ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON’S CEVENNES TRAIL

On the 22nd. September 1878 the young Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson left on foot from

Monastier sur Gazeille in the Haut-Loire with a pack donkey called Modestine. 12 days, 156 miles

and a host of adventures later he arrived at St. Jean du Gard, his trek immortalised in the 1879

classic, ''Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes''

Today we invite you to recreate his fascinating journey with considerably more certainty and comfort. You

stay in locally selected guesthouses, eat the best of local cuisine and carry only a light day bag. In short, a

classic walking tour that takes you both through literary history and delightfully unexplored regions of rural

France.

Starting from the volcanic plateau of the Velay, Stevenson's Trail takes you south through a country of

mountains cut by river valleys and criss-crossed by ancient footpaths and drovers tracks through remote

areas of forgotten France.

From Le Puy, by way of the Haut Loire where high summer pastures of wild flowers and yellow gorse are

set off by wooded hillsides of dark green pines, you will find Romanesque Abbey Churches, fields sown

with the world famous Le Puy lentils and sweet scented May Narcissi.

The Velay gives way to legendary Gevaudan in modern Ardeche, a gently undulating landscape of

enchanting woods, ancient stone bridges over mountain streams to the Trappist Abbey, Notre Dame des

Neige (our Lady of the Snows) where Robert Louis spent the night.

Reaching the half-way point, you enter the UNESCO protected National Park of the Cevennes to ascend

the heather-clad slopes of Mont Lozere. Guided by prehistoric standing stones you gain the highest point

on the trail -- that strange, granite rock-strewn, 'Summit of Finiels' (1699m) which rewards you with it's

breathtaking panorama of the 'Sea of Mountains' stretching to the far horizon as though untouched by

time.

The Cevennes of Cevennes, as Robert Louis Stephenson called it, lies ahead. Descending through the

land of the Protestant Camisards (where the 17th century military road built to control their area cuts

across wide moorlands) there are lichen-covered dry stonewalls, terraced hillsides, villages and hamlets

with stone-covered roofs among cascading streams. Pine trees give way to evergreen oaks that cling to

the dry rocky hillsides of the Mediterranean, sweet chestnut groves and myrtle bushes and your

destination at St. Jean du Grad

Congratulating yourself on finding the finest trail in rural France

Drinking in the vast views of the Sea of Mountains and the blue Mediterranean skies.

Hunting for the Black Virgins in the basalt steep-stair streets of Le Puy

Soaking in the atmosphere over a glass of vin and delicious local cheeses in a field of

wild flowers.

Looking out over the ‘Sea of Mountains’ in the Cévennes & feeling on top of the world

Exploring 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the National Park of the Cévennes

STEVENSON’S TRAIL

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON’S CÉVENNES TRAIL

SUMMARY

What’s Included?

Accommodation: Hand picked auberges, inns and

small hotels.

Meals: All breakfasts, 5,4,9 evening meals

Baggage Transfer: Luggage transfer is included.

Information Pack: Guide Book, detailed maps and

information Pack and emergency support.

Tour: Stevenson’s Trail

Code: WFSST1-3

Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday

Price: See Website

Single Supplement: See Website

Dates: April - October

Walking Days: 5, 6 or 11

Nights: 6, 7 or 12

Start: Le Puy en Velay

Finish: St Jean du Gard

HIGHLIGHTS

Is the Stevenson Trail for me?

Of course it’s for you! Wonderful walking, delicious

French food and the spectacular scenery. The

idyllic rural countryside and literary connections

make this a particularly engaging route.

We offer three itineraries on Stevenson’s Trail

covering the North, South or entire length on the

trail.

LE PUY-EN-VELAY TO CHASSERADES

Walking Days: 5 Nights: 6 Average Daily Distance: 12.1miles Grade: Moderate to Strenuous

Description: The Northern section of

Stevenson’s Trail explores the Haut Loire and

the Romanesque Abbey Churches are a delght.

LE PUY-EN-VELAY / CHASSERADES TO

ST-JEAN-DU-GARD

Walking Days: 6 Nights: 7 Average Daily Distance: 11.6m Grade: Moderate to Strenuous

Description: This is the most popular section

of the trail as you are walking in the Cévennes

National Park for the majority of the walk.

