GR 70 - Stevenson’s Trail

Begin your adventure in Le Puy-en-Velay, the starting point of the Stevenson Trail, named in honor of the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Nestled within the volcanic landscapes of the Velay region, Le Puy offers the perfect setting to unwind from your journey and prepare for the hike ahead. Depending on your arrival, you can explore the town’s medieval charm, including the 12th-century Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy and the remarkable chapel of Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe, dramatically perched atop a volcanic spire. This town, a key stop for Stevenson himself, provides the ideal backdrop to begin your exploration of this historic trail.

The beginning of your hiking journey will take you from Le Puy-en-Velay to the village of Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille. This quaint village is where Stevenson began his original journey with his donkey that he documented in one of his most famous books "Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes". In Le Monastier, you’ll get the chance to visit the local abbey church, a gem of medieval architecture, and learn about the town's rich history, including its role during the Hundred Years’ War.

Leave the village behind and traverse rolling hills and forests to reach Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas. This stage offers a mix of lush greenery and open landscapes, providing a peaceful hiking experience. The village itself is small but charming, offering a glimpse into rural French life. Take time to relax and enjoy the local hospitality in one of the gîtes or auberges​.

The trail continues across the volcanic plateau of the Velay region, guiding you towards Langogne, a historical market town situated by the river Allier. The route offers panoramic views and a diverse array of landscapes. In Langogne, you’ll get the chance to visit the medieval grain mill, which still operates using traditional methods, or relax by the Allier River, a popular spot to unwind for the locals.

The path from Langogne leads you deeper into the Margeride region, known for its dense forests and rolling hills. The trail here is narrower and more shaded, winding through groves of ancient oak and beech trees. This section of the trail feels more remote and untouched, providing a true escape into nature. The trail leads to Cheylard-l’Évêque, a tiny hamlet with stone houses and a historic Romanesque church. This is a place to truly disconnect from the modern world, with its tranquil, untouched beauty providing a perfect setting for reflection and rest​

Today's route climbs up to the high plateaus of the Massif Central, offering expansive views of the surrounding valleys. The trail here is more rugged, with rocky outcrops and steep inclines that challenge your endurance. You'll traverse deep gorges and cross bubbling streams on wooden footbridges, feeling a deep connection to the land. At La Bastide-Puylaurent, you can set to explore the 17th-century Carmelite monastery, which now serves as a retreat center and sample honey and cheese at its small local market.

As you continue your journey, you will descend from the high plateaus into the lush valleys that lead to Chasseradès. This part of the trail follows ancient mule tracks and shepherd paths, winding through wooded glens and over grassy hills. The trail is less demanding today, allowing for a more relaxed pace as you take in the beauty of the Cévennes. Here, you can visit the Church of Saint-Blaise, with its distinctive bell tower, and enjoy the peace of this small village, before settling in for the night.

The trail continues through the rolling hills of the Cévennes, gradually climbing towards Le Bleymard. The path is rocky and uneven in places, requiring careful footing, especially after rain. You’ll pass through highland pastures where sheep graze, and the trail often follows old stone walls that have marked property lines for centuries. As you approach Le Bleymard, the dramatic peaks of Mont Lozère come into view, a preview of tomorrow’s challenge.

Today is one of the most challenging yet rewarding stages as you ascend Mont Lozère, the highest point on the trail. The climb is steep, but the trail is well-defined, marked by cairns and occasional stone steps. At the summit, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the Cévennes National Park, stretching out in all directions. The descent into Pont-de-Montvert is equally spectacular, with the path cutting through rocky terrain and down into a verdant valley, where the river Tarn flows gently by.

Today you will follow the Tarn River as it winds through narrow gorges and wide, fertile valleys. This section of the trail is characterized by its dramatic scenery, with high cliffs on either side and the river glistening below. The path is mostly level but can be rocky in places. As you approach Florac, the landscape softens into rolling hills and lush greenery. The trail here is well-trodden, a popular section for day hikers who come to enjoy the stunning river views and easy access to the water​

As you proceed en route, you will enter the heart of the Cévennes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its biodiversity. The trail here is more secluded, passing through deep forests and across high ridges that offer sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. The path is narrow and winding, with sections that feel almost tunnel-like due to the dense canopy of trees overhead. As you hike, enjoy the solitude and the sounds of nature, far from the bustle of civilization​.

Begin the day by gradually descending into the valley of Saint-Étienne-Vallée-Française, a scenic route that follows the course of a small river. The trail is less challenging, providing a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You’ll pass through small clearings and along the edges of vineyards, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the view. The descent is gentle, making it a pleasant day of walking, ideal for taking in the sights and sounds of the countryside​.

The final leg of your journey follows the Gardon River, a scenic route with beautiful riverside views and lush, green landscapes. The trail here is wide and well-maintained, making for an easy final day of hiking. You’ll pass through olive groves and along terraces carved into the hillsides, remnants of the area’s agricultural past. As you approach Saint-Jean-du-Gard, the trail opens up to reveal a picturesque market town, a perfect ending to your adventure along the Stevenson Trail​

As your adventure comes to an end, it's time to bid farewell to the picturesque landscapes of the Cévennes and your amazing journey on the Stevenson Trail. Prepare for onward travel, whether returning home or continuing to explore the beauty of France.