Through the Grands Causses : from Aumont Aubrac to St Guilhem le Desert
The Way of Saint Guilhem is a pedestrian itinerary that Cap Vélo proposes to you while taking small roads to discover the Aubrac, the Lozerian Causses classified with Unesco, the Cevennes and finally Saint Guilhem le Désert , the most beautiful villages of France. This cycling trip is ideal to do between friends or as a couple to connect with nature and escape the big cities. You will discover wide open spaces on the Aubrac Plateau , immense forests in the Cevennes , you will ride in spectacular Gorges on the Tarn , the Jonte or the Hérault and to end the stay in beauty you will visit the small streets of Saint Guilhem le Désert and its Abbey.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Languedoc
Duration : 7 Days / 6 Nights
Level :
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Arrival in Aumont Aubrac
Arrival transfer included from Montpellier to Aumont Aubrac and take the opportunity to visit the city and take to the open sea!
Accommodation : Accommodation - "Selected by Discover France"
Day 2 : Aumont to St Chely d'Aubrac
Distance 1 : 30 Miles - 49 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 730 Meters
Today, you will go to Saint Chely d'Aubrac located on the Aveyron side of the Aubrac plateau, in the heart of the Boralde valley . You will cross the Plateau de l'Aubrac through small typical villages such as La Chaze de Peyre and Sainte Colombe de Peyre where the magnificent Aubrac cows rub shoulders with broom and wild pansies! You will embark on the Col d'Aubrac to reach Nasbinals via Malbouzon where you will cross the vast natural spaces. The descent is regular until Saint Chély d'Aubrac!
Accommodation : Logis Hôtel Chez Camillou - "Aumont Aubrac"
Day 3 : Saint Chely d'Aubrac à La canourgue
Distance 1 : 32 Miles - 52 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 890 Meters
Leaving the road from Saint-Jacques to Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac, the Saint-Guilhem rises on the green Aubrac plateau with its infinite spaces. You go back up to Brameloup then small balcony roads to finally reach La Canourgue, a magnificent village that is nicknamed the Lozerian Venice. During this stage, think of having lunch because you will not meet any shops.
Accommodation : L'Estive d'Aubrac - "Saint-Chély d’Aubrac"
Day 4 : La canourgue to Meyrueis
Distance 1 : 37 Miles - 60 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 900 Meters
For this beautiful day, you will first climb on the Causse de Sauveterre, you will cross it and then you will dive towards the Gorges du Tarn. Drive along the Tarn to go around the Causse Méjean just above your head. At Le Rozier, you will enter the Gorges de la Jonte , admire this dreamlike landscape until Meyrueis, your arrival point for today.
Accommodation : Accommodation - "Selected by Discover France"
Day 5 : Meyrueis to Vigan
Distance 1 : 31 Miles - 50 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 1000 Meters
During this day, you will cross the Cevennes and its chestnut forests. You will climb up to the Col de la Serreyrède , for the more courageous you will be able to climb up to the summit of the Aigoual and thus observe a 360° view where you can see, on a clear day, the Alps, the Ventoux , the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. You will then descend via the Col de la Lusette, which is used by the Tour's riders in 2020. You will finally arrive at Le Vigan to rest after this tiring day.
Accommodation : Mas de la Prairie - "Le VIgan"
Day 6 : Le Vigan to St Guilhem
Distance 1 : 34 Miles - 54 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 760 Meters
To finish your magnificent stay, you will drive through small forest roads of the Cevennes to reach Montdardier, a small perched village. Then go down in the middle of the chestnut trees on a small road towards St Laurent de Minier to reach the Gorges de la Vis . Stop on the aqueduct to admire the magnificent Cascade de la Vis . You then take the road of the Gorges to reach Ganges and Brissac. The road will then take you to the Gorges de l'Hérault and to St Guilhem le Désert. St Guilhem is known to be one of the most beautiful villages in France! Take the opportunity to visit the Abbey of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert or the Clamouse Cave.
Accommodation : Le Guilhaume d'Orange - "St Guilhem le Desert"
Day 7 : Departure from Saint Guilhem le Désert
Today is departure day, you can take your time getting started in the morning, have breakfast and departure transfer included from Saint Guilhem le Desert to Montpellier.
