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Grande Traversée du Massif Central Gravel
Les Others 
Aloha Studio 
Aloha Studio 
Aloha Studio 
Aloha Studio 
Avallon
Agde
The "Grande Traversée du Massif central Gravel" offers a version of the mountain bike route suitable for gravel bikes. Based on the mountain bike route, it bypasses all the technical sections for an easier route. Ideal for gravel, or even loaded mountain bikes! Discover the Massif Central: the mountains and lakes of Morvan, the volcanoes of Auvergne, the Cévennes National Park, the immense plateaus of the Grands Causses, and then the beaches of the Mediterranean sea! A real adventure on paths, trails and unfrequented roads, to share with friends, family or solo! Here you'll find all the information you need to embark on this unforgettable adventure. Please note that bypasses are not signposted, so make sure you have a gpx track.
Gradients and elevation
Ascents: 21405m
Descents: 21627m
Lowest point: 0m
Highest point: 1560m
France's largest mountain bike itinerary now adapted for gravel riding
All you need to know about the Grande Traversée du Massif Central:
- 1430 km from the Morvan to the Mediterranean
- 5 natural parks crossed
- 30,000 meters of vertical ascent
- Numerous entry and exit points along the route
- A 100% gravel-compatible route
A less technical version of the MTB route
At the request of mountain bikers, a diagnosis of the gravel-accessibility of the MTB route was undertaken. Based on this data, variants have been proposed to get around all the technical difficulties of the route, while staying as close as possible to the MTB route in order to take advantage of the services available around it.
As the suggested bypasses are not signposted, we strongly advise you to have the GPX track on your GPS or mobile phone to help you find your way around and enjoy the scenery.
While technical difficulties are avoided, the gradient remains substantial. The GTMC Gravel is a sporty route, which everyone can complete at their own pace.
"Accueil Vélo" accommodation on Grande Traversée du Massif Central Gravel
237 Accueil Vélo accommodations await you on Grande Traversée du Massif Central Gravel!
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The 31 stages of Grande Traversée du Massif Central Gravel
1 Avallon / Quarré-les-Tombes
The Grande Traversée du Massif Central (GTMC) Gravel route begins at Avallon, at the northern end of the Parc du Morvan, in central Burgundy. Explore Avallon’s historic centre, then descend on your mountain bike, via steep terraced gardens, to follow the Cousin upstream, cycling along its wild, steep-sided valley. Continuing south through hedge-divided fields, you reach the Lac du Crescent, one of the six ‘great lakes’ of the Morvan Range. After the dam at L’Huis Raquin, enjoy a detour of under 5km (there and back) to admire the imposing Château de Chastellux, dating back to the 11th century. This stage offers a solid introduction to the granite range of the Morvan Hills!
2 Quarré-les-Tombes / Saulieu
Once you’ve taken a good look at the 112 stone sarcophagi scattered around Quarré-les-Tombes Church, the GTMC Gravel leads you along a section offering a string of spots with remarkable views. This stage provides the attractions of a hearty mountain-bike outing, plus the odd highlight along the way, such as the Forêt au Duc and the Benedictine Abbey of La Pierre qui Vire. The way is made all the prettier for being dotted with lakes of different sizes; in particular, you’ll cycle beside Saint-Agnan Lake, and the lakes by the Maison du Parc. The tracks through light woods offer very good sliding thrills… on a gravel !
3 Saulieu / Montsauche-les-Settons
At the start of this stage, you’re plunged back to the start of the 20th century, the gravel route following the former rail line that linked Saulieu to Corbigny via the slow Le Tacot train. Then enjoy a pleasant stretch dotted with hamlets set between patchworks of fields and small portions of hardwood forest. The route also takes you beside Chamboux Lake, the youngest of the Morvan’s great lakes. Stop to observe the many aquatic birds here, including kingfishers, crested grebes and grey herons. Get back on your bike to reach the edge of Settons Lake, cycling via an easy-rolling path, the highlight of this GTMC stage.
