Circuit Alès — Roulage moto piste 🇫🇷

Motorcycle track day at the Pôle Mécanique d'Alès

The Pôle Mécanique Alès-Cévennes, located in Saint-Martin-de-Valgalgues in the Gard, is a unique complex in Europe dedicated to motorsports. Opened in 2002, it offers a reversible speed circuit — the only one of its kind in Europe — which allows you to ride in both directions for a renewed driving experience with each session. Located on a converted former mining site, the Pôle Mécanique hosts motorcycle track day events, driving courses and industrial tests for car and motorcycle manufacturers.

History of the Pôle Mécanique d'Alès

The project was born in 1995 under the impetus of Max Roustan, mayor of Alès, and Christophe Rivenq. The objective was to convert the old Cévennes mining basin by creating the first center in France dedicated to industrial activities in the automotive and motorcycle sectors. Construction began in 1999 with a karting circuit, followed by a rally track in 2000, then the speed circuit in 2002.

Today, the site hosts more than 100 specialized companies and hosts international events: the Rencontres Internationales des Véhicules Écologiques (RIVE) since 2010, rounds of the Trial World Championship and the 24MX Alestrem enduro.

Track and characteristics of the circuit d'Alès

The speed circuit at the Pôle Mécanique d'Alès offers two configurations:

• Technical layout (2.5 km): the complete layout with 12 turns, favoring tight sequences and trajectory work
• Fast layout (2 km): a shorter and more fluid configuration

The track is between 13 and 14 meters wide, a generous width that offers an excellent safety margin. The surface is asphalt and the circuit has a 600 meter acceleration line. The highlight of the track is its reversibility: riding in the opposite direction completely changes the trajectories, braking points and passing speeds, thus offering two circuits in one.

Riding tips: For a first track day at Alès, choose the direction that suits you and familiarize yourself with the trajectories before increasing the pace. The width of the track forgives placement errors, but be precise in your braking — the 600 m acceleration line allows you to reach high speeds before the turns. If you come back, try the other direction to discover a completely different circuit.

Access and practical information

The Pôle Mécanique is located at Vallon de Fontanes, 30520 Saint-Martin-de-Valgalgues, 5 minutes from the city center of Alès. The Gard benefits from a Mediterranean climate favorable to motorcycle track day events almost all year round.

The sound limit is 95 dB — a strict limit. Plan for a dB killer if your exhaust is not original.

Why ride at the Pôle Mécanique d'Alès?

The circuit d'Alès is unique: its reversibility offers two driving experiences on a single circuit, its wide track of 13-14 meters guarantees optimal safety, and its location in the Gard allows you to ride under the Cévennes sun. The prices are accessible (from 100€) and the many organizers offer sessions for all levels. It is the ideal circuit to improve your motorcycle riding skills in the south of France. Book your track day booking now!