- L’Autre Chemin
- Séjours
- 4 days on the Stevenson Trail, from Puy-en-Velay to Pradelles
€430 / pers
4 Days on the Stevenson Trail
A short break, a long weekend, a long weekend to discover the first stages of the incredible GR70 – Stevenson Trail. The program includes a 3-day hike from the town of Le Puy-en-Velay to Pradelles. This will be an opportunity to discover Monastier-sur-Gazeille before reaching the majestic gorges of the Loire Sauvage, the Devès plateau and its volcanic rock that colors the paths red, as well as cultivated plateaus where the Velay green lentil grows. An enchanting interlude on the Stevenson Trail that will certainly inspire more than one to continue the adventure…
The route doesn’t present any particular difficulties. The second stage is longer, but you have to take your time; there’s no point in rushing ;-)
Check out our tips for preparing your hike.
Bonus: The L’Autre Chemin agency is located in Le Puy-en-Velay at 5 rue Grangevieille, which allows us to easily meet you upon your departure and offers us extensive knowledge of the trail.
What we like: The Wild Loire Valley and Rhinoceros Rock as you descend towards Goudet Tip: The Stevenson Trail is a very popular route, especially in May, June, and September.
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The benefits of your stay:
- You travel independently and follow the provided travel book.
- Take advantage of our guide app to download to your smartphone (guidance, tourist information).
- Your accommodations are offered on a half-board basis
- Your luggage is delivered at each stop (one bag, max. 13kg/person – max dimensions : L + W + H : 120cm).
- Your return trip by minibus to the starting point is included in our packages.
Your itinerary:
- Elevation gain 1,870m
- Self-guided hike
- Experienced hiker: 5h30 to 6h30 hours of walking per day
- Family: Children 13 years and older (experienced hiking)
- Accommodation: Private room (B&B, cottage, hotel, or alternative accommodation)
- Important to know: You are travelling from place to place, and the itinerary includes stages with varying levels of comfort.
- What’s the climate like? See our FAQ
Note: The steps are given for information purposes only and may be modified depending on host availability.
A Day to Discover Le Puy-en-Velay
Take advantage of this free day to discover Le Puy-en-Velay at your own pace, the iconic town and starting point of the Stevenson Trail.
Wander through the narrow streets of the old upper town, explore its hidden passageways and charming little squares. Take the time to look up and admire the historic façades, and step inside the magnificent Notre-Dame du Puy Cathedral, one of the city’s true architectural treasures.
The perfect day to soak up the unique atmosphere of Le Puy-en-Velay before lacing up your hiking boots and setting off in Stevenson’s footsteps.
Discover:
> The Cathedral and its Cloister
> The statue of Notre-Dame de France
> The Chapel of Saint-Michel
> The narrow streets of the upper town
> The Hôtel-Dieu and its exhibitions
> The Fortress of Polignac
> Monument passes on sale at the Tourist Office or at the monument ticket offices.
> Bobbin Lacemaking Training Center
> The Henry Vinay Garden (Horseshoe Park)
From Le Puy-en-Velay to Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille
Your adventure begins with a beautiful climb into the hills. As the landscape gradually opens up, the trail leads you to Coubon, nestled in the Loire Valley.
The route then climbs once again, taking you along beautiful wooded ridges between the Laussonne and Gazeille valleys. As you follow the trails, you’ll discover a wonderfully peaceful landscape of forests, valleys and wide-open spaces.
Then Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille comes into view — an essential stop on the Stevenson Trail. It was here that Robert Louis Stevenson prepared for his famous journey with Modestine. Today, the village still has a special connection with the Scottish writer and his adventure, and is well worth taking the time to explore.
A first stage rich in landscapes and history, offering a gentle introduction to the unique world of the Stevenson Trail.
Discover:
• Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille
> The Abbey of Saint Chaffre, which blends Romanesque and Gothic styles.
