LE CHEMIN DE STEVENSON (GR70) – GRANDE ITINÉRANCE CULTURELLE, une randonnée mythique au coeur des Cévennes
The Stevenson Trail, also known as the GR70, is one of the most iconic long-distance hiking trails in France. Following this route means walking in the footsteps of the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson, author of the famous Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes (1879). Between dormant volcanoes, mysterious forests and Cévennes valleys, the GR70 is an invitation to adventure, discovery and rejuvenation. The Stevenson Trail is a route that crosses Velay, Gévaudan, Mont-Lozère before reaching the magnificent Cévennes. A journey in the Cévennes on foot or by bike that crosses the departments of Haute-Loire, Lozère, Ardèche, and Gard. Completing the GR70 is like turning the chapters of Robert-Louis-Stevenson’s book. But also treat yourself to an enchanting interlude in the heart of nature, where each day turns a little more of the pages of the Scotsman’s work. Rest assured, you won’t be alone on the path. Today, many walkers follow in the footsteps of the Stevenson Trail. Dive into a zigzag journey of climbs, descents, incredible landscapes, and immersion in nature…
Why choose the Stevenson Trail?
1. Exceptional landscapes
Each day of walking reveals a variety of panoramas: the volcanic plateaus of Velay, the deep forests of Gévaudan, the Cévennes valleys bathed in light and the ridges of Mont Lozère offering spectacular views.
2. An accessible hike
The GR70 does not present any major technical difficulties. It remains accessible to motivated hikers, even beginners, provided they are in good physical condition and have a minimum of preparation.
3. A cultural and historical immersion
The path tells a story: that of Stevenson, the Camisards, the Cévennes traditions and the picturesque villages that mark the route.
4. An authentic adventure
The route follows the historic route of Robert-Louis Stevenson’s journey and offers the discovery of authentic and charming villages.
What makes Stevenson’s path so unique for us:
Nature
First, a cultivated nature in Haute-Loire, the volcanic stone villages that inspire harsh winters, the waves of a tumultuous Loire and the panorama that makes the gaze focus on the peaks of the Ardèche then on the Margeride in the distance. Soon, Lozère then Ardèche before finding Lozère again. What marks here is the water that follows the Stevenson path with of course Langogne and its Langouryou river and the lake of Naussac. Further on, it is the Allier which is not yet furious but rather gentle which accompanies your steps. We can also note the place of the forest which invites to dream and reflection and sometimes even intimidates when crossing the forest of Mercoire. But the GR70 trail always remains joyful and makes you want to know more.
The Mountains & Hills
A short incursion into Ardèche to climb towards the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges, the forest accompanies the walk and finally hides the summit of the climb as if the Abbey only allowed itself to be discovered once the forest had decided it. Then return to Lozère to climb the Gardille mountain… Peaks that now mark the route and are perfect promontories to get drunk on the landscapes, a real vertigo horizontally! What can we say when we arrive at the summit of the Goulet mountain, we must then follow the path that invites us to discover the source of the Lot before reaching Bleymard. Last stop before a new mountain, the mountain that everyone is waiting for: Mont Lozère. A magnificent passage where thoughts fly away with the wind before reaching the summit… In case of bad weather, the planted stones open the Stevenson path for us. A 360° view is offered to us as if to welcome you to the Cévennes National Park.
Rivers
The one that murmurs, that refreshes, that sings of nature, that sometimes invites you to swim… The Tarn that runs under the Pont-de-Montvert bridge which further joins the Stevenson trail near Bédouès. At the top of the Col du Sapet, if the eye is drawn to its south-facing landscapes, just below, we can already make out the Mimente river that our hiking feet will find again near Saint-Julien-d’Arpaon, Cassagnas. Florac, like a capital of rivers where the courses of the Tarn, the Tarnon, the Mimente cross as if to better enchant our hiking adventure on the GR70. Further on, our path will cross the Gardon which seems so calm and which, however, awakened by sometimes torrential storms of the Cévennes episodes can transform into a furious and uncontrollable river.
