ACT France track
ACT France is quite possibly the perfect gateway into the world of ACT. For the new adventure rider who’s grasped the fundamentals of adventure riding and found reliable competence this is a 970km route that will delight. In fact riders of all abilities will be awed by the incredible and ever-changing scenery in this East-West traverse of the back country of southern France
Starting among the staggering cliffs and headlands of the Vercours Massif and ending five days later facing the towering rock barrier that is the Pirineos, this is a route that changes by the day as the land and man’s place upon it constantly transforms. In the mountains there’s forestry and grazing, in the valleys crops and vineyards, but it’s never the same twice as the soil and rock strata change. Sometimes the trail is a sandy yellow, then a gritty red, turning to a rocky black. While all along the route you witness the toil of man, through agriculture, through architecture, through the centuries all the way back to prehistory.
The ratio of road to off-road is a modest 41%, but this will not be your impression as the trails – as they so often do with ACTs – wind their way into the remote high country, so they take time and, again in the ACT tradition, they’re connected by the quietest and most scenic country roads in the region. This is central Europe and within a couple of hours ride in any direction you’ll find modern metropolises, but ACT France succeeds in taking you on a journey into a quieter, older France. One you’ll fall in love with.
PORCENTAJE TODOTERRENO
PORCENTAJE DE SENTIMIENTOS FUERA DE CARRETERA- por tiempo dedicado y sensación
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NIVEL DE ESPECIALIZACIÓN
easy / medium
LONGITUD
970 km
TIPO DE PISTA
Asfalto, Grava, Rocas, barro
DURACIÓN RECOMENDADA
5 días
ALOJAMIENTO
Camping, B&B y pequeños hoteles
IDIOMA
French
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Camiseta de equitación ACT France
39,99 €IVA incl.
más Gastos de envío
Plazo de entrega: 5-6 días laborables
Seleccionar opciones Este producto tiene múltiples variantes. Las opciones se pueden elegir en la página de producto -
Camiseta ACT Francia
59,99 €IVA incl.
más Gastos de envío
Plazo de entrega: 3-4 días
Seleccionar opciones Este producto tiene múltiples variantes. Las opciones se pueden elegir en la página de producto
DÍA 1
La Riviere
Start
Aubenas
FIN
226 km
Longitud
easy
Dificultad
Day 1 starts in a small square in front of the Church of Saint-Joseph-de-Rivière, built in 1860.
La Rivière is a small quiet commune so it essential that ACT riders respect the residents by riding in and out quietly and slowly, and keep voices low as this is very peaceable village.
The route immediately climbs into Vercours Massif, riding through a forest, past waterfalls and ponds before reaching a col, on a short section of gravel, with views into the inner realm of this scenic regional natural park. For much of the day you will be riding on tarmac, but often it’s the most serpentine you can imagine, snaking up and down the mountains with commanding views over spectacular countryside, on roads often cut into – and through – the mountains.
At the village of Pontaix, at half distance, you will ride through its ancient narrow streets to reach the prize trail section of the day. Again, this is a quiet community and the narrow streets walled by tall old buildings will reverberate to the noise of a loud exhaust, so ride quietly, slowly, with engine revs low. When you reach the trail you will find a short sequence of switchback turns as you climb. The turns are over rock, but it is mostly grippy. Tackle these with wide arcing turns with modest momentum and they should be overcome fairly easily, but pay attention. Afterwards the track follows a two-track through scrub and over soft soil which can puddle and become slippery when wet, but it is on the level and can be negotiated at walking pace.
Once the track descends to valley floor of the River Drôme it’s a road ride (hopefully) into the afternoon sun toward Loriol-sur-Drôme, with deviations to take in gravel trails alongside the river among fields on the flood plain. Later, after riding through Privas, just before reaching the destination of Aubenas, there are two trail loops into the hills, the first on degraded seal, the second on gravel – take the first for the views, the second for a last bit of trail practice ready for what Day 2 will bring!
Aubenas is a big town and you’ll have no problems finding all you need including accommodation.
