Stevenson’s Trail (complete & N/S shorts)
€1910
per person
Trek the iconic path of Robert Louis Stevenson! Discover the wild beauty and deep history of the Cévennes on our self-guided hiking tour. In 1878, a young Stevenson completed this inspiring walking journey from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Du-Gard. Choose the freedom of an independent hiking adventure and follow his exact itinerary, an extraordinary route brimming with natural riches and historical intrigue. Prepare for complete immersion – the unforgettable variety of the Massif Central’s landscapes will absolutely win you over during your independent walking holiday.
Level 3/4
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Destination
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Duration14 (7/8) Days I Level: 3/4 (of 5)
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What is includedAccommodation in en-suite rooms in guesthouses & 2/3* hotels incl. breakfast and dinner (check the Rates&Remarks tab for details); Luggage transfers (1 piece per person, up to 13kg!; additional bags are payable extra on spot); Detailed roadbook and maps (incl. GPS tracks); Emergency hotline
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What is not includedDrinks and other meals, public transportation, travel insurance.
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Best periodApril, May, June, July, August, September, October
FROM OUR GALLERY
Stevenson's Trail (GR70) self-guided walking tours, France.
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Day 1: Arrival in Puy-en-Velay.
Arrive in the stunning, historic start point - Puy-en-Velay, known for the green lentils grown in the area, and as a gateway to the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage trail. Settle into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring Le Puy's UNESCO sites, including the striking Notre-Dame cathedral and St Michel d'Aiguille chapel. Get ready for your independent hiking journey along the GR70 Stevenson's Trail! *Easiest arrival via Lyon Airport (3,30hrs bus/train ride with one change in Saint-Etienne). Possible train connections also via Geneva, Marseille and even Paris (check the SNCF website for timetable).
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Day 2: Le Puy-en-Velay - Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille (19km; 5,30hrs; +550m/-230m)
Begin your walking pilgrimage! Follow the Chemin de Saint-Régis, conquer the climb up Mont Chauvet for a breathtaking panoramic view of Le Puy, and continue through the serene green fields and shady forests of the Haute-Loire. Pass through Coubon and l'Holme before arriving at Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, famous for its charm as a stop on the GR70 and for its unique cultural attractions like the Musée des Croyances Populaires. The scenic beauty, including the Viaduc de la Recoumène, is also a significant draw.
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Day 3: Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille - Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas (23km; 6,30hrs; +650m/-350m)
This is the official start of Stevenson's Trail and the setting off point of his journey, accompanied by his donkey Modestine! Trace the Gazeille valley, pass ancient mill ruins, and reach the volcanic plateau. You will walk by the banks of the Loire River, crowned by the ruins of the Château de Goudet. The hiking day ends in Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas - a charming, tranquil village with historic volcanic stone houses, old churches, and local Auvergne cuisine, offering a real taste of rural France.
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Day 4: Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas - Pradelles / Langogne (20km; 6,30hrs; +250m/-315m)
Discover the charm of old-world France as you walk past countless wayside crosses and communal ovens. Arrive in Pradelles, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, situated "on a hillside overlooking the Allier, surrounded by opulent meadows" just as Stevenson described.
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Day 5: Pradelles / Langogne - Le Cheylard l'Evêque (21km; 6,30hrs; +290m/-420m)
Step into the mythical Gévaudan, the land of the legendary "ferocious beast"! Leave the Haute-Loire for the Lozère region, crossing the Allier valley before an invigorating hike through wild moorland and rocky outcrops. The day ends in Le Cheylard l'Evêque - a genuine, quiet and isolated village in the scenic Cévennes National Park, housing more than 5000 km of walking trails.
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Day 6: Le Cheylard l'Evêque - La Bastide-Puylaurent (19km; 6,30-7hrs; +320m/-430m)
Continue your independent trek along the ancient Régordanes route, passing the village of Luc with its ruined castle. A unique option: take a 6km detour to visit the remote and peaceful site of the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges abbey, where Stevenson once stayed (mind that the abbey no longer
resembles the one the writer knew, which was destroyed by fire in 1912). Today's walking stage concludes in La Bastide-Puylaurent - another hidden gem nestled in the heart of the French countryside.
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Day 7: La Bastide-Puylaurent – Chasseradès (13km; 4hrs; +350m/-200m)
A shorter, rewarding walk as you climb to the ridge summit of La Mourade (1,309m). Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Gardille plateau and Mont Lozère, preparing you for the mountains ahead!After passing through the village of Chabalier, you reach the remarkable medieval village of Chasseradès.
