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- Introduction to the Stevenson trail from Le Puy to Chasseradès
From €780 / pers
Introduction to the Stevenson Trail from Puy-en-Velay to Chasseradès
An adventure in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson
What if you followed in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson, travelling light and leaving the logistics to us? From Le Puy-en-Velay to Chasseradès, discover a wild and authentic route through volcanic landscapes, high plateaus, valleys and vast forests.
Starting in Le Puy-en-Velay, you gradually enter the volcanic landscapes of Haute-Loire. The trail takes you to Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, the historic starting point of Stevenson’s adventure, before leading you through the valleys of the Loire and Gazeille and onwards to the wide-open spaces of the Devès plateau.
Here, the landscape opens out towards the horizon, with the famous fields of green Puy lentils (AOP) punctuating the route. Little by little, the trail crosses into Lozère and brings you to Langogne, on the shores of Lake Naussac.
The adventure then takes on a whole new dimension. You enter the mysterious landscapes of the Mercoire Forest, before continuing towards the wild hills of the Gardille. Unspoilt nature, ever-changing horizons and the exhilarating feeling of walking ever further, following in Stevenson’s footsteps.
The route presents no particular technical difficulties, although some sections with significant elevation gain will require a little extra effort. But don’t worry: the spectacular landscapes along the way are more than worth it!
Discover our tips for preparing for your hike.
❤️ What we love : The descent towards Goudet, with its magnificent views over the wild Loire amid volcanic landscapes… and, further on, the almost mysterious atmosphere of the imposing Mercoire Forest. A wonderful introduction to the Stevenson Trail, full of beautiful landscapes and memorable moments!
📍 Our little extra : L’Autre Chemin agency is located at 5 rue Grangevieille in Le Puy-en-Velay, allowing us to welcome you personally at the start of your journey and offer expert advice thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the trail.
💡 Our tip: The Stevenson Trail is particularly popular in May, June and September, so we strongly recommend booking well in advance for these periods. If your schedule allows, we suggest starting your journey between Monday and Thursday. This will give you more accommodation options and allow you to enjoy the trail in a more peaceful atmosphere, away from the greater numbers of hikers who tend to start at the weekend.
Two options to enjoy the adventure at your own pace
- 8-day trip: the full itinerary as described, including a final night in Le Puy-en-Velay, with B&B accommodation.
- 7-day trip: the same itinerary, without the final night in Le Puy-en-Velay.
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Pros of your trek:
- You travel independently and follow the provided travel diary.
- Take advantage of our guide app to download to your smartphone (guidance, tourist information).
- Your accommodations are offered on a half-board basis except the last stage in Le Puy for the 8 day-trip booked with B&B basis
- Your luggage is delivered at each stop (one bag, max. 13kg/person – Max dimensions : W + L + H : 120cm).
- Your return trip by minibus to the starting point is included in our packages.
Your itinerary:
- Elevation gain 3,390m
- Self-guided hike
- Experienced hiker: 5 to 6 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 in Le Puy-en-Velay
Before setting off on the trail, take a day to discover Le Puy-en-Velay, a historic town with a unique character, nestled amidst spectacular volcanic landscapes.
Take your time strolling through the narrow streets of the upper town, admire its historic façades and discover the treasures of Le Puy’s rich heritage around every corner. From Notre-Dame Cathedral and charming little squares to the town’s iconic volcanic rocks, the city gradually reveals all its character and charm.
A wonderful opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of Le Puy-en-Velay before setting off in the footsteps of Stevenson.
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
> Bobbin Lacemaking Training Center
> The Henry Vinay Garden (Horseshoe Park)
A First Stage to Get into Your Stride
For this first day, the Stevenson Trail gradually takes you higher as you make your way towards Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille.
As you walk, beautiful panoramic views open up over the Le Puy-en-Velay area, before giving way to the wild and unspoilt landscapes of the Loire and Gazeille valleys.
An ideal first stage to ease into the adventure, surrounded by volcanic landscapes, lush green valleys and stunning panoramic views.
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 - photo by Schappeler
From the Loire Gorges to the Devès Plateau
Descend into the heart of the wild Loire Gorges, where the trail winds its way through volcanic landscapes and rugged terrain. Along the way, take the time to discover the Château de Beaufort, proudly overlooking the village of Goudet.
The trail then gradually climbs once again, leading you towards the wide-open spaces of the Devès Plateau, a vast volcanic landscape and one of Haute-Loire’s most emblematic areas.
Here, the landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, with the famous fields of Puy green lentils (AOP) adding their distinctive touch to the scenery.
A stage full of contrasts, combining wild gorges, fascinating heritage and vast volcanic landscapes.
Discover:
• Saint-Martin de Fugères
> The church
• Goudet
> Stroll through the heart of the village center and discover the polychrome roofs
> Walk along the path that runs along the Loire and leads you to the wild gorges
> Beaufort Castle
• Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas
> The volcanic lake of Bouchet
From the Devès Plateau to Pradelles
Cross the vast cultivated landscapes of the Devès Plateau, where the scenery gradually opens up to reveal new horizons. The trail leads you to Landos, before continuing towards Pradelles, a charming hilltop village proudly listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
From the heights, enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the Allier Valley, with the Gévaudan Mountains rising in the distance on the horizon.
