- L’Autre Chemin
- Séjours
- A chat with Stevenson, a sporty cycle tour on the Stevenson Trail
€795 / Pers
A chat with Stevenson
The Stevenson Trail by Bike: A Great Challenge for Tireless Legs!
The stages are long, the elevation gain is significant, and some sections require good technical skills. But what a reward! Spectacular landscapes, wild trails and a true immersion in the heart of the Cévennes.
A real cycling challenge, ideal for riders who are used to cycling at a sporty pace, even when riding an electric bike. Here, pedal assistance helps you tackle the climbs, but it doesn’t do all the work: you need to enjoy pedalling, climbing and, from time to time, putting those legs to the test!
Good to Know Before You Set Off
This route is fairly technical and includes many rocky sections. Our fleet of electric hybrid bikes is therefore not suitable for this itinerary. This trip is intended for riders with their own electric mountain bike (e-MTB), equipped with a battery of at least 500 Wh.
You can also rent a full-suspension electric mountain bike in Brives-Charensac, near Le Puy-en-Velay, to enjoy the route in the best possible conditions.
A little extra: L’Autre Chemin is located in Le Puy-en-Velay, at 5 rue Grangevieille. Being so close to the starting point means we can easily welcome you, advise you before your adventure and share our in-depth knowledge of the Stevenson Trail and its cycling variants.
To plan your stay, check out our tips!
What we like: A sporting adventure on a legendary path that will amaze travelers!
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The benefits of your stay:
- Travel independently and at your own pace
- Easy navigation with our new digital “Travel Journal & Navigation” app
- Half-board accommodation included throughout your stay
- Your soft luggage is delivered to each stage (1 bag per person, maximum 13 kg; maximum dimensions: length + width + height = 120 cm)
- Your return journey and the transportation of your bikes back to the starting point are organised and included in the trip
- Our travel bikes for this stay
Your itinerary:
- Elevation gain 4,275m – Country roads and trails Self-guided cycling tour (you choose your departure point and go solo, with family, or with friends)
- Fitness route
- Family: Children aged 14 and over (depending on cycling ability) Accommodation: in a private room (B&B, cottage, hotel, or alternative accommodation)
- What’s the climate like? See our Frequently Asked Questions
- Program day / day
- What's in your bike tour ?
- Extras
- Accommodation
- Access to Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille
- Need help ?
Note: The steps are given for information purposes only and may be modified depending on host availability.
Welcome to Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, in Stevenson’s Footsteps
Welcome to Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, a “Petite Cité de Caractère” and a village that held a special place in Sir Stevenson’s heart! This is where his famous journey with Modestine began, and the village is truly worth taking the time to explore.
Set off to discover its charming narrow streets and rich heritage. Highlights include the Saint-Chaffre Abbey Church and the Abbey Castle, now home to the Museum of Popular Beliefs, a fascinating place to discover the traditions, stories and legends that have shaped the region.
Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille also has a remarkable railway history. The village was originally meant to be served by the Transcévenole, a railway line designed to connect Velay with the Cévennes… but the train never actually made it there!
You can nevertheless discover one of the most impressive remnants of this ambitious project by crossing the Recoumène Viaduct. This spectacular structure offers a fascinating glimpse into this extraordinary chapter of the region’s railway history.
Between heritage, legends and landscapes, Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille is a memorable first stop on your journey in Stevenson’s footsteps.
Discover:
Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille
> The Abbey of Saint Chaffre, which blends Romanesque and Gothic styles.
> The Church of St. John the Baptist
> The circular fountains and wash houses
> Museum of Popular Beliefs
> School Museum
> The European Cultural Space (exhibitions)
> The Recoumène Viaduct
Photo: schapeller
Des Gorges de la Loire aux portes de la Lozère
Aujourd’hui, le relief se corse ! Vous commencez par une belle descente avant d’attaquer une bonne grimpette qui vous mène progressivement vers les Gorges de la Loire. Le paysage s’ouvre alors sur un décor spectaculaire, sauvage et profondément marqué par l’activité volcanique.
Vous reprenez ensuite de la hauteur pour rejoindre les plateaux du Devès, terre emblématique de la célèbre lentille verte du Puy. Vous traversez ces grands espaces volcaniques en direction du Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas, où l’essentiel du dénivelé de la journée est déjà derrière vous.
La suite se déroule sur de surprenants chemins de terre rouge, témoins des sols volcaniques qui façonnent le paysage. Vous traversez Landos, puis poursuivez votre route vers Langogne, où une étape bien méritée vous attend !