4 Montsauche-les-Settons / Anost
The natural scenery changes on this stage of the GTMC Gravel as you pick up altitude. All along the way, enjoy the lovely ‘windows’ onto the surrounding landscapes of the Morvan Central area, with its green hills. The route continues through pine forests, with Douglas firs and spruce growing alongside the inevitable Christmas trees! In the centre of Ouroux, just 150m from the church, don’t miss the viewing point belvedere. From here, admire the panorama across to the Morvan’s largest lake, the Lac de Pannecière Chaumard.
5 Anost / La Grande-Verrière
On this stage, cyclists follow in the footsteps of ‘galvachers’ – in the 19th century, these small-scale transport specialists crossed the Morvan Range and plains beyond on ox-drawn carts. In these parts, beautiful paths neatly crisscross the forests, where you’ll be struck by the extraordinary shapes of some of the trees. Cycle up the Haut Folin Massif, Burgundy’s crowning point, then the track to Glux-en-Glenne plunges you back down into lovely, atmospheric stretches. On the final portion, the descent via La Grande-Verrière is a delight, offering lovely views westwards in clear weather.
8 La Grande-Verrière / Toulon-sur-Arroux
This stage marks the end of the Morvan section of the GTMC. You leave behind the fairly elevated slopes of the Morvan Range to arrive in gentler, undulating countryside, the way running between green hedges. Do take the time to take in the landscapes, which have a hint of Tuscany about them. There are many places en route offering lovely views on this stage of the GTMC Gravel.
10 Toulon-sur-Arroux / Bourbon-Lancy
The GTMC Gravel here alternates between stretches on paths and on quiet country roads. There are many points from which you can admire the Bocage Bourbonnais, with its hedge-divided fields. Don’t miss the short detour by bike to the top of Mont Dardon, at an altitude of 506m – in very clear conditions, you may even spot the summit of the iconic Mont Blanc, a vast distance away! Take a refreshing break at Montperroux Lake, then head on to the Signal du Mont and its tower-cum-belvedere, 10m in height. Complete this stage with a long descent to Bourbon-Lancy, a thermal spa resort with a medieval heart, including the Quartier de l’Horloge, with its memorable belfry.
11 Bourbon-Lancy / Moulins
This GTMC Gravel stage between the towns of Bourbon-Lancy and Moulins takes you into the French county of Allier, former heartland of the powerful Bourbon family. Having crossed the mighty Loire, enjoy very easy riding through the Sologne Bourbonnaise area.
Here, the landscapes vary between hedge-divided fields, forests and a multitude of small lakes. A final stretch beside the Allier River, a major tributary of the Loire, takes you to the historic city of Moulins, capital of the Bourbonnais and historic headquarters of this northern section of the Auvergne Region.
Here, the landscapes vary between hedge-divided fields, forests and a multitude of small lakes. A final stretch beside the Allier River, a major tributary of the Loire, takes you to the historic city of Moulins, capital of the Bourbonnais and historic headquarters of this northern section of the Auvergne Region.
12 Moulins / Chantelle
This undulating GTMC Gravel stage presents cyclists with a variety of landscapes and atmospheres, plus you’re afforded the first staggering views of the Auvergne’s volcanic ranges. First, though, you cross Moladier Forest, then join the banks of the Allier.
Next, you ascend to plateaux planted with vineyards in the Saint-Pourçain wine-making area. Verneuil-en-Bourbonnais, a charming, characterful village, offers an ideal place to rest your studded tyres! Cross the steep-sided, refreshing Bouble Gorges to reach Chantelle and its abbey.
Next, you ascend to plateaux planted with vineyards in the Saint-Pourçain wine-making area. Verneuil-en-Bourbonnais, a charming, characterful village, offers an ideal place to rest your studded tyres! Cross the steep-sided, refreshing Bouble Gorges to reach Chantelle and its abbey.