> The Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste
> The circular fountains and wash houses
> Museum of Popular Beliefs
> School Museum
> The European Cultural Space (exhibitions)
> The Recoumène Viaduct - picture Schappeler
In Stevenson’s Footsteps, Between Volcanoes and the Loire
Follow in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson and begin your journey in the heart of the Gazeille Valley. The trail then climbs higher, leading you along a rocky path through the forest before gradually opening out onto vast, open landscapes.
You are now on the great volcanic plateaus, shaped in particular by ancient lava flows from the Monts de Bresse. Here, the horizon stretches far into the distance and the landscape takes on a whole new dimension, with volcanic relief, wide-open spaces and a wonderful sense of freedom.
A beautiful descent then takes you gradually towards the Loire, with some rocky sections along the way. Once you reach the river, the trail climbs again, crossing to the opposite bank as you continue your journey towards Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas.
A spectacular and varied stage, combining forests, volcanic plateaus, river landscapes and wild trails — a wonderful day following in the footsteps of Stevenson!
To discover:
• Saint-Martin de Fugères
> The church
• Goudet
> A stroll through the heart of the village center and the discovery of the polychrome roofs
> A walk along the path that runs along the Loire and leads you to wild gorges
> Beaufort Castle
• Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas
> The volcanic lake of Bouchet
From Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas to Pradelles, Across the Vast Devès Plateau
The trail opens onto the vast landscapes of the Devès Plateau. You follow wide tracks through cultivated fields, surrounded by peaceful scenery where the horizon seems to stretch endlessly into the distance.
Here, you walk between the two great valleys that shape the Haute-Loire: the Loire and the Allier. Each river continues its journey far beyond your hike before eventually meeting much farther away, at the Bec d’Allier near Nevers.
Along the way, you pass through Landos before reaching Pradelles, a charming hilltop village and one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages.” A wonderful way to finish your hike in the footsteps of Stevenson.
🚐 Return to Le Puy-en-Velay
At 4:40 pm, a shuttle will be waiting for you in Pradelles to take you back to Le Puy-en-Velay. Your luggage, carefully looked after throughout your hike, will be waiting for you there as well.
Arrival is scheduled for around 5:30 pm, depending on traffic conditions.
A final stage through wide-open landscapes, volcanic lands and characterful villages, before bringing this beautiful Stevenson Trail adventure to a close.
Discover:
• Landos
> The washhouse and its fountain
> St. Félix Church
> The Ribains Marshes
• Arquejols
> Viaduct
> Jagonas Castle
• Pradelles
> Village tour
> Vélorail
> Neo-Gothic church
> Aquatic center
> The view of Gévaudan
This price includes:
- Accommodation in a twin, double, triple, multiple, or single room with half-board (dinner + night + breakfast)
- Tourist taxes,
- Luggage transport (maximum 13kg/person – max dimensions : L + W + H : 120cm)
- Your digital travel and guidebook The guidebook (1 copy per group of 3 travelers)
- The journey back to Le Puy-en-Velay by minibus
- Telephone assistance
Extras:
- Comprehensive cancellation and luggage insurance
- Single room
This price does not include:
- Transportation and transfers to the starting point,
- Meals other than those specified in the chosen package,
- Car parking
- The stage log
- Drinks
- Pocket money
- Possible visits or activities
- GPX tracks (we do not provide GPX tracks – app-based guidance)
- Multi-risk cancellation insurance,
- More generally, anything not listed in the “this price includes” section
Administration fees :
- €12/person if ordered online
- €15/person via quote
As an option, L’autre Chemin offers:
The Stage Book
A veritable passport to be stamped at each stage of your hike. We offer an optional stage book, which will be a nice souvenir of the Stevenson Trail. Price: €7 / stage book when booking your stay.