The variety of the scenery
Nature changes throughout the route… Raw, volcanic beauty in Haute-Loire, cultivated plateaus, forests, and then as you approach the south, the scents change, as does the scenery… Dry stone, chestnut groves, and the scents of the South accompany your journey. Whether you walk in spring along green paths, in summer to enjoy the long days, or in autumn when Mont-Lozère glows… The seasons paint the landscapes, and we could call them Stevenson’s trails, as nature is so ever-changing, sometimes benevolent and sometimes harsh or austere. The book open on the trail To follow in the footsteps of Robert-Louis Stevenson and his donkey, who chose to set off from Le Monastier in September 1878. At that time, there was no luggage transport, no guidebooks or navigation apps, no hikers on these trails… Just the desire to get away, to escape from life, to take the time to leave, to find oneself in a nature that was undoubtedly more intimidating… Like an initiatory journey to meet nature, to meet people… Taking the Stevenson Trail is, in a way, a continuation of this adventure, to follow in the footsteps of Modestine and Sir Stevenson. Taking the time to reconnect with a distant adventure that yet speaks to everyone.
Heritage
If the Way crosses wild, raw nature; it is however punctuated by heritage discoveries of varying importance but which add touches of culture, life, and past to the decor of the Stevenson Trail. Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, labeled Small Town of Character and which offers incredible discoveries along its medieval streets: The Abbey, the Saint-Jean church, the convent buildings, the castle. Further on you will discover churches with varied bell towers, fountains, bread ovens… The village of Pradelles also offers a beautiful discovery of its center. Then we will find on the Notre-Dame de toutes les Grâces path in Cheylard l’Evèque, the remains of the Château de Luc which overlooks the nascent Allier valley. Of course, then it is the Abbaye-Notre-Dame des Neiges which will invite the walker to meditation. The industrial heritage will also be present with the magnificent railway viaduct of Mirandol, that of Arquejols but also the old spinning mills of Langogne or Saint-Jean-du-Gard … the Stevenson Trail offers so many discoveries …
And what if the most wonderful of discoveries were also other discoveries…
The Stevenson Trail offers an enchanting interlude from a life that sometimes has a very, or even too, hectic pace, a moment to share a few kilometers with other hikers, to meet up in the evening at the stopovers, and to meet new guests each evening. The trail crosses villages; it’s an opportunity to exchange a few words with the “locals,” to share moments of life… We all have good reasons for setting out on the trail, we all know what to expect from it… but we never guess… We never guess all the surprises it has in store for us…
Practical tips for preparing for the GR70 When to go?
Best time:
From mid-April to October.
Duration and pace
12 to 15 days on average to complete the entire GR70.
L’Autre Chemin offers different versions of the Stevenson Trail:
They should be comfortable and fit your feet. It’s important that they provide good ankle support and protect you from any moisture.
If you already have shoes, they should be in good condition (remember to check your laces).
If you’re traveling with new shoes, use them before your departure to break them in and break them in.
They should be worn with suitable socks to avoid any chafing from walking. Also, bring a pair of flip-flops or sandals for walking around the lodge or the surrounding area after your hike.
Clothing
Of course, there are T-shirts, shirts, shorts, pants, underwear, pajamas, etc. At least three pairs of socks suitable for walking… But even in summer, it’s essential to pack warm clothing, a windproof and waterproof jacket. Choose clothing that offers good freedom of movement.
Adopt the 3-layer approach:
1 breathable base layer 1 thermal mid-layer in case of cool or cold weather
1 windproof outer layer in case of rain or wind
In addition, a raincoat can be useful in case of heavy rain or thunderstorms.
Also, consider the sun and bring a hat or cap, a swimsuit, and a pair of sunglasses. For evening walks, wear light and comfortable shoes.
