Grands Causses

Discover the gravel riding heaven that it is Les Grands Causses regional park with us, all from our Base Camp in Millau. Perfect for seeing for yourself what gravel riding is all about (its not just gravel tracks !) and explore this beautiful area of France.

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Join a group of 8 to 12 people to live a unique experience. Bring your bike or rent ours (extra charge). Electric gravel bikes available too.

Don't have a gravel bike yet or don't want to travel with one? You can rent one directly from us:

180 euros for a muscular gravel bike
240 euros for an electric gravel bike

Possibility to privatise the group from 8 people - contact us for more information.

Download our catalogue HERE to know all our offers

By booking with us, you also do good for our planet!

A program 100% created by Gravel Up

Go on a Gravel bike adventure in the heart of the Grands Causses Natural Park, in the footsteps of the Templars.

During an extended weekend, we welcome you in Aveyron, in Millau to be exact, crossroads of the Black Causses, Larzac, Méjean and other Rougiers of Camarès.

Come and discover these great spaces reminding us of the most beautiful American Midwest national parks.

A first ride as soon as you arrive will allow you to familiarize yourself with your new "gravel" companion in the presence of the guide and his wise advice. Origine cycles gravel bikes are made in France and perfectly adapted to the terrain that awaits you during these 3 days.

You will start this adventure by the mythical Causse du Larzac and its sheep farms ! Meadows as far as the eye can see, a harsh climate sometimes but above all a feeling of total freedom. Our hosts will have in heart to make you discover the history, the culture and the gastronomy of which they are so proud...

You will finally follow the valley of the Tarn to tackle the Causse Noir and its typical forests. The hardest part is to get there, but once you reach the plateau, you will be guided on the forest tracks and other gravel roads. To accompany you in this long journey, your guide but also innkeepers and other local craftsmen will be very proud to make you discover their region.

Let yourself go by taking advantage of moments of well-being - yoga, meditation, relaxation - allowing you to disconnect, better reconnect and make the most of this unique experience in a splendid setting.

Experience the warmth of Aveyron and the sense of welcome during this human adventure off the beaten track!

This is included

At the camp

Return transfer from Montpellier train station
All food for the stay
Accommodation 2 nights - single room in a shared cottage for 2 persons
A great welcome pack
A mechanic who will share his secrets with you

On gravel

A professional and local guide
Unique tracks designed by the GravelUp Team
Assistance and transportation van

Beyond gravel

Wellness activities - Yoga, meditation, relaxation
Visits to various historical and cultural sites
An evening of celebration
A community of enthusiasts

This is not included

Transportation from your home
Travel insurance for repatriation and civil liability
Personal drinks and other souvenir purchases
Anything not specified in "What's Included"
Gravel bike rental (supplement available)

Preparation & equipment

Your guide
We select for you local guides, passionate about their territory.
Bike mechanic, bike shop manager and even eco-guard on the Larzac plateau, our guide is the best person to help you discover Grands Causses. Anecdotes, encounters and sharing of experiences, he/she will make sure that you have an unforgettable stay and above all that you soak up as much as possible of this fabulous territory.
Spoken languages: French, English
He or she will make sure you are safe and will share with you various tips and tricks on how to ride on the trails.

BASE CAMP & DESTINATION MANAGER
The GravelUp team welcomes you to a domain just a stone's away from the legendary Millau Viaduct. Ideally located, it's the ideal base camp to start your day directly on the gravel trails leading to the plateaux of the different Causses. You will sleep in 2-person chalets, each with its own individual room.
On-site, in addition to your guide, you will be accompanied by our GravelUp destination manager. He or she will make sure you don't miss a thing, and provide all the logistics and support you need to make your stay the most enjoyable possible.