Accommodation : Accommodation - "Selected by Discover France"
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : Pre-tour Night, 1, 4, 7
We can offer you categories of accommodation according to your budget. All accommodations include all the necessary comfort. Breakfast is included except on the day of your arrival.
Basic accommodations: You are accommodated on average of 2* hotels.
Standard accommodations: You are accommodated on average of 3* hotels.
Deluxe accommodations: You are accommodated on average of 4* hotels.
Day : 2
The hotel offers a breathtaking view of the Lozerian nature. The hotel is equipped with a swimming pool and a spa where you can spend a relaxing moment during your stay.
Day : 3
Located in the heart of the village of Aubrac, at an altitude of 1350m, the Estive d'Aubrac welcomes you all year round in a building with heritage value anchored in the history of Aubrac. Former presbytery then village school, l'Estive d'Aubrac is located right next to the church of the Domerie d'Aubrac (XIIth), classified as a Historic Monument, along the Way to Santiago de Compostela, GR65 - Puy-en-Velay way, World Heritage of Humanity - UNESCO and Great European Cultural Itinerary.
Day : 5
In the heart of the Cevennes, between sea and mountains, this old building entirely renovated invites you to discover a region with a very rich natural and historical heritage... Rooms offering calm and comfort (some with terraces, courtesy tray) and family rooms. Covered swimming pool, shaded terrace, garden, solarium, playground for children, closed and secure parking ... With a traditional, authentic and convivial kitchen, evolving at the rhythm of the seasons, based on local products.
Day : 6
Located 30 minutes Montpellier, on the road to Compostelle, hotel and village will enable visitors to discover the southern Romanesque art as well as exceptional nearby natural sites such as the "Clamouse" cave, the gorges of the "Herault" river, the "Infernet" cirque, and more. The hotel allows visitors to spend unforgettable vacations in a unique medieval village: Saint Guilhem le Desert which is a world heritage site by Unesco.
Bikes available for your tour |
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The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure. Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The SCOTT EA-SUB Active 10 make getting around easier. With comfortable geometry, and ePowered by Bosch with a 400wh battery, those bikes are the ideal touring bike and are ready to provide many kilometers with no worries.
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride. Included with your bike rental : -Helmet -Lock -Hand pump -2 spare tubes -Rear pannier -Toolkit -Tire levers -Patch kit -1 souvenir water bottle -Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Electric assist bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 10 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (130€) 
The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
Saddle Bag Containing:
Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (130€) |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.
Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
- Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your stuff during your ride.
- Included with your bike rental :
- Helmet
- Lock
- Hand pump
- 2 spare tubes
- Rear pannier
- Toolkit
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- 1 souvenir water bottle
- Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Accessories
INCLUDED
Roadbook for Discovery allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip: Stages, points of interest, itineraries with interactive guidance, travel documents.
All in offline mode, you download your file before leaving, then you have all the information necessary for your trip. (Phone not provided).
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Option 1: 30 Miles - 49 Km Elevation gain 1 : 730 Meters
Option 1: 32 Miles - 52 Km Elevation gain 1 : 890 Meters
Option 1: 37 Miles - 60 Km Elevation gain 1 : 900 Meters
Option 1: 31 Miles - 50 Km Elevation gain 1 : 1000 Meters
Option 1: 34 Miles - 54 Km Elevation gain 1 : 760 Meters
Included
- 6 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
Guidance Application (phone not provided)
- All luggage transfers
- Arrival transfer included from Montpellier to Aumont Aubrac
- Departure transfer included from Saint Guilhem le Desert to Montpellier
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
- Arrival in Aumont Aubrac by bus (you can take the train to Clérmont Ferrand and then a bus to Aumont Aubrac).
- Departure from Saint Guilhem le Désert on your own, taxi transfer to Montpellier are possible.
Please contact us if you want to organize a private transfer upon arrival / departure.
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Standard | 1440 € | 250 € | 2330 € |
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| Guidance Application | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 130 € |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 130 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Services available
| Services available | |
| Cancelation insurance | 6% |
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions