The Great Crossing of the Massif Central by mountain bike Part 2

You start with a relatively flat stage across the slopes of the Causse de Laubert, following the route of Tour de la Margeride, before a descent through the forest to reach Bagnols-les-Bains on a superb single-track path along the River Lot. Standing at the foot of Mont Lozère, this is an ideal place for a break, in the heart of the thermal spa town. Next, the route rises and heads along forest tracks towards the peaks of Mont Lozère. The climb is steady and the compensation is sublime: A beautiful panorama over the Cévennes National Park opens up in front of you.
If you start from Mende, in order to leave the town you will have a serious climb along a main road to reach the slopes on the plateau.
Night at Mont Lozère in a ‘gite’ or in a double room, according to the option you have selected.

On the menu today: a lot of descents! From the Mont Lozère ski-station, the route takes you towards the Col de Finiels, before starting its descent into the magnificent landscapes of the Causses des Cévennes, towards the very pretty village of Pont de Montvert where a refreshing break on the banks of the River Tarn awaits you. Next, you cross over the legendary Route of Stevenson. Via a road, you climb back up to the Bougès Forest. From Grizac and back down to the River Tarn, 6 kilometres of beautiful descents await you. Staying in the forest, the route climbs once more before offering you a final, long descent to Bédouès and then Florac, where you can visit the headquarters of the Cévennes National Park. 
Night in Florac in a ‘gite’ or in a double room, depending on the option you have selected.

During this stage you ride through the magnificent and wild gorges of the Tarn. Along the way you will ride on the waterfront, some single-track sections and paths offering superb panoramas as you cross through numerous charming hamlets. You then arrive in Sainte-Enimie, one of the most beautiful villages in France and, once you have passed the very beautiful Cirque de St-Chély, the route starts to rise. 
An airy, single-track path takes you all the way up to the Col de Coperlac, followed by the Mas-St-Ceély: you are now on the Causse Méjean ! At almost 1000m of altitude, you cross some beautiful slopes to reach Nivoliers, a charming village, typical of the Causse. 
Night in Nivoliers in a ‘gite’ or in a double room, according to the option you have selected.

Following the GR60, the day’s stage continues to cross the Causse Méjean over the steppes, before leaving it behind to head towards Mont Aigoual. After a little effort on a single-track path in the heart of the forest, you will reach the Mont. Take in the spectacular view from the summit at 1565m before descending through the forest to reach the hamlet of L’Espérou. 
Night in L’Espérou in a ‘gite’ or in a double room, depending on the option you have selected.

The first is gentler, less technical and physical than the second option. This final stage offers several magnificent, and sometimes technical, single-track paths. Possibility to shorten the stage at the 52nd kilometre.

1. From L’Espérou to Navacelles via Alzon: 53km + 630m -1510m
Today you follow a track outside of the GTMC, through the beautiful state forest of Aigoual. Take a moment at the high-altitude Lac des Pises, at 1255m. Then, along lovely forest tracks, you will discover superb viewpoints over the Cévennes and Pic Saint Loup.
After a long and playful descent, you have 10km along a pleasant road (no other option) to arrive in a small village, from where you take a pretty single track for 8km to reach the magnificent site of Navacelles.

2. From l’Espérou to Navacelles via Montdardier : 66km + 1400m - 2275m
Starting from the Col du Minier (Miner’s Pass) and passing through the forest, you take on a beautiful and technical descent to reach Salagoose.
And then, another 10km of downhill and fun single-tracks to arrive in Bréau, before climbing again towards L’Esparon. From here, it is another pretty and engaging single-track to reach the Vallée du Vigan, a lovely village in the Cévennes. Next, another 7km along a small road to reach the Causse de Blandas and the history-filled village of Montdardier. 
Arriving above the Cirque de Navacelles, you will take on a magnificent balcony single-track, between the cliff and the forest, climbing and descending. 
Finally, you arrive in a small village from where you set off once more on a very nice single track for the final 8km to reach the beautiful site of Navacelles.