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Day 8: Chasseradès - Le Bleymard (18km; 5,30hrs; +610m/-690m)
A peaceful walking day through the pastoral landscapes of the Goulet state forest. Hike close to the springs of the River Lot and begin to see the bare, challenging crests of Mont Lozère emerge on the horizon.
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Day 9: Le Bleymard - Pont-de-Montvert (20km; 6,30hrs; +820m/-1015m)
Conquer the highest point on the Stevenson's Trail: the summit of Finiels (1,699m) on Mont Lozère. Enjoy a sensational 360° panorama (incl. in a clear day even the iconic Mont Blanc) before descending to Pont-de-Montvert, the historic village central to the Camisard revolt, and famous for its granite houses and natural swimming pools. This is where the Tarn Rivers rises, beginning its journey through magnificent gorges characterized by spectacular granite formations.
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Day 10: Pont-de-Montvert – Florac (26km; 7,30hrs; +690m/-940m)
A long, rewarding day of independent hiking across the dramatic Bouges massif. Pass small clearings and ancient drailles (old cattle tracks) as you head towards the medieval town of Florac, nestled at the foot of the Causse Méjean. The city is located at the crossroads of three remarkable geological sites: schist in the Cévennes, granite on the Mont Lozère and limestone on the Causses.
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Day 11: Florac – Cassagnas (18km; 5hrs; +340m/-180m)
Plunge into the wild Mimente Valley, an area characterized by vast chestnut trees and natural meadows. A tranquil walk through a beautiful part of the Cévennes National Park. The hiking trail ends at the disused railway station in the village of Cassagnas.
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Day 12: Cassagnas - Saint-Germainde-Calberte - Saint-Etienne-ValléeFrançaise (22km; 6hrs; +350m/-450m)
Deep in the heart of the Cévennes, you walk along the ancient royal road through the Fontmort state forest. Your hiking stage ends in Saint-Etienne-Vallée-Française, the legendary spot where Stevenson bids farewell to Modestine.
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Day 13: Saint-Etienne-Vallée-Française - Saint-Jean-du-Gard (15km; 4,30hrs; +480m/-600m)
The final, victorious stage! Climb over the Col Saint-Pierre and descend towards the charming market town of Saint-Jean-Du-Gard. Celebrate the successful completion of your epic self-guided hiking journey along the GR70 Stevenson's Trail!
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Day 14: Departure day.
Services end after breakfast. Return transfer to Chasseradès is available at an additional cost at the time of reservation (check details with us).
TOUR LOCATION
Price (2026)
1910 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (01/04-10/10)
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 680 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. also sgl. room supplement): 790 Euro
Tips
Daily arrivals between the beginning of April and the beginning of October. The Stevenson's Trail (GR 70) is a classic long-distance walking route in France, primarily classified as a moderate to demanding but accessible route suitable for motivated intermediate hikers. The route is highly diverse, transitioning from the volcanic plateaus of the Velay (North) and the deep forests of Gévaudan to the wild, rugged granite ridges of Mont Lozère and the steep, wooded schist valleys of the Cévennes (South). Expect a mix of good dirt tracks, peaceful country lanes, forest paths, and some rocky sections, particularly on Mont Lozère. The terrain is generally not considered technically difficult. The GR 70 is renowned for its excellent signage. As a Grande Randonnée route, it is clearly and consistently marked. The mid-mountain environment requires preparation for varied weather. Customers must pack layers, including waterproof and windproof jackets, even in summer, as temperatures can change quickly, particularly on Mont Lozère.
Accommodation
A mixture of guesthouses and 2/3* hotels (en-suite rooms throughout), incl. breakfast and dinners (options to order/prepare by yourself lunchpacks locally; there are small shops in the settlements where you stay except in Cheylard-l'Evêque and Cassagnas so make sure you are covered in advance for these locations!). Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Day 1: Le Puy-en-Velay: Hotel Bristol; Day 2: Monastier-sur-Gazeille: Hotel Chèvre et Chou; Day 3: Bouchet Saint Nicolas: Guesthouse Le Couvige; Day 4: Pradelles : Hotel du Ponant; Day 5: Cheylard-l’Evêque: Les hauts du Cheylard; Day 6: Bastide-Puylaurent: Hotel la Grand’Halte; Day 7: Chasserades: Hotel des Sources; Day 8: Le Bleymard: Hotel la Remise; Day 9: Pont-de-Montvert: Hotel les sources du Tarn; Day 10: Florac: Grand hotel du Parc; Day 11: Cassagnas: Relais de Stevenson; Day 12: Saint-Etienne-Vallée-Française: Guesthouse Château de Cambiaire; Day 13: Saint Jean du Gard: Hotel l’Oronge;
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