4.6
(48)
3,597
riders
6
rides
Road cycling around Réserve naturelle de Nohèdes offers diverse terrain and significant elevation changes within the eastern French Pyrenees. The region features a wide altitude range, transitioning from Mediterranean-influenced zones to subalpine environments, providing varied scenery for cyclists. Routes traverse diverse forests, open alpine lawns, and areas with striking geological contrasts, including the granitic Madres massif and limestone Mont Coronat. The Nohèdes River and its tributaries also contribute to the scenic beauty of the area.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
5.0
(4)
748
riders
70.2km
04:20
1,850m
1,850m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(1)
118
riders
62.8km
03:57
1,800m
1,800m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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21
riders
39.6km
02:31
1,130m
1,130m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.5
(4)
157
riders
32.9km
02:06
960m
960m
This difficult 20.5-mile (32.9 km) racebike route between Juell Pass and Llose Pass climbs 3161 feet (963 meters) in the French Pyrenees.
5.0
(2)
32
riders
39.2km
01:59
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Réserve naturelle de Nohèdes
The Grand Menhir of Counozouls weighs 50 tons and is 8.9m high. It is the largest menhir in Southern France.
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It's an ideal spot for a picnic. It's also an ideal place for groups of cyclists supported by vans, as there's plenty of space here to relax and not disturb anyone. The lake is at an elevated point, so accessing it from La Llagonne or Les Angles requires a steep climb, always at a lower gradient.
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Small pass at the exit of Ayguatebia which leads back to the Col de Creu. Not cleared of snow from November to March.
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Fountain in the charming little village of Ayguatebia to refill your water before the final of the Col de la Llose or the Col de Jouël.
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Go to the Mairie, there you have self service with several cans and ice, pay per cash or PayPal
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There are currently 6 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes listed for the Réserve naturelle de Nohèdes area. These routes offer a range of challenges, from moderate to difficult, allowing you to explore the region's stunning landscapes on quiet roads.
The routes around Réserve naturelle de Nohèdes traverse a highly varied terrain, reflecting the region's significant altitude changes. You'll cycle through dense forests, open alpine meadows, and rocky areas, experiencing transitions from Mediterranean-influenced zones to subalpine environments. Expect challenging climbs and rewarding descents with panoramic views of the Pyrenees.
Yes, while many routes in the area are challenging, there are moderate options available. For example, the Beautiful mountain road – Ayguatébia loop from Ayguatébia-Talau is a moderate route covering about 31 km with an elevation gain of around 797 meters, offering a scenic ride without the most extreme climbs.
The Réserve naturelle de Nohèdes region is rich in natural beauty. As you cycle, you'll encounter diverse forests, expansive alpine lawns, and dramatic geological formations. Routes often provide stunning panoramic views of the Pyrenees, especially from higher elevations. You might also pass by hydrological features like the Nohèdes River and high-altitude lakes such as Estany del Clot and Gorg Estelat, adding to the scenic beauty.
Yes, the area surrounding Réserve naturelle de Nohèdes offers historical sites that can be incorporated into your cycling itinerary. Notable attractions include Évol Castle and Saint-André d'Évol Church, which provide a glimpse into the region's rich heritage and can be interesting stops during a longer ride.
The best time for road cycling in the Pyrenees-Orientales, including Réserve naturelle de Nohèdes, is typically from late spring through early autumn. During these months, the weather is generally more stable, and mountain passes are clear of snow, offering ideal conditions to enjoy the challenging climbs and scenic routes. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience around Réserve naturelle de Nohèdes, with an average score of 4.39 out of 5 stars from 58 ratings. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, the breathtaking panoramic views of the Pyrenees, and the quiet, natural landscapes that make for an immersive and rewarding ride.
Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a significant challenge, routes like the Col de la Creu – Col de la Llose loop from Olette offer a demanding experience. This difficult route spans over 70 km with an elevation gain of more than 1800 meters, providing extensive climbs and stunning mountain scenery.
Yes, some routes offer a combination of challenging ascents and picturesque water features. The Coll de la Llose and Lake Matemale Loop is a difficult route that includes significant elevation gain while also providing views of Lake Matemale, adding a beautiful aquatic element to your mountain ride.
Many of the routes start from villages or towns on the periphery of the reserve, such as Olette or Ayguatébia-Talau. You can typically find parking facilities in these starting points, allowing convenient access to the no-traffic road cycling trails. Always check specific route details for recommended parking locations.
The more difficult no-traffic road cycling routes in the Réserve naturelle de Nohèdes area feature substantial elevation gains, often exceeding 1500 meters. For instance, the Beautiful mountain road – Col de la Llose loop from Olette - Canaveilles-les-Bains involves over 1600 meters of climbing, providing a significant workout amidst stunning Pyrenean landscapes.


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