The « Causses » are limestone plateaus, and theres 7 of them in total to discover on this 5 day loop from our Base Camp in Millau. You’ll find the area of Aveyron is rich and diverse in geography and culture, and provides a great test of your gravel bike skills to top it all off.
By booking with us, you also do good for our planet!
A program 100% created by Gravel Up
The discovery of the Grands Causses bikepacking, that's the program!
The appointment is given at our base camp, on the heights of Millau. Ideally located at the crossroads of the Tarn and Durbie valleys, but above all with a direct access to the different limestone plateaus called Causses - there are 7 in all! But we promise not to do them all... not this time!
Handling of the Gravel the 1st afternoon with our French partner Origine cycles which manufactures the bikes on Lille ! We take the time, we prepare ourselves physically and mentally for the next 4 days which are going to be rich as well sporty as culturally! It doesn't look like that but the physical challenge will be there, we promise you that!
Each Causse is different: forests, windy plateau or ancient templar cities, we promise you a total change of scenery. You will discover the people who make this territory alive, as authentic as welcoming, and whose culinary specialties will not leave you indifferent.
After having crossed the Black Causses and the Larzac, we will take you to the heart of the Rougiers de Camarès. There, it is not the great American spaces but rather the Australian red center which awaits you. An incredible ochre earth awaits you and historical villages of all beauty will make you travel in time.
We will close the adventure with a superb moment of sharing to realize the experience lived on the bike and the strong links that we have built together.
We promise you the discovery of a breathtaking "Land of Gravel", a truly ideal playground that makes us understand why the International Cycling Union (ICU) has decided to organize the French round of the next World Gravel Championships here!
Date range:
April - october
Duration:
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Daily distance:
50 - 80 km
Daily elevation:
1000 - 1500M+
Difficulty:
6 / 10
Gravel Up benefits
This is included
At the camp
Return transfer from Montpellier train station
Accommodation 4 nights - single room in a shared cottage for 2 persons
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.
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)
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
Physical preparation
To get the most out of this expedition, we recommend that you practice an endurance sport such as jogging, swimming or cycling several times a week. Having already done long bike rides of at least 4 hours will allow you to feel more comfortable and better enjoy the breathtaking landscapes you will cross. At least 2 days in a row of cycling experience is a plus.
Use of automatic pedals is mandatory, ability to maneuver the bike on all types of terrain and good braking technique.
How to get there ?
By car: Meet us directly at our base camp "Domaine de St Estève". (from 3pm)
By train: Montpellier train station (shuttle at 5pm / return at 5pm)
By plane: Airport of Montpellier Méditerranée (shuttle at 5pm/ return at 5pm)
As soon as you arrive, our team will pick you up and take you directly toour base camp where the disconnection can begin.
Your stay starts at 3pm and ends at around 3pm on Sunday.
You have the choice between a standard gravel bike or an e gravel bike, depending on the destination you choose. You can find more information in each page of the tour you are interested in.
What is the average speed of your expeditions?
Level
Our expeditions are adventures, not races. We start together and we finish together, it's the GravelUp speed.
It is difficult to give a precise average speed as the surfaces make a big difference, as well as admiring the views! Average speeds are normally between 15 and 18 km/h.
And if you want even more information, don't hesitate to contact us directly by email at bonjour@gravelup.earth so that we can help you choose the type of expedition that will suit you best.
What is the cancellation policy?
Logistic
You can cancel at any time before the start of the trip subject to payment of a cancellation fee. If the cancellation occurs:
More than 90 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 75% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 100%
Between 61 and 90 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 50% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 75%
Between 31 and 60 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 25% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 75%
30 days or less prior to Departure => No Refund OR Trip Credit of 50%
Please note that a Trip Credit cannot be converted to a refund at a later date.
To protect yourself against last minute cancellation, we advise you to subscribe to our cancellation insurance through our partner Chapka insurance, with a guarantee which also covers you in case of contracting the Covid-19. Please note that such insurance can only be subscribed within 48 hours following the order of your trip. Subscription link available here.
Important:the realisation of the trip is conditional on the registration of a minimum number of participants to guarantee the departure. We commit ourselves to confirm a trip at the latest 30 days before the departure date. In the event that the trip cannot take place because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you will be reimbursed for any sums paid but will not be entitled to any compensation. You will be informed by email whether or not a trip is confirmed.
How is my luggage transported?
