The Great Cross-Country Mountain Bike Tour of the Massif Central (GTMC-VTT) in 30 Days
Hard
720h
1390km
+30064m
-30697m
1 / 15
Description
Created more than twenty years ago for enthusiasts of mountain biking in the great outdoors, the Grande Traversée du Massif Central is a legendary route—a truly unique experience, the likes of which are rare in France.
Today, the GTMC-VTT is back in the spotlight—bigger, more accessible, and more modern. It now offers a complete traverse of the Massif Central, from the great lakes of the Morvan in Burgundy all the way to the Mediterranean. Over 1,360 km to traverse three regions, ten departments, four regional nature parks, and one national park—and to discover, along the trails, the exceptional succession of the Massif’s grand landscapes, as well as the people and heritage of these highlands.
The GTMC is also becoming more welcoming. Whether as a first experience with multi-day mountain bike touring or a long-distance adventure, the GTMC now lends itself to a variety of riding styles and can be enjoyed in many ways, from the most leisurely to the most challenging. From the rolling forested hills of the north to the slopes of the Auvergne volcanoes, from the jagged terrain of the Grands Causses and the Cévennes to the descent through the garrigue toward the sea—there’s a GTMC for everyone!
Especially since the new GTMC was designed for electric-assist mountain biking—this new type of bike that makes the mountains and long-distance touring accessible to everyone. Whether they’re beginners or experts, riders can come together to share the adventure of mountain biking.
Difficult sections
A long route (but easily adaptable thanks to the many lodging options along the way), hilly (with a few challenging climbs, though rarely long), presenting no major difficulties.
A few technical sections in the Morvan.
An exposed and technical section between Sainte-Enimie and Saint-Chély-du-Tarn (but easily avoidable by taking the D 986 road directly to the Col de Coperlac from Sainte-Enimie).
No need to carry your bike, but there are a few spots where you’ll need to push it—usually limited to just a few meters.
Marking
Specific markings for the Grandes Traversées à VTT (FFC label): white signs with triangles and red circles, complete with the name of the route. These markers are usually affixed to trees or posts along the route.
Map references
IGN Maps - From the Morvan to the Auvergne volcanoes
2825 E - 2528 E - 2530 O - 2825 OT - 2723 ET - 2823 ET - 2825 O - 2722 ET - 2822 OT - 2530 E - 2531 ET - 2626 E - 2626 O - 2627 O - 2628 O - 2826 E - 2726 E - 2726 O - 2727 E - 2531 E - 2529 E - 2826 O
IGN maps - From the Auvergne volcanoes to the Mediterranean
2535 E - 2636 E - 2636 O - 2639 O - 2639 E - 2637 E - 2638 E - 2738 O - 2641 O - 2432 ET - 2531 ET - 2640 OT - 2739 OT - 2542 E - 2531 E - 2644 O - 2642 O - 2643 E - 2643 OT - 2645 ET - 2535 O - 2534 OT - 2641 ET - 2642 ET - 2642 OT - 2643 ET - 2644 OT
Amenities
Stages