13 Chantelle / Riom
Continuing along the GTMC Gravel from Chantelle to Riom, the volcanic range of the Chaîne des Puys stands temptingly in your line of vision. You quickly reach Charroux, a member of the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, with many craftspeople based here.
Then follow the Sioule River as far as Ebreuil, tackling a fairly hilly portion of route. The rest of this stage offers you more and more expansive views onto the volcanoes, captivating you all the way. Coming down to the flat Limagne agricultural plain, the views prove particularly wonderful, with the historic town of Riom and the iconic Puy de Dôme volcano looking splendid.
Then follow the Sioule River as far as Ebreuil, tackling a fairly hilly portion of route. The rest of this stage offers you more and more expansive views onto the volcanoes, captivating you all the way. Coming down to the flat Limagne agricultural plain, the views prove particularly wonderful, with the historic town of Riom and the iconic Puy de Dôme volcano looking splendid.
14 Riom / Clermont-Ferrand
Having crossed the village of Marsat, you enter a wonderful stretch of countryside. As you head up into the hills, enjoy the varied views, onto the Limagne Plain, Riom and Clermont-Ferrand, the last with its cathedral built from black volcanic stone and the test circuits for the Michelin tyre company famously based in the city. At Chateaugay, cellars line up, carved into the basalt rock, recalling the long wine-making past of this village. After you’ve scaled Le Bancillon Pass, dip down into the lively centre of the Auvergne’s historic and administrative capital, Clermont-Ferrand.
15 Clermont-Ferrand / Volvic
Historic Clermont-Ferrand was formerly the starting point for the original GTMC mountain bike route. From town, you head gradually up to the Chaîne des Puys Range, distinguished by its 80 volcanoes and dominated by the largest, the massively impressive Puy de Dôme. Admire the exceptionally varied landscapes below the Puy de Dôme, going from the 2,000-year-old city to sunny slopes planted with vines and fruit trees. This stage ends amidst chestnut woods and ancient volcanic flows, which have given rise to distinctive vegetation and architecture.
Cycling in these parts, your gaze will be irresistibly drawn to the volcanoes. The stage ends at the little town of Volvic, famed for its mineral water naturally filtered through volcanic rock.
Cycling in these parts, your gaze will be irresistibly drawn to the volcanoes. The stage ends at the little town of Volvic, famed for its mineral water naturally filtered through volcanic rock.
16 Volvic / Laschamps
This stage of the GTMC cycle route alternates between stretches on roads with motorized traffic and playful tracks leading you through a string of villages surrounded by utterly enchanting landscapes, and through the Chaîne des Puys volcanic range.
After the town of Volvic, you start along a stretch of road before you get down to the real cycling business, guided along very good tracks in the direction of the Puy de Chopine volcano.
Here, in the midst of the Chaîne des Puys volcanic range, the countryside is both magnificent and exceptional, with splendid views to admire.
After the town of Volvic, you start along a stretch of road before you get down to the real cycling business, guided along very good tracks in the direction of the Puy de Chopine volcano.
Here, in the midst of the Chaîne des Puys volcanic range, the countryside is both magnificent and exceptional, with splendid views to admire.
17 Laschamps / Murol
This GTMC stage guides you gradually into the Massif du Sancy, another magnificent mountain range. Pause to visit the imposing Basilique Notre-Dame-des-Fers, one of the old Auvergne Region’s most significant Romanesque churches. And plan to picnic beside Servières Lake before launching yourself into the vast pasturelands and higher mountain summer meadows that impart such a feeling of freedom as you cycle along. A pretty path through low woods leads to Pessade, a green resort in the heart of the countryside, a paradise for outdoor sports. You finish in style, arriving at Chambon Lake, which incites you to go swimming on fine days, enjoying the Massif du Sancy as sensational backdrop.