Our bikes
Ride on the latest **gravel or e-gravel bikes** from the **French brand Origine** that combine performance, versatility, and lightness.
At ease on the road as well as on paths, these bikes filter terrain imperfections through suspension tuning. Coupled with a comfortable and secure geometry and generous tire sections, it allows for engaging routes to be undertaken safely.
**Rental price :** 60 eur/day (or 80 eur/day for e-gravel)
*Read more about* *our bikes*

**EQUIPMENT**
The complete list will be sent to you a few weeks before your expedition. You will find here the few essential items that you may not have at home:
Cycling shorts with chamois to be more comfortable
Bike gloves to avoid blisters
Cycling shoes: the use of automatic pedals is recommended but not mandatory, we allow the use of flat pedals. It is important to be able to stand up on the pedals in order to negotiate certain descents and climbs.

Physical preparation
The territories we cross offer an environment that can sometimes be demanding depending on the weather conditions. We evolve in a mountainous landscape where the cumulative difference in altitude can quickly be important.
To fully enjoy this expedition, we recommend that you practice an endurance sport such as jogging, swimming or cycling, at least once a week. Having already done at least 3 hours of cycling will allow you to feel more comfortable and to better enjoy the breathtaking landscapes you will cross.

How to get there ?
By car : Meet us directly at our base camp "Domaine de St Estève".
By train : Montpellier train station
As soon as you arrive, our teams will take care of you and drive you directly to our base camp where the beyond biking experience takes its full meaning. The disconnection can begin, do not worry about anything, we take care of everything!
Plan an arrival at noon and a departure from our base camp at 3pm.

Any questions?

All questions

Safety

Practicalities

Level

Logistic

Without having ever done gravel before, GravelUp Adventurer format was an ideal experience for me! I loved the tour: the diversity of the routes, the warm and friendly atmosphere of the group, the discovery of the Aveyron and the gentle practice of yoga. The guide is a real plus, especially if you have never done gravel before. It remains very accessible. I loved this adventure, a very nice break, under the sign of the adventure and the discovery of a territory! I left satisfied with my GravelUp experience, more confident on my gravel and with a crazy desire to go back or to discover new destinations!
Angèle P. - October 2021

All the ingredients were there to disconnect and spend a most pleasant stay. Thank you to the team for this meticulous logistics!
Aurore B. - October 2021

GravelUp is a unique concept that was born thanks to a team of passionate sportsmen and women who combine a sense of hospitality, organization, and the creation of bonds and memorable experiences. Thank you for everything and I am already looking forward to the next weekend in your company.
Julien H - October 2021

Great experience of 4 days Gravel cycling with GravelUp around Millau! A really professional team and organisation! Accessible even for cyclists who are new to gravel!
Xavier D. - July 2022

A remarquable experience! Everything was thought through by Gravel Up: lodging, traces, food, bikes ... The whole experience was perfect.
Edouard D. - July 2022

Great experience, in an extraordinary natural setting with a professional team. Ideal for cyclists who want to discover or practice gravel and create unforgettable memories!
Mathieu S. - July 2022

Superbe aventure gravel dans les Grands Causses pour s’aèrer l’esprit et dépasser ses limites en toute convivialité ! Une organisation de haute volée, une équipe Gravel Up au top et super pro. Le plaisir de découvrir ces magnifiques terres de gravel Aveyronnaises en groupe dans une ambiance vraiment sympa, et de se retrouver autour de magnifiques tablées pour récupérer après l’effort. Gravel Up, c’est l’impression d’être parti 15 jours en vacances après seulement quelques jours d’expédition. Longue vie à Gravel Up !!!
Steve.M - MAI 2023

Incredible 3-day gravel trip in Aveyron (Grand Causses) with a fantastic team, excellent logistics, state-of-the-art gravel bikes, friendly/experienced staff, exceptional sites/trails, and a charming spirit. Highly recommended!!!
Julien A.

My mother always said that you have to take the plunge, a phrase that is entirely appropriate here. No matter what has brought us here and where we have come from, we find ourselves in the saddle ready explore the roads, gravel and paths less travelled here.
Article written by Pierre Guilbaud

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3 incredible days of sport and nature, with magnificent and varied landscapes in the Larzac and Causses Noires regions. Everything is done to make the most of a relaxed, rhythmic atmosphere. Between cycling and pleasure... everything runs smoothly at GravelUp!
Guillaume D.

Grands Causses

5 tips to get started in gravel riding

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