallon or if you’re staying at The Belvedere Hotel then you will need to go R here to Barjac, St Remeze & Salvas along the D579. Stay on this busy road.
70.5 You will come to another r-bout – continue straight over.
70.9 At the 3rd R-bout keep straight on to St Martin D Ardeche 37 along the D290. Stay on this road for about 3 miles until you come to the Belvedere Hotel. You will go through a couple of tunnels and eventually see the Pont D’Arc on your R after the second tunnel. The hotel is a bit further along on your L.
73.8 Arrive at The Belvedere Hotel.
Hotel Le Belvedere
Route Ardeche Gorges, 07150 Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Ardeche
0033 0475881222