18 Murol / Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne
The views along this stage are magnificent, while the atmosphere changes dramatically along the way. After admiring the very beautiful medieval village of Besse, head on to the exceptional circular Pavin Lake, set in a volcano crater. Next comes Montcineyre Lake, a crescent-shaped volcanic lake. You’ve now entered the Cézallier area. Here, steep slopes are replaced by gentler, more rounded ones, the vast stretches of high summer pastures dotted with herds of cows. La Godivelle Nature Reserve preserves precious peat-bogs. Admire the Lacs d’En-Haut et d’En Bas before arriving at the hamlet of Jassy.
19 Saint-Alyre-ès-Montagne / Chalinargues
Leaving Jassy, the GTMC leads you up to the Col du Mont Chamaroux pass, then this pastoral track takes you to the summit of a plateau perched at 1,450m above sea level. From on high, admire the vast views of the Sancy Range and the volcanic French county of Cantal.
Relish the wonderfully long descent that ensues, lasting 6km! As you reach the end of the route through the Cézallier, you enter the département of Cantal. After Pradiers and Les Veyrines Waterfall, it’s Allanche next. Leaving that village, a slope takes you up to La Pinatelle Wood. Riding along broad forest tracks, you soon reach Chalinargues.
Relish the wonderfully long descent that ensues, lasting 6km! As you reach the end of the route through the Cézallier, you enter the département of Cantal. After Pradiers and Les Veyrines Waterfall, it’s Allanche next. Leaving that village, a slope takes you up to La Pinatelle Wood. Riding along broad forest tracks, you soon reach Chalinargues.
20 Chalinargues / Ruynes-en-Margeride
From Chalinargues, the GTMC route heads down to Neussargues, for a short stretch taking you along a singletrack that is quite technically demanding. Except for the Combe Robert and Le Sailhant slopes, crossing the Planèze area then proves fairly peaceful and comfortable, leading you up to the historic centre of Saint-Flour (awarded Ville et Pays d'Art et d'Histoire status, in recognition of its rich history). You come down from this Windy City, perched on its rocky promontory, to reach the lower town, cycling beside the Ander River for a time. Then continue through typical hedge-divided fields, past woods and meadows, to reach Ruynes-en-Margeride.
22 Ruynes-en-Margeride / Domaine du Sauvage
After Ruynes en Margeride, tackle the slopes up to Trailus. After that, you have to climb to the Col du Signal. The reward is a path along the crests that allows for more comfortable riding, leading you to the summit of Mont Mouchet (1,497m above sea level), renowned for its links with the French Resistance in World War II. You now enter the French county of Haute-Loire, descending to Paulhac en Margeride, in the next county of Lozère. The forest tracks cutting through these wooded, granite parts lead to the Domaine du Sauvage, a Knights Templar estate in medieval times and a significant stopping point on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.
23 Domaine du Sauvage / Baraque des Bouviers
Continue across the wider Margeride area riding through wooded parts, although you can enjoy, from certain stretches where you cycle across meadows, glimpses of the distant heights of the Devès, the Ardèche Plateau, the Cantal and the Aubrac.
Consider a detour to Sainte-Eulalie, with its Bison Reserve, by following the GTMC VTT mountain-biking course towards St-Chély-d'Apcher.
Consider a detour to Sainte-Eulalie, with its Bison Reserve, by following the GTMC VTT mountain-biking course towards St-Chély-d'Apcher.
26 Baraque des Bouviers / Bagnols-les-Bains
The GTMC Gravel leads you up to the Col des Trois Soeurs pass, after which you can enjoy the lovely descent to reach the little village of Le Giraldès, typical of the French county of Lozère. Next, you ascend to the Col du Cheval Mort and the Truc de Fortunio. The descent that follows takes you down to pretty Charpal Lake, at the end of the section through the Margeride area. Now you’re ready to explore your first Causse (or limestone plateau) along the GTMC, Montbel Causse. In fact, on this stage, you also set eyes on the Upper Lot Valley, finishing this portion at the little thermal resort of Bagnols-les-Bains, where a tired mountain biker might just indulge in a little pampering!