Tout au long de ce tronçon, les paysages se renouvellent sans cesse : plateaux volcaniques, forêts, villages de caractère et chemins sauvages composent un itinéraire riche en découvertes.
Une étape exigeante et parfois technique, mais quelle diversité de paysages ! Ici, chaque montée se mérite et chaque descente devient une belle récompense.
Discover:
• Saint-Martin de Fugères
> The church
• Goudet
> Stroll through the village center and discover the polychrome roofs
> Walk along the path that runs along the Loire and leads you to wild gorges
> Beaufort Castle
• Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas
> The Bouchet volcanic lake
• Landos
> The washhouse and its fountain
> St. Félix Church
> The Marais de Ribains
• Arquejols
> Viaduct
> Jagonas Castle
• Pradelles
> Neo-Gothic church
> The view of Gévaudan
• Langogne
> Naussac Lake – Water sports and swimming
> The Calquières spinning mill
> Museum of Sacred Art
From the Mercoire Forest to Chasseradès, in the Heart of Gévaudan
The landscapes begin to change and the adventure takes on a whole new dimension. You continue along the GR70 through the imposing Mercoire Forest, a vast protected natural area where peace, solitude and wide-open spaces reign supreme.
Then comes the pleasure of a beautiful trail descent towards Cheylard-l’Évêque. You continue through magnificent woodland on the foothills of the Gardille Mountains, before descending towards Luc, dominated by the impressive ruins of its medieval castle.
At the foot of the village, you discover the first waters of the Allier River, just beginning its journey. You then make your way to Laveyrune before gaining altitude once again towards Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey, one of the highlights of the Stevenson Trail.
And as Stevenson seemed to have a particular appreciation for downhill sections after a good climb, your efforts are once again rewarded with a magnificent trail descent back towards the valley!
You then tackle a steady climb up the slopes of the Gardille Mountains, eventually reaching Chasseradès, a typical village of the Haut-Gévaudan. Here, you discover the Church of Saint-Blaise and its beautiful granite houses.
A wild and contrasting stage, combining deep forests, trails, valleys and heritage, where every climb opens the way to a new discovery.
Discover:
• Saint-Flour-de-Mercoire
> The dense forest
> The small church
• Cheylard-l'Evèque
> Our Lady of All Graces on the heights
• Luc
> The remains of the medieval castle
> The nascent Allier
• La Bastide-Puylaurent
> The Abbey of Our Lady of the Snows
• Chasseradès
> The Church of Saint-Blaise
> The sources of the Allier
From Chasseradès to Bédouès, from the High Plateaus to the Cévennes Valleys
The stage between Chasseradès and Bédouès takes you along one of the most iconic sections of the Stevenson Trail – GR70. Little by little, you leave the high plateaus of Gévaudan behind and descend towards the valleys of the Cévennes. And of course… there are still a few good climbs to tackle!
The day begins with a gentle warm-up towards the Goulet Forest, before a beautiful descent towards Le Bleymard, a small village nestled at the foot of majestic Mont Lozère.
Then it is time to gain some altitude again. You climb by road towards the friendly Col de Finiels, before enjoying an exhilarating descent towards Pont-de-Montvert, alternating between trails and quiet country roads. Here, you encounter the first murmurs of the Tarn River, accompanying you through this wonderfully wild landscape.
The route then treats you to a superb stretch along a balcony road overlooking the Tarn Gorges. You reach the Col du Sapet, the highest point of this section, before letting gravity take over on a magnificent forest descent towards Bédouès.
On arrival, the Bédouès Collegiate Church, a Gothic gem of Lozère’s heritage, welcomes you in the heart of the village.
A spectacular and characterful stage, where the mountains gradually give way to the Cévennes valleys. Climbs, exhilarating descents and, above all, landscapes that make you want to keep on pedalling!
Discover:
• Mirandol
> The railway viaduct
• Le Bleymard
> The Lot River
> The Saint-Jean Chapel
> The slate roofs of Tournel
> The surprising Mont-Lozère
> The Lot River
• Finiels
> The granite blocks
> The view of the Cévennes
> The burons and the general architecture of the village
• Montvert Bridge
> The high Tarn Gorges
> The Mont-Lozère House
> The road leading up to L'Hermet
• The Col du Sapet
> The incredible view
• Bédouès
> The collegiate church
From Bédouès to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, into the Heart of the Cévennes
The stage between Bédouès and Saint-Jean-du-Gard marks the final chapter of a unique journey in Stevenson’s footsteps, through the wild and sun-drenched landscapes of the Cévennes.
