At the heart of the Massif Central, Lozère provides its visitors with a total change of scenery.
Its four natural regions give it a surprising variety of wild and unspoiled landscapes, from the vast spruce forests of La Margeride to the Aubrac plateaus where one of the richest flora in Europe is hidden, via the Cévennes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The department has just obtained the Territoire Vélo label for its efforts in favor of cycle tourism.
A sesame of excellence due to the many marked trails that abound in the territory, like the eagerly awaited Cévennes Green Line built on a former historic railway.
Read also: La Lozère by bike: stunning pedaling in the heart of the Gorges du Tarn
The territory has also developed its rental offer.
Whether you are more into mountain biking, road or electric bike, there is something for everyone.
Through its large number of landscaped trails, the department offers the promise of beautiful contemplative and safe walks.
You still have to know where to venture!
We have selected two accessible routes where you can cycle smoothly with the family to enjoy these beautiful areas of Lozère.
Read also: Short guide to prepare for your first cycling adventure
The Lakes Route in Aubrac
Saint-Andéol lake.
Adobe Stock / IMAREVA
It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful roads in Lozère.
The Route des Lacs stretches for 17 km along the D52.
It starts from
the Bonnecombe pass
, which dominates at an altitude of 1340 meters and stops at the charming village of
Nasbinals
.
It is also nicknamed the Silver Route, in reference to the silvery reflections of the waters when the sun slips between the clouds and makes them sparkle.
We discover four lakes of glacial origin which culminate at more than 1000 meters of altitude.
The largest of them, the
Lac de Saint-Andéol
, covers 12 hectares.
Many legends hover over this expanse of dark water that has naturally developed over time in the remains of an ancient volcanic crater.
A huge granite cross dominates this place of pilgrimage.
The
Born lake
and 151 hectares are surrounded by pastures where cows graze in the summer.
You can see European otters and other protected species.
Continue your journey to land at
Lac de Souveyrols
, perched at an altitude of 1250 meters.
It is the smallest of the four.
It has the particularity of being surrounded by a carpet of sphagnum moss and various aquatic plants floating on the surface.
And the last one before arriving at Nasbinals, the dark and mysterious
Lac des Salhiens
.
Its outlet forms a stream that rushes a few hundred meters further from the top of a cliff, forming the
Déroc waterfall
.
Do not miss this impressive 30-meter waterfall that hides a cave formed by basalt prisms.
Obligatory break in one of the burons which dot the Aubrac plateaus.
You can taste the local specialty, aligot, in a warm atmosphere.
The Chassezac Gorges green lane
The fortified village of La Garde-Guérin.
Adobe Stock / Laure F
In 2015, the department created a greenway that allows you to explore some unmissable places.
This 7 km concrete path is located on a neglected part of the RD906.
It is located in the south of the territory, between
La Garde-Guérin
and the town of
Prévenchères
.
This plot is part of the legendary national cycle route, the Régordane.
Note that the second part is authorized for residents' vehicles because it serves the hamlet of Albespeyres.
But don't worry, the traffic is very low!
It is an easy course, with slight inclines.
Ideal for cycling with the whole family on a sunny afternoon.
At the start of the route, take the time to marvel at the breathtaking panorama of La Garde-Guérin.
This 12th century village, classified as the “most beautiful village in France”, is definitely worth a detour.
Put down the bicycles and tread the cobblestones of this historic fortified city.
From the tower, we contemplate without tiring the 360-degree view.
You have to stop at the Régordane counter which hides delicious local products and some artisanal creations.
You can also stop there at noon for a gourmet break while tasting a plate of local specialties.
The greenway also owes its special charm to
the Chassezac gorges
that it overlooks.
The magnificent views are surprising there.
Located between the Cévennes in the south and Margeride in the north, this rugged canyon has long earned the place the name of “the Devil's den”.
The road also takes us to the heart of the typical hamlet of
Albespeyres
.
On the way, we also contemplate the
lake of Rachas
and its limpid waters which marry wonderfully with the colors of the schist of the surrounding valleys.