28 Bagnols-les-Bains / Le Pont-de-Montvert
Well-maintained tracks take riders on the GTMC cycle route up to the summits of the mighty Mont Lozère, surrounded by high summer pasturelands and copses of Scots pine. Next, enjoy magnificent views from a balcony of a stretch of track, the views at times opening up to the south, at other times to the north, looking back on the Margeride area you may well just recently have cycled through.
29 Le Pont-de-Montvert / Sainte-Enimie
This GTMC stage starts with a dramatic, narrow ascent, with views down on the Tarn Gorges. You’re heading up to one of the high Causses. But you branch off the GTMC VTT mountain-biking route to take the départementale, county road to reach the Col du Sapet, then you ride along wide forest tracks before rejoining the GTMC VTT.
30 Sainte-Enimie / L'Hom
Gravel bikers continue along the GTMC cycle route by riding along a main county road up to the Col de Coperlac pass, before continuing on to the Causse Méjean, the most elevated of the Causse plateaux, its highest point at 1,247m above sea level.
You cross several hamlets, and as the stage is relatively easy, you can make the most of the views, including some magnificent viewing points, both over the Causse and to the Massif de l'Aigoual mountain range.
You cross several hamlets, and as the stage is relatively easy, you can make the most of the views, including some magnificent viewing points, both over the Causse and to the Massif de l'Aigoual mountain range.
31 L'Hom / L'Esperou
The GTMC cycle route leaves the Causses behind as you enter the Massif de l'Aigoual mountain range. At the Col de Perjuret, marvel at the breath-taking views over the Jonte Gorges.
As to the summit of the Mont Aigoual, this is the high point of the whole route, in all senses! On really clear days, you can take in virtually a quarter of France, from the mighty Mont Blanc in the Alps to the Mont Canigou in the Pyrenees, with the Cantal Volcano somewhere inbetween! Plus, in really good weather, you can even spot the Mediterranean from up here, for the first time on the
GTMC route.
As to the summit of the Mont Aigoual, this is the high point of the whole route, in all senses! On really clear days, you can take in virtually a quarter of France, from the mighty Mont Blanc in the Alps to the Mont Canigou in the Pyrenees, with the Cantal Volcano somewhere inbetween! Plus, in really good weather, you can even spot the Mediterranean from up here, for the first time on the
GTMC route.
32 L'Esperou / Le Vigan
This GTMC en Gravel stage is quite a bit longer than the GTMC VTT mountain-biking stage. That’s because the terrain is extremely steep, so the Gravel route leads you along more suitable roads and tracks for your type of bike.
You’re now travelling through the département of the Gard and as you cross typical, well-maintained villages, you can enjoy gorgeous views over the Southern Cévennes. You pass close to the Lac des Pises, well worth a detour. This stage leads you mainly along wide tracks, but you may at times have to put a foot to the ground or even push your gravel bike. For the final stretch to the town of Le Vigan, you ride along a converted railway line, with a few tunnels to cycle through, some better lit than others.
You’re now travelling through the département of the Gard and as you cross typical, well-maintained villages, you can enjoy gorgeous views over the Southern Cévennes. You pass close to the Lac des Pises, well worth a detour. This stage leads you mainly along wide tracks, but you may at times have to put a foot to the ground or even push your gravel bike. For the final stretch to the town of Le Vigan, you ride along a converted railway line, with a few tunnels to cycle through, some better lit than others.
33 Le Vigan / Blandas
This beautiful stage is steep and challenging, guiding you through a mix of forests and the typical open landscapes of the Causses (limestone plateaux). It also takes you to a Grand Site de France, the Cirque de Navacelles, a staggering natural bowl of land formed by a meander, and the highlight on this stage. Additionally, the Blandas Belvederes, located at the heart of a protected natural zone covering 46 hectares, offer several different, stunning views down onto the Cirque de Navacelles and the Gorges de la Vis.
