Key facts

Distance: 20.0 km
Ascent: +260 m
Descent: −1,005 m
Estimated time: 1 hr 45; mtb
Difficulty: Difficult; official rating
Route: Point to point; ends elsewhere

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Surface and path types

Surface: Paved 44%
Dirt & gravel 55%
Unknown 1%
Path types: Trail 31%
Track 56%
Road 12%
Off-network 1%

Description

One of the emblematic descents of the area, which presents no particular difficulty except for speed management. The contrast between the summit of Mont Aigoual and the “southern” bustle of Meyrueis is always striking… Signposts will guide you all along this route. In the description below, the signposted place names and/or directions are given in bold italics between quotation marks: From "L'observatoire" go to: - "Le Sommet de l'Aigoual", head down to the left on the GR® 6-7-66 trail towards “le Pontet” via - "La Source", then - At "Le Pontet" turn left and follow “Station de Prat Peyrot” via - "La Baraquette", - "La Sapinière", - "Balcons de l'Aigoual", - At "Station de Prat Peyrot" take the GR® 6 towards “Col de la Caumette” via - "Les Fayards",then - At "Col de la Caumette" continue on the track, , make sure you take the turn-off on the left onto the former escape lane, to reach - “La Croix de Fer”. Stay on the ridge until you reach “La Pierre Plantée” via - "Goulet". - At “La Pierre Plantée”, start the descent towards “Meyrueis” via - “Bout de côte” cross the road and continue on the track (the GR® 6) via - "Roquedols". Go to - "Béthuzon", reach the D 986, take the path on the other side and continue to - “Meyrueis”. This circuit is taken from the guidebook Massif de l’Aigoual, published by the communauté de communes Causses Aigoual Cévennes as part of the collection Espaces naturels gardois and the label Gard Pleine Nature.Nature.

Difficulty

Official rating: difficult, by Parc national des Cévennes.

Before you go

NB: The starting point and arrival are not in the same place. Make sure you organise return transport for yourself. Before committing yourself to a circuit, ensure that it is suitable for your activity level and ability. You must wear a helmet. Protective equipment is recommended. Respect other road users and stay in control of your speed and trajectory. NB: The circuit is also used by horse riders. Make sure your equipment is appropriate for the day’s weather conditions. Remember that the weather changes quickly in the mountains. Take enough water. Please close all gates and barriers behind you. No off-roading.
Caution: patous (livestock guard dogs) on Mont Aigoual! Seek advice on how to behave near these dogs from tourist offices and National Park information centres!

Getting there

Start: Sommet de l’Aigoual, Val-d'Aigoual (30).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Cévennes, Licence Ouverte 1.0, Licence Ouverte 1.0 (Etalab) (destination.cevennes-parcnational.fr/trek/42485-Descente-de-Meyrueis---VTT-n11). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
Surface and path types: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL, extract of 28 October 2026, matched to the track every 10 m (openstreetmap.org/copyright)
Official elevation gain: 260 m, Parc national des Cévennes

MTB 11 - Descent to Meyrueis, graded red