L’Autre Chemin has developed numerous partnerships with guesthouses and small traditional hotels to offer you comfort and authenticity, ensuring that each stage is an opportunity to discover the architecture, the art of living, and the gastronomy, as well as a moment of exchange and encounters. Note: The stages along the trail are determined by the walking pace that we feel is most appropriate. We strive to offer you stages that offer comfort, discovery, and authenticity in hotels, guesthouses, cottages, or unusual accommodations.
However, the Stevenson Trail offers a range of amenities. Generally, bathrooms are integrated into the rooms, but they may be located on the landing or shared in some accommodations.
in some accommodations.
Half Board
When you choose a half-board trip, which generally includes a set-menu dinner and breakfast, we invite you to let us know about any food allergies or special dietary requirements you may have. Please note that breakfast may be either continental or international, depending on the accommodation.
The establishments should normally be able to accommodate the needs of travellers:
- with confirmed food allergies (allergies involving the immune system and potentially causing severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock), such as allergies to honey, nuts, shellfish, etc.
- vegetarians (Due to the complexity and significant constraints this places on accommodation providers, we are unfortunately unable to organise trips catering for a vegan diet.)
- following a diet for religious reasons
For food intolerances (digestive difficulties in processing certain foods, with symptoms that are purely digestive, such as lactose or gluten intolerance) and other dietary restrictions, we will inform the accommodation providers in advance. However, some establishments may find it difficult to accommodate all dietary requirements, which are becoming increasingly common. We therefore thank you in advance for adapting your food consumption to the meals provided during your stay and, if necessary, bringing any additional foods or supplements you may require, such as gluten-free bread.
Please note: Additional charges may apply for special diets, depending on the policies of individual accommodation providers.
By train
The town of Le Puy-en-Velay has a train station that takes you right to the city center, close to your first hotel and all the sights and shops. In short, it’s very pleasant to take the train from home to begin your hike in Le Puy. Psst, even if the journey may seem long, when you arrive via Saint-Etienne, the tracks run alongside the wild Loire Valley, a very pleasant sight!
By car
Le Puy is accessible by road, notably via two main roads: the RN88 from Saint-Etienne/Lyon or Aubenas/Mende, or via the RN102 (Clermont-Ferrand). There are suitable parking lots on site, but we’ll explain everything in your travel diary!
- Paris: 515km
- Lyon: 134km
- Marseille: 300km
- Toulouse: 350km
- Montpellier: 250km
Where to park in Le Puy?
- Breuil underground car park – Place du Breuil – Closed Sundays and public holidays – 7 days: €60 – Reservations: +33 4 71 02 03 54
Le Puy above-ground car parks – Rates: €10/week and €20/month. Subscriptions must be reserved and paid in advance at the Mobilité-en-Velay commercial center. Tel. +33 4 71 02 60 11 (open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) – Height limit 2.20 m & length 5.50 m maximum. These car parks are served by a free shuttle or the urban transport network.
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- Bertrand de Doue Parking: Parking without video
- Estrouilhas Parking: Parking without video
- Quincieu Park and Ride Parking: Parking without video
- Montredon Park and Ride Parking: Parking without video (free bus service to the city center)
- Dunant Parking (free bus service to the city center)
- Train Station Parking: Video-monitored parking – €6 / 24 hours
- Carmes Parking: Video-monitored parking – €40 / week – Reservation: +33 7 68 10 76 81
- Foch Parking – 6 avenue du Maréchal Foch – Video surveillance – 7 days: €40 – Reservation: +33 7 68 10 76 81
- Saint-Jacques Parking (Center served by bus) – 13 bis de Roderie – Aiguilhe – Video surveillance – Reservation: +33 4 44 43 97 43 – 7 days: €35
- La Malle Postale – Parking at 7km from Le Puy – Drop-off and pick-up guaranteed – 7 days / 7– 7 days: €30 – Reservation: 04 71 04 21 79
Prices given for information purposes only, subject to change without notice
Whether you’d like to book your Stevenson Trail Introduction stay or have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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