LE PUY-EN-VELAY TO ST-JEAN-DU-

GARD

Walking Days: 11 Nights: 12 Average Daily Distance: 13miles Grade: Moderate to Strenuous

Description: Follow Robert Louis Stevenson’s

journey in it’s entirety to get the most from your

visit to this beautiful corner of France.

DAY 1: ARRIVE LE PUY-EN-VELAY

The ancient medieval town, now a UNESCO

World Heritage site, is dominated by 3

‘Puys’ (steep volcanic plugs) crowned by the

massive statue of Mary, the ancient Cathedral

and St Michel’s chapel. Almost unchanged in a

1000 years the medieval houses, alleys and

steep-streets nestling below are bustling with

shops traditional lace making, little restaurants

and café terraces.

Overnight: As you’ll stay privately with one of

our hostesses in their own historic home you’ll

have a unique chance to soak up the

atmosphere and discover the town floodlit at

night. Or maybe take the gourmet dinner option

at Du Parc.

DAY 2: LE MONASTIER-SUR-GAZEILLE TO LE BOUCHET-ST-

NICOLAS (1217M)

14 mls / 23km. 6hr15. +460 m, -175 m. (Private

transfer from Le Puy to Monastier)

Where RLS had to jettison the egg whisk and a

leg of mutton.

Your adventure in Stevenson’s footsteps begins!

Descend to cross the Gazeille River before

climbing to Courmarcés and St-Martin-de-

Fugéres by ancient lanes and byways. Cross the

gorge of the Loire at Goudet (ideal spot for picnic

lunch) to reach the high volcanic plateau. On

passed several small hamlets set amidst a

patchwork of black volcanic soil and green fields

of Puy lentils to the isolated hamlet of Le

Bouchet Saint Nicolas.

Overnight: Tonight’s modest auberge, owned by

the local farming Villeseche family, is a

rendezvous for walkers and locals alike or

sometimes we stay in one of the little village

houses. Local style dinner and breakfast

included.

Day Route M

1 2

3 4 5 6 7

Arrive Le Puy En Velay

Walk Monastier-sur-Gazeille to le

Bouchet-St-Nicolas

Walk to Langogne

Walk to Cheylard L’Évêque

Walk to La Bastide Puylaurent

Walk to Chasserades

Au Revoir to the Stevenson Trail.

0 14

17 10 12 7.5

THE SOUTH: WFSST2

STEVENSON’S TRAIL

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON’S CÉVENNES TRAIL

DETAILED ITINERARY

THE NORTH: WFSST1

ITINERARIES Day Route M

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Arrive Le Puy En Velay

Walk from Chasserades to Le

Bleymard

Walk to Le-Pont-de-Montvert

Walk to Florac

Walk to Cassagnas

Walk to St-Etienne-Valley-

Française

Walk to St-Jean-du-Gard

Au Revoir to the Stevenson Trail.

0

9.5

12

14.5

11

14

8.5

ENTIRE ROUTE: WFSST3

Day Route M

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Arrive Le Puy En Velay

Walk Monastier-sur-Gazeille to le

Bouchet-St-Nicolas

Walk to Langogne

Walk to Cheylard L’Évêque

Walk to La Bastide Puylaurent

Walk to Chasserades

Walk to Le Bleymard

Walk to Le-Pont-de-Montvert

Walk to Florac

Walk to Cassagnas

Walk to St-Etienne-Valley-

Française

Walk to St-Jean-du-Gard

0 14

17 10 12 7.5 9.5 12

14.5 11 14

8.5

DAY 3: LE BOUCHET-ST-NICOLAS

TO LANGOGNE (915M)

17 mls / 27km. 6.45hrs. +315 m. -575 m.

When RLS got a goad and things start to go

more smoothly!

Today the high plateau ridge to the market town

of Landos is followed by super walking via

Arquejol & the railway viaduct, crossing a deep

ravine. Detouring briefly, you can reach Rocher

de la Fagette (1265) with distant views to

rounded volcanic mountain tops, Naussac

reservoir and nearby historic Pradelles, follow.

We often stop in at Stephanie’s café on the

square in the austerely beautiful Pradelle before

descending to the larger market town of

Langogne. (pop 3282)

Overnight: Despite the main road it remains a

backwater reminiscent of a bygone era. We

usually stay in the somewhat faded grandeur of

the old coaching Hotel, or take a taxi the short

drive to the holiday village, stunningly located on

the lake. Dinner is included in both.

