The Roof of the Cévennes (by mountain-bike)

Key facts

Distance: 22.7 km
Ascent: +847 m
Descent: −707 m
Estimated time: 3 hr; mtb
Difficulty: Difficult; official rating
Route: Loop; back to the start

Profile and gradient

under 10%
10 to 20%
over 20%

Surface and path types

Surface: Paved 30%
Dirt & gravel 70%
Path types: Track 70%
Road 30%

Description

At the Col de Salidès, there are 360° panoramic views of Mont Aigoual, the Cévennes and the Causses! The Tarnon valley is shaded by the old beech groves of Le Marquairès state forest. At the Col de Salidès, views open up onto the characteristic landscapes of the National Park. In the distance, flocks of sheep still graze on the limestone plateau of the Can de l'Hospitalet sitting on its schist platform. Mountain-bike route #14. From the village, take the D 907 for 4 km towards the Tunnel du Marquairès. Before the tunnel, fork right towards Le Marquairès forester's house and continue on the forestry track to Gaseiral. Take the road uphill to the Col de Salidès and there take the ridge track on your left to L'Hospitalet (GR 7). After about 3 km, take the track on the left that leads back to Rousses.

Difficulty

Official rating: difficult, by Parc national des Cévennes.

Before you go

No cycling off-track. You are strongly advised to wear a helmet. Do not forget your repair kit and a small set of tools. Please shut all gates and barriers after yourself. Slow down in farms and hamlets.

Getting there

Start: Rousses, Rousses (48).

Sources

Track: Parc national des Cévennes, Licence Ouverte 1.0, Licence Ouverte 1.0 (Etalab) (destination.cevennes-parcnational.fr/trek/38808-Le-toit-des-Cevennes---VTT-n14). 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: 847 m, Parc national des Cévennes