4.3
(73)
353
riders
61
rides
Mountain biking around Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts is situated within the Monts de la Madeleine in France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, offering a varied topography ranging from 395 to 966 meters in altitude. The landscape features a mix of forests, meadows, and bocage, with the Arçon river originating within the commune. Riders can expect diverse terrain, including unpaved sections, gravel, and asphalt, often with challenging ascents and descents. The area is also home to the Plateau de la Verrerie, a Natura 2000 site with a…
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.4
(8)
30
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
40.8km
03:49
990m
990m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(2)
9
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
2
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(1)
4
riders
49.1km
04:36
1,220m
1,220m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A very nice and pleasant pass with several climbs more or less accessible depending on the level and distance. Each side offers its share of landscapes and small villages. If you want to climb it for the beauty of the landscapes, I recommend the ascent via Les Noës or via Charrier, and for those seeking a difficult climb, Charrier also serves as the hardest side.
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A long, steady climb. Almost no cars, wide roads and beautiful surroundings! Hard to find a coffee or lunch place though.
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At this sign go straight ahead I turned left and that was a big mistake
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This ancient path, near the hamlet of La Bletterie, is lined with majestic trees over 400 years old, whose distinctive shape is the result of human pruning. You'll feel like you're in a fairy tale as you admire the moss-covered trunks, the branches reaching toward the sky, and the lovers' initials engraved on the bark.
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The Glassworks Plateau is located at an altitude of 1,015 meters. It is a large open plateau in the Magdalen Mountains. The landscape is wild and relatively unspoiled.
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One of the beautiful passes in the area. Little traffic
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The trails in the Monts de la Madeleine, where Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts is located, offer a varied topography ranging from 395 to 966 meters in altitude. You'll encounter a mix of unpaved sections, gravel, and asphalt, often with challenging ascents and descents. The landscape features dense forests, meadows, and bocage, providing a diverse riding experience.
There are over 50 mountain bike trails around Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts listed on komoot, catering to various skill levels. This includes 4 easy, 32 moderate, and 23 difficult routes.
Yes, there are several easier routes available. For instance, komoot lists 4 easy mountain bike trails in the area. These routes are generally less demanding in terms of elevation and technical difficulty, making them suitable for families or those new to mountain biking.
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the unique ecosystem of the Plateau de la Verrerie, a Natura 2000 site with panoramic views. Other highlights include the Pisserotte Waterfall and the serene Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs Municipal Forest. For expansive vistas, consider routes passing by Viewpoint La Pierre Châtel.
Absolutely. The Monts de la Madeleine offer numerous elevated points with expansive vistas. The Col de la Loge des Gardes – Plateau de la Verrerie loop from Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs, for example, takes you to the Plateau de la Verrerie, which is known for breathtaking panoramic views across the Roannais plain, the Alps, and the Chaîne des Puys on clear days.
The mountain bike trails around Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 60 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the challenging ascents, and the beautiful, preserved natural setting of the Monts de la Madeleine.
Yes, the area offers 23 difficult routes for experienced mountain bikers. An example is the Châtelus – Le Crozet loop from Saint-Martin-d'Estréaux, a 45.6 km path with significant elevation changes, providing a demanding ride within the Monts de la Madeleine.
Many of the mountain bike trails in the Saint-Bonnet-Des-Quarts area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Le Petit Louvre – Le Crozet loop from La Pacaudière and the Col de la Croix du Sud – Ambierle, Village of Character loop from Ambierle.
The diverse terrain and natural features of the Monts de la Madeleine make it suitable for mountain biking across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially in forested areas, but be prepared for potentially warmer weather on exposed sections.
Yes, the region boasts charming villages that are worth exploring. The picturesque village of Saint-Haon-Le-Châtel is noted for its scenic appeal and can be a pleasant stop during your mountain biking adventure.
One of the longer and more challenging routes is the Châtelus – Le Crozet loop from Saint-Martin-d'Estréaux, which spans 45.6 km and involves significant elevation changes, making it a demanding option for experienced riders.
Yes, the area features 32 moderate mountain bike trails. A good example is the Col de la Rivière Noire – Allée des hêtres tortueux loop from Saint-Nicolas-des-Biefs, which covers 24.8 km with a balanced elevation profile, offering an engaging ride without being overly strenuous.


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