Hotel y comida
Domaine de Charmeil
154 Impasse de la Grande Grange, 38210 Saint-Quentin-sur-Isére
Hotel St. Jean, Vals-les-Bains
112bis, rue jean Jaures, Vals-les-Bains 07600 FR
DÍA 2
Aubenas
COMENZAR
Sévérac-le-Château
FIN
177 km
Longitud
easy / medium
Dificultad
Leaving Aubenas we are heading west on a journey...
… that will take us into the southern reaches of the Ardéche and then into the Cévennes. The road leaving Aubenas will gradually get smaller and smaller, until at a wood beside a stream it degrades to severely broken tarmac, weaving left and right up and down through the wood until almost unexpectedly delivering you onto a vast valley and smooth twisting tarmac of race track quality.
After the village of Luc, we take a smaller sealed road, bumpy and erratic, leading to a pair of trail sections through forestry, before resuming our westward trace to Châteauneuf-de-Randon where it’s a good idea to refuel, bike and rider. Shortly after here we’re onto a long section of track, an enjoyable romp over packed sand through a pine forest, arresting at Lac de Charpal, a nice spot for a picnic just as the ACT film crew enjoyed.
The afternoon ride will be a delight of road and trail as the route passes through the farm lands and rolling hills of the Cévennes. It’s a story of pastoral enchantment, with trails that flow with the contours, mostly easy, but do maintain your vigilance as some climbs and descents require a little more attention. Take it easy on the descents, allow a little more momentum on the climbs. Here the route passes many times through villages, and close to farm houses and country dwellings – again be considerate and discreet, ride slow and quiet wherever you see homes.
The day’s climax is Point Sublime, a lookout over the Gorges du Verdon – Europe’s Grand Canyon. From here it’s a short ride to the day’s finish at the hill-top chateau at Sévérac. The village is well provisioned with fuel stations, supermarkets, restaurants and hotels.
Hotel y comida
Sev´Hotel
70 Av. de Paris, 12150 Severac d`Aveyron
DÍA 3
Sévérac-le-Château
COMENZAR
Saint Pons de Thomiers
FIN
230 km
Longitud
Moderado
Dificultad
Day 3 starts with a ride into the hills on a narrow country lane that eventually leads...
…to a stunningly gentle native forest track that descends to a river and then follows the river to the village of Verrières. We turn west just before the village and head back up into the hills to start a succession of tracks that will eventually take us around to see the magnificent ‘road in the sky’ at Millau.
After passing through the village of Castelmus you will ride a trail that will run the ridgeline of a hill that will not only give 360º views but also show you a fine view of the Millau Viaduct. Here you must, as always, stick strictly to the track, for there are areas of prehistoric significance in the fields around, ranging from megalithic burial chambers to dinosaur footprints. As well, as Mirko Nagler will attest, there are rocks hidden in the grasses on the edge of the track, so stay away from the edges and keep your toes in! The descent from the ridge is rocky and sometimes steepish – it is not extreme, but do exercise caution.
What follows is a fantastic road ride with much to see. Firstly the ancient and beautiful village of Comprégnac on the banks of the Tarn, more than worthy of a stop and investigation. Of course it’s overshadowed, almost literally, by the 2.4km long and 343m tall Viaduc de Millau. You’ll pass under it multiple times and as you climb the far side of the valley you’ll be rewarded with yet more views. There’s a visitor centre too, if you need more!
The tracks keep coming and the next extraordinary experience will be riding the line of the old Tournemire-Le Vigan railway, through cuttings and along embankments. More tracks take us into the red soils and vineyards of the Haut-Languedoc and eventually down to Lac du Salagou where an unusual and fun single track awaits to finish off a busy day on the trails. Only the day isn’t over as there’s a scenic ride along the D908, tracing the bends of Le Jaur (river), all the way to Saint Pons de Thomiers (on this stretch keen eyes will spot the garden of old decaying motorcycles – a breaker’s yard? – alongside the road). In Saint Pons de Thomiers you will find a comfortable town centre square and car park finish with bars and restaurants within arm’s reach(!), all the better to celebrate a long day’s ride.