The backpack
Your luggage will be transported at each stage, but bring a daypack (28 liters maximum) to carry your picnic, water bottle, waterproof jacket, warm clothes just in case, and a first aid kit. Choose a sturdy, lightweight backpack with a capacity suited to what you plan to carry at each stage.
Walking poles
While they can provide assistance on climbs, notably by significantly transferring the effort, and also provide more secure footing on descents, they can sometimes be cumbersome… The choice is yours!
First aid kit
This should contain, among other things, bandages, antiseptic, an “elastoplast” bandage, painkillers (such as aspirin or paracetamol), a tick remover, sunscreen, lip balm, and foot cream.
A water bottle
It can be very hot, and even though you’ll find water sources fairly regularly, it’s essential to bring one or two water bottles, depending on their capacity, to provide 1.5 liters of water per person.
Hiking trips on the Stevenson Trail
The Stevenson Trail, self-guided and in its entirety. You enjoy walking and are planning to complete all the stages of the GR 70 in one go. This option will allow you to truly benefit from a real break from your daily routine and fully experience the roaming and the changing landscapes along your route.
Conclusion of the Stevenson Trail from Chasseradès to Saint-Jean-du-Gard. Whether you have completed the Introduction or not, go hiking for a week in the heart of the Cévennes on the GR 70 in the heart of the Cévennes.
The L’Autre Chemin agency has developed cycling trips along the Stevenson Trail for a unique adventure in the heart of the Cévennes. Enjoy a legendary journey by mountain bike, gravel bike, or hybrid bike. You’ll return from this odyssey with stars in your eyes and intoxicated by the sweet scents of the South of France.
A suitable route, even if as always, we favor the original route, certain sections had to be adapted so that the pleasure is present with each pedal stroke.
To ensure you enjoy your trip to the fullest, your luggage will be transported at every stage. The accommodations offered offer comfort and a change of scenery. Once you arrive at your destination, we’ll take care of your return journey, as well as your bikes, to the Haute-Loire region.
Dialogue with Stevenson, a cycling trip to discover the Stevenson Trail route by electric bike or bicycle! A journey that we have specially selected to make the adventure a pleasure and follow the GR70 route as closely as possible.
Traveling with a bike in the Cévennes is the more accessible version of the previous trip with a quieter route that avoids stony paths and favors forest tracks and small roads, but which offers a very beautiful adventure in the landscapes of the Cévennes.
Conversation with Stevenson is the most athletic and technical cycling adventure along the Stevenson Trail. We’ve developed this trip for travelers with their own mountain bike, good physical condition, and a real aptitude for riding on sometimes technical trails.
But what does independent travel actually mean? For an independent stay, you travel alone (solo, as a couple, or with friends) and you’re not accompanied. But rest assured, we’ve organized everything for you! Your stays in specially selected accommodations. Luggage transport at each stage. As well as your return to the starting point, your travel diary.
What if you want to travel alone on the Stevenson Trail?
In this case, having your hike organized by the travel agency L’Autre Chemin can be a good solution. We organize your entire trip and book all your accommodations in a private room so that you can find your own private haven each night. Hiking alone on the Stevenson Trail is no problem. The trail is shared with other hikers, and you can call the agency at any time! We place great importance on creating travel logs so that it’s easy to find your way around and you can enjoy your hike with peace of mind.
“Walking is about rediscovering one’s primitive instinct, one’s place and true position, one’s mental and physical balance. It is about going with oneself, with no other recourse than one’s legs and one’s head. With no other engine than that of the heart, that of morale.”
Jacques Lanzmann – French writer – (1927-2006)
Conclusion: Follow in Stevenson’s footsteps
Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a literature lover, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, the Stevenson Trail (GR70) is a must-see route. Combining wild nature, historical heritage, and human experience, it promises a unique and unforgettable adventure.
So, put on your walking shoes, pack your bag, and set off to discover this jewel of the Cévennes.
