Roannais Agglomeration has created a 1000 kilometer mountain bike area spread over 23 marked circuits, including a 250 kilometer tour of Roannais. Labeled by the French Cycling Federation, this site will offer a remarkable network with that of the Bois Noirs.
By its realization, Roannais Agglomeration works both for sustainable tourism and for nature sports enthusiasts. Mountain bikers now have real support certified by the French Cycling Federation (FFC). 1000 kilometers of marked trails, classified according to the level of difficulty, permanent, maintained and digitized, are offered. This new VTT / FFC site provides reception and information points, services (repair, washing, water and electricity points). Mountain bikers will also be able to find precise signage (panoramic circuits, departure panels, route maps and topo-guide). Each year, the label, which imposes strict specifications, verifies the conformity of the site.
Key figures
- 6 starting point: Arcon (The Great Murcins), Le Crozet, Montagny, Renaison, Saint-Romain-la-Motte and Villerest,
- 23 marked trails,
- 790 kilometers dedicated to mountain biking,
- 137 kilometers validated “Gravel circuits”,
- A tour of Roanne from 250 kilometers offers the possibility of discovering the plain and the Roannaise Coast over a day or while roaming.
![espace VTT montagne et plaine en Roannais avec 2 vététistes en forêt]()
Mountain biking in the Forest © Vincent Poillet ![espace VTT montagne et plaine en Roannais avec deux vététistes en forêt]()
Walk on a country lane © Vincent Poillet ![espace VTT montagne et plaine en Roannais avec un vététiste en forêt]()
Mountain bike ride in the forest © Vincent Poillet
DID YOU KNOW ?
Gravel is a hybrid bike, able to adapt to different terrains (asphalt, rocky or rough roads)
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4 questions to Philippe Geneste, head of the “land equipment” department
How was this MTB space project born?
This project was born from a reflection on the possibility of creating a mountain bike area in connection with the Bois Noirs massif, which allowed it to be enlarged and to become today the largest mountain bike area in France. . Roannais Agglomeration thus has a mountain bike area.
Can you tell us about the main stages of this project, from the outline to the realization?
- Presentation of the project to the management,
- Contact with the French Cycling Federation in order to obtain support to build a real project in connection with clubs and cycle dealers but also and above all to obtain the label,
- Editing of a file, after a reflection with Julien Bonnefoy, roaming manager on the hiking part and the FFC on the technical part in order to make a precise presentation to the President.
Introduce us in a few words to the mountain and plain mountain biking area in Roannais
The Mountain and Plain MTB area in Roannais is a rather heterogeneous area. We find a part of the Bourbonnais massif with more difficulty in terms of elevation. A "plain" part where the Gravel has been laid out around the vines and the Roanne countryside. And finally a "plain and bocage" part on the eastern part of our territory (Montagny, Combre...) where we find Gravel.
A VTT / FFC circuit cannot contain more than 25% tar unlike the Gravel circuit which can reach up to 50%.
What are the criteria for an FFC label?
- The signage must be impeccable,
- The paths must be cleaned and accessible (agreements are in place with different municipalities),
- Installation of electrical points for electrically assisted mountain bikes,
- Installation of water points for cleaning equipment at all starting points (a washing station will also be installed soon at Renaison).
Every year this label is called into question.
What are the projects / events that revolve around this MTB area?
- Biggest project: OUTDOOR DESTINATION, the largest MTB / FFC area,
- The VCR, Vélo Club Roannais, also signed the agreement. This club is in charge of animating and proposing events such as competitions,
- Roannais Agglomeration will also be able to integrate the mountain biking theme into outdoor activities.
Can you recommend 3 circuits?
- Accessible to everyone : The beach in Villerest (16 km – 1h30 / 2h) – The Bernard in Renaison (13 km – 1h / 1h30),
- With a magnificent view: The Great Murcins in Arcon (37 km – 3h30 / 4h),
- Your favourite: By Vines and by Mountains in Renaison (35 km 3h / 3h30).
Destination Grand Air, the largest mountain biking area in France
The resonance of this creation is colossal since the VTT / FFC site "Mountain and plain in Roannais", whose routes join those of the Black Woods, is now attached to Destination Grand Air, the largest space in France dedicated to the discipline. It now includes four entities: Ambert Crêtes du Forez, Vichy Montagne Bourbonnaise, the Bois Noir area and the Roannais area. With the family or for sporting performance, beginners or experienced mountain bikers will definitely find that our region has a lot of talent!
Mountain Biker Code
Recommendations for living well on a mountain bike. The Mountain Bike as we want! But…
- Take the marked paths for your safety and respect the direction of the routes,
- Do not overestimate your abilities and stay in control of your speed,
- Be careful and courteous when overtaking or crossing hikers because the pedestrian has priority,
- Check the condition of your mountain bike and plan refueling and repair accessories,
- If you go alone, leave your itinerary to those around you,
- Wearing a helmet is mandatory,
- Prefer an outfit with bright colors,
- Respect private property and crop areas,
- Beware of agricultural and forestry machinery,
- close the barriers,
- Do not pick wild flowers, fruits and mushrooms,
- Do not disturb the tranquility of wild and farmed animals,
- Keep your rubbish, be discreet and respectful of the environment.