Hotel y comida
Gites du Pont de Camel
Pont de calmel, Rieussec, 34220 FR
DÍA 4
Saint Pons de Thomiers
COMENZAR
Saint Paul de Fenouillet
FIN
212 km
Longitud
easy
Dificultad
Day 4 starts with a scenic ride up the Montagne Noire. Part sealed, part track, the ride...
…is easy, passing through yet more forestry. Given a clear day the view from the top (where you’ll find an impressive rocket-like transmission tower) stretches far in every direction, to the Mediterranean and to the Pyrenees, and gives you a sneak preview of what’s tome come over the next day and a half. The Tour De France climbed up here in 2018 so be ready to see many cyclists slogging their way up or flying down the slopes emulating their heroes.
There follows a lengthy road section as the ACT seeks to cross the lowlands and pass by the city of Carcassonne before heading out again into wilder country. Do refuel in Carcassonne, even if on half a tank, as fuel stations are very few for the rest of the day.
The afternoon offers a great succession of trails, some on high scrublands, some threading through vineyards in the valleys. The most beautiful, just after Lagrasse, that led into stunning native forest was hit by wildfire in 2025 and temporarily closed. It should reopen for 2026 and hopefully the old forest wasn’t totally destroyed – we shall find out.
Nearing the end of the day you will see quite clearly on a hillside the remains of a 12th century castle, this is Château d’Aguilar. The ACT track loops around this to give you a closer view – you can walk the final meters up to it. However, the track here is steep and may be eroded by storm damage, so approach with caution knowing that good momentum is needed to make a successful climb (see the ACT France film). If you are at all in doubt of your skills it’s very easy to bypass by staying on the D611.
The end of the day is worth waiting for – the awe-inspiring Gorges du Galamus. Here your senses will be bombarded, all you’ll be asking yourself: which is the most inspiring, the deep canyon, or the road that leads through, or the 7th century monastery carved into the rock face?
From here it’s a short ride to the end of the day’s track at Saint Paul de Fenouillet. You’ll find a fuel station on the D117 leading west out of the village. There’s not much tourism here outside of the summer season, so book your accommodation ahead and more importantly your restaurant – as many close early!
Hotel y comida
Logis Hostellerie du grand du hotel restaurant,
2, Route de Boucheville, 11140 Gincla
DÍA 5
Saint Paul de Fenouillet
COMENZAR
Col de la Descarga
FIN
125 km
Longitud
easy / medium
Dificultad
The last day looks short, and in terms of kilometers it is.
But it still takes time and the views on the tracks on this final day are so impressive you’ll spend much time stopped just soaking it all in.
The day starts with a stunning road ride into a quiet valley, before climbing the slopes and reaching the first track. We called this the ‘black run’, given the dark rocky surface. It is mostly easy in nature, but beware there is one section of descent that steepens over loose stone with some gulley-type erosion. It is rideable and not extreme, but does require attention and sound technique, take it gently, looking ahead to plot the easiest path.
The ‘white track’ that follows is another standout, riding through meadows of the most aromatic plants, and upon reaching its high most point you will enjoy a stunning view of the eastern flanks of the Pyrenees, and with peaks rising beyond 3000 metres it is total majesty.
The day ends with yet another amazing road that ascends a steep valley, with canyons, switchback turns, and mountain villages precariously perched on rocky outcrops. Finally at Col De Palomera (1036m) you will reach the last track of this ACT. The track is a popular one and you will find hikers, cyclists and 4x4s sharing the track, so ride considerately and quietly. There is also the occasional waterfall where it can be reviving to cool down on a hot afternoon. At the high point of this track, before turning for the finish at Col de la Descarga, you will find vast views across the Mediterranean.
The finish comes at the trail head at Col de la Descarga. The most logical exit from this point is down the mountain road down to Arles. If you’re of a historical bent you may like to finish your ride with a visit to the Sainte-Marie Abbey with its impressive 14th century cloisters (colonnade). From here, for those who haven’t had enough ACT, it’s just a two hour ride to the start of ACT Pyrenees at Cap de Creus – now there’s an idea…!
Hotel y comida
we do not have recommendations here, as the final finish might be towards ACT Pyrenees or back home.