DAY 4: LANGOGNE TO CHEYLARD

L’ÉVEQUE (1125M)

10 mls / 16km. 4.10hrs. +320 m, -150 m

When RLS became hopelessly lost thanks to two

villages with confusingly similar names.

Undulating walking by dark forests and small

streams crossed by ancient humpback bridges

as you discover the remote Gévaudan

countryside. Passing Saint-Flour-de-Mercoire

(1049m) and the Cathedral-like Mercoire forest to

Sagne-Rousse, where RLS got hopelessly lost.

Later, an ancient sunken track descends to the

remote hamlet of Cheylard L’Eveque.

Overnight: In the charming local Auberge with

typical regional dinner served at long tables

bustling with fellow walkers from around the

world and a hearty breakfast

DAY 5: CHEYLARD L’ÉVEQUE TO

LA BASTIDE-PUYLAURENT (1024M)

12 mls / 18.5 km. 5hrs45. +240 m, -380 m

(14.5mls / 23.5 kms 7hrs for Monastery)

Where RLS met Father Apollinaris and overcame

his terror.

Fine valley walking today through rolling hills and

forests by Les Pradels to breathtaking views of

the distant Blue Cévennes Mountains. Joining

the medieval route to Luc before descending by

rough mule track into the Allier valley and the

Ardeche department at Laveyrune. An hour

further on and the route divides for the

Monastery or the small village of La Bastide.

Overnight: You may choose to stay at either

place. We usually stay with Florence and Pascal

at their Hotel in the centre of La Bastide, which is

modest, simple and welcoming with dinner

included.

One of the highlights of this trail is the Trappist

Monastery of Notre Dame des Neige, where RLS

spent a night, attended church services, enjoying

the company of the monks after overcoming his

initial terror of the place! Today they have a small

number of monastic style rooms available with

dinner and are famous for their wine called Fleur

des Neige. We always leave with a pot of their

delicious honey.

DAY 6: LA BASTIDE-PUYLAURENT

TO CHASSERADES (1150M)

7.5 mls /12 kms, approx. 3.5 hrs, +330 m, -160m.

Where RLS gets a bed to himself.

First by La Mourade, (1308m), fine high country

walking and stunning panoramic views south to

the Cévennes mountains. Then through the

majestic Forest Domaniale de la Gardille to

Chabalier, the historic hamlet of Chasserades,

and tiny Mirandol with its distinctive ‘Lauzes’ roof

tiles and massif 30m Viaduct. This is the longest

and highest walking day of the trail so far. First

by La Mourade, (1308m), fine high country

walking and stunning panoramic views south to

the Cévennes mountains. Then through the

majestic Forest Domaniale de la Gardille to

Chabalier, the historic hamlet of Chasserades,

and tiny Mirandol with its distinctive ‘Lauzes’ roof

tiles and massif 30m Viaduct.

Overnight: Either the fantastic Hotel Les

Sources, or a friendly, welcoming B&B. Dinner

Included.

DAY 7: CHASSERADES TO

BLEYMARD (1413M)

8.5 mls /14 kms, approx 4.5 hrs

From Chasseradès the trail lies by tiny Mirandol

with its distinctive ‘Lauzes’ roof tiles and massif

30m Viaduct. The forest-covered Goulet Massif

is the first major climb on the trail and more than

rewarded by the breathtaking panorama.

(1413m) La Bleymard, gateway to the Cevennes

National Park, lies below via the drove road, ‘La

Drailles des Mulets’ and a steep decent by the

source of the Lot River.

Overnight: You will stay either stay with Tiny at

her delightful chalet home before the decent into

the village or maybe with Claude and Jean-

Francois is the heart of the village at their busy,

simple hotel. Dinner included.

DAY 8: LE BLEYMARD TO LE PONT-

DE-MONTVERT (875M)

12mls / 19km. 6hrs. +630 m, -824 m.

Where RLS spent the night under the stars

The old drove road climbs steeply through pine

forests by the Col Santel (1200) before emerging

at the Mont Lozère Chalet, ski station. The

barren Finiels summit, over 5000ft. (1699m), the

highest point in the Cevennes and the trail, lies

ahead. Ancient standing stones, or Montjoies,

mark the route as the awe-inspiring panorama of

the Cevennes as Stevenson’s ‘Cevennes de

Cevennes’, opens up below. Descending the

rough steep track through the photogenic

scattered boulders, or chaos, to the lively

mountain village of Pont-de-Montvert (pop 302)

and its renowned humpback bridge over the High

Tarn.

