Playground for athletes

My name is Jules, I'm 25 years old and I live in Montpellier. A cycling enthusiast for many years, I work in a bike shop in Pérols and I've started a cycling club in Montpellier with some friends: "La Nuit Noire Cycling". We love cycling in the Cévennes; it's a vast playground, especially for those who enjoy hills and narrow roads.

We often organize long rides (between 110 and 200 km) which are very rewarding for us. Most of the time, we stop in Ganges to find something to eat before heading back to Montpellier. My favorite spot is still the Col de la Lusette; it's challenging, but the view is magnificent. Last year, we organized a training camp in the Cévennes mountains, and we were able to explore new routes together. It was a fantastic weekend, and the sun was shining.

The Cirque de Navacelles is also a great place for cycling, with beautiful roads and plenty of elevation gain. For me, the Cévennes remain one of the best spots for cycling; between the diverse landscapes and the peaceful roads, it's an exceptional place for sports tourism. I also have a nice little mountain pass to recommend on the way up from Sumène called "Col du Lac." It's a steep and challenging road for those who love a climb. You ascend alongside flocks of sheep and enjoy a superb view of the Cévennes.

What I love about this region is the nature; you really get a breath of fresh air when you come here. Especially if you live in the city and come to the small mountains with their fir trees and typical Cévennes villages. I don't do any other physical activities, but this area is rich in options, such as hiking, canoeing in the Hérault gorges, or swimming in the river near Issensac.

Jules Foulongne, Cyclist

My name is Guillaume, I am 32 years old, and I am from Ganges. In my professional life, I am a rope access technician, which means that I work on buildings, cliffs, or all types of structures, suspended from a rope to carry out various tasks.

I've worked on the Eiffel Tower, roller coasters, and even on cliffs over 100 meters high, securing rock faces. I've been climbing for about ten years. I love this sport because it requires a certain agility and demands a high level of physical and mental commitment.

I also appreciate the "team spirit" because climbing requires a partner and embodies a beautiful philosophy of life: simplicity, closeness to nature, trust, pushing your limits, letting go, camaraderie, technical skill, and sharing. I love this sport because it allows you to gain perspective, both literally and figuratively. My favorite climbing spot is the Thaurac plateau. Easily accessible, suitable for all levels, and with excellent exposure, it boasts incredible views of the Cévennes mountains and Mont Aigoual, the Pic d'Anjeau, the Hérault Gorges, the Séranne massif, Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois, the Pic Saint-Loup, the Saint-Guilhem mountains, and even the Pyrenees on a clear day.

I particularly love this region for its natural beauty and the diversity of sporting activities it offers. I spent many years mountain biking, and then highlining for almost 10 years. I'm also passionate about caving. The area, predominantly limestone, is full of caves, some of them famous, like the Rabanel Abyss near Brissac.

We have an exceptional territory, so get out of your house, be curious and be amazed!

Guillaume Barrande, Rope Access Technician