A beautiful stage combining wide-open agricultural landscapes, characterful villages and sweeping views towards the wild landscapes of Lozère.
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
From Haute-Loire to the Mercoire Forest
You now leave Haute-Loire behind and enter Lozère, discovering Langogne, where valleys, high plateaus and unspoilt nature come together to create a wonderfully diverse landscape.
The trail then leads you deep into the Mercoire Forest, a vast, wild and mysterious woodland where the paths wind their way between the trees. Walking through this pristine natural setting is a true pleasure, offering a peaceful atmosphere and the perfect opportunity to disconnect from everyday life.
A beautiful stage where the scenery gradually transforms, heralding the wild, open landscapes of Lozère that lie ahead.
To discover:
• Langogne
> Lake Naussac – Water sports and swimming
> The Calquières spinning mill
> Museum of Sacred Art
• Saint-Flour-de-Mercoire
> The dense forest
the small church
> The Ron de la Baoune - a chaos of granite blocks
> The Stevenson fir tree
> The Pascalou Stevenson stele
• Cheylard-l'Evèque
> Our Lady of All Graces on the heights
The Stevenson Trail will certainly put your legs to the test today, with a succession of descents and rewarding climbs! After following a beautiful forest track, you’ll walk above the village of Luc, where you can discover the remains of its castle and catch a glimpse of the first waters of the Allier River.
From Laveyrune, depending on how you feel on the day, you can either make your way to La Bastide-Puylaurent via the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey, or opt for a shorter stage and take the direct route:
Le Cheylard-l’Évêque – La Bastide-Puylaurent: 21 km – approximately 5 hours of walking, with direct access to La Bastide from the Col d’Esperlouze.
The choice is yours! 😉 And don’t worry: as the following stage is shorter, you’ll have plenty of time to visit Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey the next day if you didn’t visit it today.
⛪ OPTION: Spend a night at Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey
If you would like to spend a night at Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Abbey, simply select this option when booking your trip. We will deduct the cost of the night you will not spend in La Bastide-Puylaurent.
Please note: the reservation at the abbey must be made directly by you.
Discover:
• Luc
> The remains of the castle
> The nascent Allier
• La Bastide-Puy-Laurent
> The Abbey of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges - photo Schapeller
From the Gardille Mountain to Chasseradès, the Final Stage!
A slightly shorter stage today, giving you the perfect opportunity to fully enjoy your last day of walking on the Stevenson Trail. The route takes you higher as you climb Gardille Mountain, in the heart of the wild and unspoilt landscapes of Lozère.
A wonderful way to bring your adventure to a close, surrounded by forests, wide-open spaces and beautiful panoramic views, before reaching Chasseradès, where your hiking journey comes to an end.
🚐 Return to Le Puy-en-Velay: meet at 3:50 pm in Chasseradès for your return journey. Your luggage will be waiting for you directly in the shuttle. Arrival in Le Puy-en-Velay is scheduled for around 5:30 pm, depending on traffic conditions.
8-day trip: accommodation and breakfast at a 3-star hotel in Le Puy-en-Velay
7-day trip: our services end upon arrival back in Le Puy-en-Velay
The little extra : If you chose the direct route to La Bastide-Puylaurent the previous day, why not take advantage of this shorter stage to make a detour to the magnificent Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey?
A beautiful excursion that adds approximately 10 km, 945 m of elevation gain and 2 hours 15 minutes of walking to your day.
Discover:
• La Bastide-Puy-Laurent
> Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Abbey
• Chasseradès
> Saint-Blaise Church
> The Sources of the Allier
If you have opted for the 8-day trip: our services end after breakfast.
This price includes:
- Accommodation in a twin, double, triple, multiple, or single room with half-board
- Tourist taxes,
- Luggage transport (maximum 13kg/person – Max dimensions : W + L +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:
- Multi-risk cancellation insuranceand luggage
- Single room
- No journey back from Chasseradès
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
Optional extras from L’Autre Chemin
- Hike with your own backpack: select this option when booking and benefit from a discount on your trip.
- No return transfer from Chasseradès: you can select this option when booking and benefit from a discount on your trip.
- The Stage Passport: a wonderful souvenir of your Stevenson Trail adventure, this booklet can be stamped at each stage along the way. Add it to your booking for €7 per booklet.
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.
Half-board
When you select a half-board stay—which typically includes a set-menu dinner and breakfast (please note that breakfast may be continental or international, depending on the accommodation)—we invite you to inform us of any food allergies or special dietary requirements. Accommodations can generally cater to the needs of travelers who: have medically diagnosed allergies (conditions involving the immune system that carry a risk of potentially severe reactions, such as anaphylactic shock), such as allergies to honey, tree nuts, or shellfish; are vegetarian (due to the complexity and significant constraints involved for hosts, we are unfortunately unable to arrange stays that accommodate a vegan diet); follow a diet for religious reasons. Regarding food intolerances (digestive system difficulties in processing a specific food, resulting in purely digestive symptoms, such as lactose or gluten intolerance) and other dietary restrictions: we will notify the accommodation providers in advance. However, some hosts may struggle to accommodate the full range of dietary requirements, which are becoming increasingly common. We thank you in advance for adapting your food choices to the meals provided during your stay and, if necessary, bringing along any specific supplements or items such as gluten-free bread. Please note: Additional charges may apply for special dietary requirements, 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.
€915 / pers.
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