Accueil » Le Caillé Doux de Saint-Félicien : 60km +1300m

Le Caillé Doux de Saint-Félicien : 60km +1300m

by Kim Gintrand
Le Caillé Doux de Saint Félicien itinéraire gravel

Photo credit : @lestudiocoton 

Start/Finish

Saint Félicien

Distance

60km

Elevation gain

+1300m

Duration

4h00-5h00

Best seasons

spring/summer

Difficulty

3/5*

Physical & technical

From Saint-Félicien, embark on a 60km gravel adventure that will immerse you in the Ardèche countryside!

This route requires good physical condition and technical skills. The elevation gain is gradual and manageable. You will start climbing from Saint-Félicien, on a mix of trails and roads, to reach the hilltop village of Pailharès. Then, head towards Lalouvesc! If you’ve done the Ardèche Gravel before, this might bring back memories 😉 You can’t miss the Basilica in the village center, and there’s also a great creperie called “Le Café du Lac”

Le Caillé Doux de Saint Félicien itinéraire gravel
Le Caillé Doux de Saint Félicien itinéraire gravel
basilique lalouvesc Le Caillé Doux de Saint Félicien itinéraire gravel
Le Caillé Doux de Saint Félicien itinéraire gravel

Photo credit : @lestudiocoton 

After this little loop through Lalouvesc, you will descend on a beautiful road, watch out for traffic during summer. You will then take a right on to reach the Sardier ridges. A wide forest track awaits you, climbing with beautiful clear views and a high point with views of the Auvergne volcanic peaks and the Alps. This was definitely one of my favorite part of the ride!

Le Caillé Doux de Saint Félicien itinéraire gravel road
Le Caillé Doux de Saint Félicien itinéraire gravel
Le Caillé Doux de Saint Félicien itinéraire gravel
Le Caillé Doux de Saint Félicien itinéraire gravel

Photo credit : @lestudiocoton 

From Nozières, the route remains hilly, with less elevation gain. You will then return to your starting point, Saint-Félicien. Don’t miss tasting the local cheese: Le Caillé Doux de Saint-Félicien! (Not Saint-Félicien cheese, which is not native to the village of Saint-Félicien).

For more information –> Office du Tourisme Ardèche Hermitage 

Map & GPX

tested

My Equipments

For this itinerary

Bike

COMMENCAL - 365 RACE FROZEN BROWN


 
Wheels

CORIMA - ESSENTIA 40


 
Saddle

FIZIK - VENTO ARGO R3 adaptative


 
Tires

HUTCHINSON - TOUAREG 700x45 - Tubeless ready - Hardskin


 
Shoes

FIZIK - VENTO PROXY - Coral / Purple


 
Clothes

ASSOS

Sunglasses

OAKLEY - Sutro Lite Sweep


 
Pedals

LOOK - X-TRACK POWER DUAL


 
Near the itinerary
Best Addresses

(*tested)

RESTAURANTS

Tain l'Hermitage

Brasserie le Quai*

local cuisine

Lalouvesc

Café du Lac*

crêperie, bar, café

Saint-Donat-sur-Herbasse

Bakerie Rachel et Frederique Bouvier*

Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid

Boulangerie La Chanterelle*

ACTIVITIES

Tain l'Hermitage

La Cité du Chocolat Valrhona*

Charmes-sur-l'Herbasse

Châteaux de Charmes

Free visit, mystery trail, collection of furniture and art objects, and many other things to discover!

Saint-Jean-de-Muzols

Train of Ardèche*

Get aboard a steam locomotive to explore the region along the Gorges du Doux.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Tain l'Hermitage

Hôtel Les Deux Côteaux*

3-star hotel located in the city center with a view of the Rhône.

Saint-Donat-sur-l'Herbasse

Les Cabanes des Collines*

A night in a treehouse cabin perched in the trees

Arlebosc

Camping du Viaduc*

45 spots including 26 unusual rentals: tipis, cabins, yurts, Finnish Kotas,...

Culinary Specialties / Local Products

  • Le Caillé Doux de St Félicien - goat chesse
  • La Pogne - Orange Blossom Brioche
  • La Caillette Ardéchoise - Pork and Spinach 
  • Les Ravioles - Small squares of pasta filled, most often with Comté cheese
  • La Châtaigne 
  • Le Chocolat Valrhona - la Cité du Chocolat
  • La Truffe Noire
  • L'abricot
  • The Wines with 3 Appellations:
    • l'Hermitage
    • Le Crozes Hermitage 
    • Le Saint Joseph

EVENTS

Saint-Jean-de-Muzols

Trail Muzolais

March - 16km et 25km + Hiking Trails and Kids' Races

Tournon-sur-Rhône

L'Ardèche Gravel

April - gravel bikepacking, ultra et discovery

Tournon-sur-Rhône

Le Raid des Tours

April - 3 MTB routes : 28km, 41km, 51km & 2 gravel routes : 45km et 55km 

Tournon-sur-Rhône

Trail du Sou de Tournon

May- 13km et 18km

Tain l'Hermitage

Duo de l’Hermitage

18 & 19 Mai - 10km, 15km, 42km, 25km, 14km.

Saint-Donat-sur-l'Herbasse

Le Champos Festilac trail

8 & 9 Juin - 7km, 16km, 30km, 59km + kid's trail races, orientation races, 2 walking trails

St Félicien

L'Ardéchoise

12 au 15 Juin - gravel : 48km, 68km, 95km. 

Colombier le Vieux

Le X Kern trail

Décembre - Le Trail des Gorges de La Daronne. 7km, 15km, 24km et 50km.

Barthenay

La Bathernight

Décembre - Trail nocturne :25km, 6,5km et 13,5km,

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Destinations Gravel is much more than just a guide for gravel routes and recommendations for restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, and local businesses; it embodies the richness of our territories and opens the doors to unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning your next trip, a weekend getaway, or simply a ride near your home, Destinations Gravel will inspire you.

 

In addition to being a dedicated source of information for gravel cycling in France and for a few escapes around the world, the guide allows you to discover various aspects of the territories, along with sports-friendly recipes and expert advice on equipment. With captivating content, it takes you on a journey with the commitment to responsible cycling.

 

More than an anonymous reference guide, the routes in Destinations Gravel are tested by @gravel_kim to assist you in choosing your gravel explorations.

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