STEVENSON’S TRAIL

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON’S CÉVENNES TRAIL

The 18th C. Camisard’s war that broke-out here

so fascinated RLS that, by following in their

footsteps, he became for many, the ‘Father’ of

today’s walkers.

Overnight: Sometimes we can’t resist stopping 3

km before to stay in the delightful mountain

hamlet of Finiels at Jacqueline B&B with her

lovely dinners or we can sometimes enjoy the

use of the barbecue terrace at Jean-Marc’s

spacious mini ‘maison’ just over the bridge in

Montvert where dinner is not included.

DAY 9: LE PONT-DE-MONTVERT TO

FLORAC (546M)

17.5 mls /28km 8hrs +545 m, - 875 m. (option to

shave 4 kms off this day)

Where RLS had lunch with 3 women and flirted

with the waitress!

Walking doesn’t come much better than this as

we head into the heart of the Cévennes and the

capital, Florac. This, the longest hiking day, with

energetic ascents and descents, rewards us with

daylong spectacular views. By the Bouges Ridge

and summit (1421m), & Col du Sapet (1080m),

with its mysterious standing stones before

dropping down to Bedoués (560m) and Florac

(pop1998). Here the confluence of 3 rivers, which

cascade merrily through the crumbling old

historic quarter, give a feel of Venice. (If the day

is too long you can shave 4klms off its end by the

GR68.)

Overnight: In the local hotel, renowned for it’s

great food or at Veronique and Denis’s historic

B&B, with restaurant below, in the heart of the

quaint old quarter.

DAY 10: FLORAC TO CASSAGNAS

(693m)

11 mls / 17.4km. 5hrs. +200m, -50m.

Where RLS had lunch in the company of a

gendarme and a merchant

With spectacular scenery all day the first part is a

challenging walk by hills and balcony paths

among the red-rock scenery of the Mimenti valley

up to by Saint-Julien-D’Arpaon. By contrast the

enchanting countryside following the gorge along

the disused railway track to Cassagnas, makes

for a delightful stroll.

Overnight: We’re spoilt for choice here,

sometimes heading to Isabelle’s Gipsy Caravans

or drinking in the scenery from the tranquil

garden at Stephanie’s B&B. However our

favourite is to carry on to Le Chateau du Cauvel,

either by walking the extra 8 km or having

hopped a lift part route with the bags in the

morning!

DAY 11: CASSAGNAS TO ST-ÉTIENNE-VALLEY-FRANÇAISE

(255m)

14mls /22.5km 4.45hrs. +320m, -710m.

Chestnuts! Forested Camisards country among

the Chestnut trees as the trail circles below the

watershed of Mount Mars (1162m) making the

easy climb to La Plan de Fontmort before we join

various other forested GR trails to arrive at the

Col de la Pierre Plantee (891m) and the last of

our mysterious standing stones. Descending

down to Le Serre de la Can and St -Germain-de-

Calberte before joining a pleasant ancient track

following the chestnut groves to the valley and St

-Etienne-Valley-Française.

Overnight: Either we stay at the fascinating goat

farm where they make amazing cheese or with

Madame Thomas at her B&B in this typical

village with dinner arranged in the local bistro.

DAY 12: ST-ÉTIENNE-VALLEY-FRANÇAISE TO ST-JEAN-DU-GARD

(190m)

8.5mls. / 12.5km 7.15hr. +350m, -410m.

A long climb up to Col de Saint-Pierre (597m)

and Signal de Saint-Pierre (695) is rewarded by

the breathtaking 360 panorama of the Cévennes

mountains. Downhill to the pretty hamlet of Pied-

de-Cote to join the Gardon river walk and by the

ancient bridge into the main town of St Jean du

Gard, where Stevenson sold his donkey

Modestine.

Overnight: Our historic hotel is where

Stevenson caught the stagecoach, set amidst the

bustle of this Mediterranean influenced town.

Tonight we’ll toast RLS and our amazing travels

with a glass or two and maybe a delightful dinner

in the restaurant next-door.

DAY 13: ST JEAN DU GARD

After a light breakfast it’s ‘Au Revoir’ to

Stevenson’s Trail.

