A guide to mountainbiking, cycling or walking the 700km GTMC, Grande Traversée du Massif Central, in southern France, from Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne to Montpellier and Sête on the Mediterranean. Official long-distance route split into 17 stages with maps for off-road and on-road routes, making it suitable for both expert and novice bikers.

Activities

Road cycling, mountainbiking, backpacking

Seasons

Spring and autumn recommended; summer can be very hot and the route could be very hazardous in winter conditions

Centres

Clermon-Ferrand, Saint-Etienne, Aurillac, Nimes, Montpellier

Difficulty

One of the most challenging mountain bike routes in France, but technical sections can be avoided by pushing a short distance or taking the on-road option

Must See

Auvergne; Puy de Sancy; Margeride; Mont Mouchet; Mont Lozère; Cévennes; Tarn Gorges; Mont Aigoual, Trèvezel Gorges

More Info on the GTMC