34 Blandas / La Couvertoirade
Linking Blandas, Vissec and Alzon, the Vis Valley was once an important way, in centuries past. Here, where three Causses meet – those of Blandas, Campestre and Le Larzac – take in their typical arid, rocky terrain. You enter the French county of Aveyron via the Col de la Barrière and the village of Sauclières with its cobbled streets known as calades. Following the GTMC, you climb up, via a former railway line, to the Larzac Plateau, at the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses, the landscapes here part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the Causses and Cévennes. Passing via the height of Le Puech du Bassel (at 916m), enjoy the 360° view on offer. Finally, you arrive at La Couvertoirade, once a Knights Templar, then a Knights Hospitaller stronghold, now a village that is part of the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France!
36 La Couvertoirade / Lunas
Leaving the Larzac behind, the GTMC takes you into the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut Languedoc. The village of Le Caylar en Larzac is full of surprises, surrounded by box bushes and ancient stone statues, with a remarkable sculpted tree too. The place serves as a good stopping point.
Consider visiting Labeil Cave before entering the mysterious L’Escandorgue Forest. A Buddhist temple and lovely views of the Haut Languedoc’s mountains mark the way before you plunge down into the Gravezon Valley, where you’ll discover Joncels Abbey. Lunas makes a refreshing stop, with its fine river and an outdoor leisure centre based around a pretty lake.
Consider visiting Labeil Cave before entering the mysterious L’Escandorgue Forest. A Buddhist temple and lovely views of the Haut Languedoc’s mountains mark the way before you plunge down into the Gravezon Valley, where you’ll discover Joncels Abbey. Lunas makes a refreshing stop, with its fine river and an outdoor leisure centre based around a pretty lake.
37 Lunas / Clermont-l'Hérault
After Lunas, the GTMC route leads you into clearly Mediterranean terrain. The hilly way here allows riders to make the most of some exceptional views, over the great expanses of the Haut Languedoc and then over the curious red earth around Le Salagou Lake.
Some of our favourite spots: Dio and its château; Carlencas Plateau; and, above all, Le Salagou Lake. The last is a perfect spot for mountain bikers. The lakeside offers beautiful, enjoyable singletracks plus many possibilities for going for a dip. Vineyards and olive groves complete the landscapes around here. Then you reach the town of Clermont l’Hérault, with its many facilities.
Some of our favourite spots: Dio and its château; Carlencas Plateau; and, above all, Le Salagou Lake. The last is a perfect spot for mountain bikers. The lakeside offers beautiful, enjoyable singletracks plus many possibilities for going for a dip. Vineyards and olive groves complete the landscapes around here. Then you reach the town of Clermont l’Hérault, with its many facilities.
38 Clermont-l'Hérault / Montagnac
On this last really sporty stage of the GTMC, you go slaloming along alternating tracks and paths taking you down the final southern slopes of the Massif Central. You then plunge into an ocean of vines as you ride to the lovely little town of Pézenas, closely linked to the great 17th-century French dramatist Molière. There are lovely views over to the Pic de Vissou, guardian hill at the centre of the French county of Hérault, plus panoramas across vine-covered plains to the Med, and even to the Pyrenees on clear days. What with the vines and olive trees, the lovely stone villages and the wineries, you really feel you’ve reached the South of France!
39 Montagnac / Agde
The final stage on the GTMC Gravel route offers some nice surprises. The first part of this stage is enjoyable as well as beautiful, taking you from Montagnac to Castelnau-de-Guers. You’ll ride along lovely paths, between pine woods and vines, with views to the Etang de Thau lagoon on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. The GTMC adopts part of a local route entitled "Terroir d’Art et de Nature de Montagnac", dotted with sculptures and statues. It’s then a very gentle ride along vineyard paths, quiet country roads, and cycle tracks. You can take your time now, taking in the vine-covered terrain and the ancient city of Agde, crossed by the Canal du Midi, before you join the Med along the only stretch of volcanic shoreline in the Languedoc.
