Museum Overview
Le Vigan - Mandagout - Col de la Lusette - L'Espérou - Aigoual - L'Espérou - Valleraugue - Le Vigan
Well known and feared by the runners of the region, the ascent of the summit of Mont Aigoual via the Col de la Lusette has everything to become legendary, especially since the passage of the 2020 Tour de France.
The road climbs gently from the start to the Col des Mourèzes (D170). After Mandagout, on the D329, and especially on the final switchbacks before Cap de Coste, you'll need to grit your teeth as the gradient reaches up to 15% before easing off again towards the Col de la Luzette. But in good weather, around a bend, the effort will be rewarded with a breathtaking view: beyond the Pic Saint-Loup, the entire Mediterranean coast unfolds.
From the Col de la Lusette, you can continue on to L'Espérou and begin the gentler climb to the Mont Aigoual observatory, the highest point in the Gard department, which reaches 1567 m. From up there, on a clear day, you can see across France, from the Alps to the Pyrenees (but always bring warm clothing when climbing Mont Aigoual). Food is available.
The return to Le Vigan can be made via Valleraugue or via the Col du Minier.
Electric bike charging station in the Observatory car park (bring your own cable)