You begin by making your way to Florac, a true town of water and stone, before continuing along the Cévennes greenway, which follows the Mimente River. As the kilometres go by, the river reveals beautiful pools of cool, crystal-clear water, nestled in unspoilt surroundings. A perfect opportunity to enjoy one last taste of the freshness and beauty of the Cévennes, all the way to Cassagnas.
Then, just as Stevenson did in his day, the trail begins to climb once again through a magnificent forest. You gradually reach the Plan de Fontmort, before crossing into a more distinctly southern landscape. Little by little, the scenery changes, the vegetation becomes more Mediterranean and the scents of the South announce your approach to the Gard.
The route then takes you through charming Cévennes villages, including Saint-Germain-de-Calberte and Saint-Étienne-Vallée-Française. The mountains become gentler, the valleys open up and the atmosphere gradually changes as you cover the final kilometres.
You eventually cross into the Gard department, before naturally making your way to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, the final destination of your adventure.
After crossing high plateaus, forests, mountains and Cévennes valleys, you finally reach your destination. A final stage filled with beautiful landscapes and memorable sensations, bringing this wonderful cycling journey in Stevenson’s footsteps to a fitting close.
Discover:
• Florac
> Crossroads of the waters of the Tarn, Tarnon, Mimente, and Pêcher rivers
> The Cévennes Park House located in the castle
> The small streets
• Saint-Julien d'Arpaon
> The magnificent and cool Mimente Valley
• Between Cassagnas and Saint-Germain la Calberte
> The ruins of the Gallo-Roman villa
> The panoramic view
• Saint-Germain la Calberte
> Les Châtaigners
> The 11th-century castle
> The Saint-Germain church
> The statue of the Cévennes Man
• Saint-Etienne-Vallée-Française
> Cambiaire Castle
• Saint-Jean du Gard
> The Old Bridge
> The Clock Tower
> Saint-Jean Castle
> The Maison Rouge spinning mill and its Horseshoe staircase
> The Stevenson fountain
> The steam train
The Return to Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille
At the end of your adventure, a regular shuttle service picks you up from Place Carnot, in the heart of Saint-Jean-du-Gard. Your bikes and luggage travel with you, making for a comfortable and hassle-free journey back to Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille.
Depending on your preference and availability, two departure times are offered: 8:15 am or 1:15 pm, with arrival in Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille at 12:30 pm or 5:30 pm respectively.
Sit back, enjoy the journey and let the memories of your Stevenson adventure unfold as the Cévennes landscapes pass by.
This price includes:
- Accommodation in a double, twin, triple, or multiple-occupancy room with half-board
- Tourist taxes,
- Luggage transfer at the stopover (one bag, max. 13kg/person – Dimensions max : Length + Width + Height : 120cm),
- Return (passenger & bike) to Puy-en-Velay,
- Access to the guide app & travel diary,
- The route map (one copy per group of travelers),
- Telephone assistance.
Extras:
- Provision of an electric bike or a non-electric bike, two panniers, a helmet, and a light repair kit
- Comprehensive cancellation insurance
- A stage log
- Single supplement
- Add an extra night in Saint-Jean-du-Gard (bed and breakfast)
This price does not include:
- Transportation and transfers to the starting point
- Meals other than those included in the selected package
- Parking
- Bike rental
- GPX tracks (we do not provide GPX tracks for our routes – guidance via the app) Drinks, spending money, any visits or activities
- Cancellation insurance Administration
Administration fees
- €12/person if ordered online
- €15/person via quote
Optionally, L’autre Chemin offers:
The Stage Book
A veritable passport to be stamped at each stage of your journey. We offer an optional stage book, which will be a nice souvenir of the Stevenson Trail. Price: €7 / stage book when booking your stay – subject to availability
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 connection. Please 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.
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.
Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille is located 18km from Le Puy-en-Velay.
By train
The village does not have a train station; the nearest is Le Puy-en-Velay. From the train station, you will need to consider a taxi transfer to reach Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille.
By car
Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille is accessible by road, notably via two main roads: the RN88 from Saint-Etienne/Lyon or Aubenas/Mende, or via the RN102 (Clermont-Ferrand).
- Paris: 530km
- Lyon: 150km
- Marseille: 315km
- Toulouse: 370km
- Montpellier: 270km
Where to park in Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille?
In Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, you can find long-term parking near the cemetery. Parking in Le Monastier is free but unattended. Do not park in the parking lot in front of the Post Office (weekly market), or in Place du Vallat at the beginning of August (Monastier Festival).
Whether you’re looking to book your cycling trip or have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
with L'Autre Chemin
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545€ / pers
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