Practicalities
For Adventurer trips your luggage will remain at the base camp, where you will sleep each evening.
For Explorer or Pathfinder trips your luggage will be transported by us between your accommodation each day. You won't have access to it during the daytime but it will be waiting for you at the end of each days ride.
Amazing tracks, top gastronomy and an extraordinary organisation. An athletic trip, which trains the legs, and the memories!
Clémence G. - June 2022
Excellent organisation and atmosphere which allowed me to discover gravel biking with high level sporting and cultural guides. The landscapes of the Causses are breathtaking!
Guillaume L. - April 2022
My stay was a real pleasure! All the logistics are perfectly managed, which is perfect for clearing your head and having nothing to think about but walking along beautiful paths. The route was well thought out to vary the scenery and see as much as possible. It was a real pleasure to be able to meet with other members of the group and we were able to share quality moments both on the bike and during the other activities.
Benoît H. - June 2022
Physical challenge, new friends and cultural discovery!
Jean-Baptiste W. - April 2022
Another way to discover beautiful landscapes by bike. A great team. Services (accommodation, meals, supervision, logistics, cycling ...) up to expectations. A big thank you to the whole GravelUp team!
Jean-Luc R. - May 2022
I was won over by gravel riding! The versatility of these bikes is fantastic and the bikes offered by GravelUp are just great. Accelerating on the trails, letting loose on the climbs, skidding on the descents and enjoying the beautiful views. The tracks chosen were great, balanced, challenging ... in short, it was fantastic!
All this in a great atmosphere where the group and the organisation were one!
Sébastien C. - May 2022
A stay beyond my expectations and those of my 8 companions. A magnificent interlude, an ideal setting to discover the practice of Gravel. Alternating roads and paths in a wild green setting. We only came across a handful of walkers and no cyclists! Nature in its purest form. Professional supervision, always smiling and extremely dynamic.
Eric D. - May 2022
Gravel Up in Grands Causses was awesome! Unforgettable experience and guaranteed change of scenery in this French region, off the beaten tracks. The organization of the trip was perfect and the team very professional and always there to make sure we had an amazing time. Looking forward to my next trip with GravelUp!
Olivier H. - October 2021
To ride in the Causses with GravelUp is to take paths from oneself to oneself through others, and to return with new eyes.
Manu I. - October 2021
Very nice discovery of the Grands Causses.
I will not remember the difficulty but rather the quality and the conviviality of this beautiful weekend!
Thanks to the organisers!
Yann C. - May 2022
Very nice discovery of gravel with magnificent courses in the Causses and a top-notch organisation!
Jean-Jacques O. - May 2022
Magical experience!
An outstanding organisation before, during and after the stay.
An idyllic and playful setting to have fun with friends. To be repeated as soon as possible with friends, experienced or not, integration and good humour will do the rest!
All inclusive!
Christophe B. - May 2022
"GravelUp is fantastic!
It was a discovery for me and I will remember it forever. Go ahead and book your stay with friends at GravelUp! An experience, a feeling of freedom, the discovery of a sport and a region. I will be preparing for Corsica in 2023!
Fabien D. - May 2022
GravelUp is the best of gravel served on a plate! Top-notch logistics and organisation! I just had to pedal on dream tracks with a small group who share my passion. A week in a very good atmosphere and a Gravel spirit!
Romain L. - June 2022
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.
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.
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.
Loosely following the « Grand Traverse of the Massif Central », an iconic route crossing the central area of France, come and discover the regional parks of Les Grands Causses and L’Aubrac. Exploring here with us will be a challenge physically that will enable you to discover another world and pace of life.
Gravel Up, our expeditions to explore Aveyron and the natural park of Les Grands Causses, a gravel paradise.
Our team have come up with four expeditions to keep everybody happy, from regular social cyclists to bikepacking fanatics.
Between 2 and 7 days riding crisscrossing the natural park of Les Grands Causses in Aveyron on a gravel bike with a group of like minded riders will allow you find landscapes and views that will take your breath away. GravelUp takes care of everything during the trip, from carefully chosen accommodation to local meals and snacks ideal for a days riding.
It’s not just this care that makes our expeditions unique, its the local knowledge of our guides and the chance to visit local people and places that make for genuine and beautiful picnic spots and overnight stays. All that’s left for you to do is choose which of our trips to start with and get your gravel bike ready for an unforgettable adventure.