Getting to Le Puy en Velay

Lyon is the closest airport, 125km North West of

Le Puy. Nimes, Montpellier and Clerment

Ferrand are also possibilities.

From the airport there is a fast train link (30 mins)

to the main train station, Gare de Lyon Part-Dieu

and from here the TGV will whisk you via Saint-

Etienne-Châteaucreux to down town Le Puy in

2.20hrs giving you your first glimpse of stunning

Southern France.

From St Jean-du-Gard

You can either take a combination of bus and

train back to Le Puy or we can book a private

transfer, which is recommended.

Accommodation

We specifically choose our accommodation for

comfort, location and real authenticity. All are

owner operated 2 & 3* star hotels / auberge/

B&B with ensuite rooms that offer a genuinely

warm welcome.

STEVENSON’S TRAIL

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON’S CÉVENNES TRAIL

TRAVEL INFORMATION

HOLIDAY INFORMATION

Accommodation Details

We will always try and accommodate you at the

locations detailed, but because of limited

availability we may have to accommodate you at

an alternative location of the same or better

standard or for 2 nights in the same place.

Alternative details will be noted on your

accommodation sheet.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

Single rooms are available but attract a

supplement. This is a great holiday for solo

walkers. If you are travelling solo the holiday is

slightly more expensive as some costs are not

shared.

Meals

The delicious French food and wine available

locally is undoubtedly a highlight of this holiday.

The price of your holiday includes breakfast each

morning. Dinner is included on 5, 4 & 9 nights

respectively for the North, South and Entire walk.

All your hosts will prepare a packed lunch if you

let them know in advance. 7-10€ approx pp. or

you can pick up a crusty baguette, some

fantastic local cheese, sweet ripe fruit and picnic

en route.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your

accommodation onto your next overnight stop.

We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of

up to 15kg per person. Please make sure they

are clearly marked with your name and next

nights accommodation.

Walking Grade

This holiday is graded moderate to strenuous

because some of the daily walks are relatively

long over undulating terrain while in the later half

the terrain is very hilly and summer temperatures

can be high.

The walks follow ancient footpaths, sheep tracks

and drove roads. Over Basalt, granite, schist and

limestone. Where possible the route avoids

made up roads and in some sections the rocks

can be loose underfoot.

Navigation

You will be following the GR70, (GR= Grande

Randonnée or main walking routes) which is

clearly way marked with the famous red and

white strips, whether on a passing tree, rock, or

post. We supply very detailed route notes (you

will need to be familiar with basic compass use to

follow these in some places) and maps so

navigation is generally easy. Heavy rains, winds

and fog do sometimes affect sections of the trail.

Availability & Price

You can start this walking tour on any date from

Easter until the end of October, subject to

availability. Up to date prices are available on our

website.

Included

6,7,12 Nights Accommodation in B&B’s,

auberges and small hotels.

6, 7, 12 Breakfasts

5, 4, 9 Dinners

Door to door baggage transfer of 1 bag of up

to 15kg per person.

Detailed guidebook, information pack and

maps for the group leader.

Emergency support from our local and UK

offices in the event of a problem.

Le Puy to Monastier-sur-Gazeille transfer.

Excluded

Meals not detailed in the itinerary

Travel to start/from end of the walk.

Travel Insurance.

Personal Equipment.

Taxi transfers or public transport should you

need to skip a stage.

Once you have read all the information in this factsheet or our website and decided on your preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a call to confirm availability. You can then book securely online at www.macsadventure.com by phone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886, Fax/Post: Download or request a booking form and post it to Macs Adventure Ltd, 44 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845 527 5688.

Financial Security

In accordance with "The Package Travel,

Package Holidays and Package Tours

Regulations1992" all passengers booking with

Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the

initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all

monies paid to us, including repatriation if

required (this insurance will not cover repatriation

to the country of origin for the passengers

outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or

curtailment of your travel arrangements due to

the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd

ABTA Member Statement

Macs Adventure Holidays

is a Member of ABTA.

ABTA and ABTA Members

help holidaymakers to get

the most from their travel and assist when things

don’t go according to plan. We are obliged to

maintain a high standard of service to you by

ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For more information

on ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the

arbitration scheme available to you if you have a

complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London

SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 0581 www.abta.com

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STEVENSON’S TRAIL

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON’S CÉVENNES TRAIL

AVAILABILITY & PRICES

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE