- L’Autre Chemin
- Séjours
- Few days on the Stevenson trail Southern Cévennes from Florac to Saint-Jean du Gard
€585 / pers.
Few days on the South Stevenson Trail from Florac to Saint-Jean-du-Gard
An Escape into the Heart of the Cévennes, Between Wild Valleys and Southern Scents
Fancy a few days away on the southern section of the Stevenson Trail? From Florac-Trois-Rivières to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, this beautiful hike invites you to discover a different side of the Cévennes — more southern, more rugged, where the scents of pine, chestnut trees and Mediterranean scrub accompany you every step of the way.
From Florac, you follow the Mimente, a crystal-clear river winding its way through the Cévennes valleys. The trail then takes you towards Cassagnas, before leading through the forests to the Plan de Fontmort and on to Saint-Germain-de-Calberte. As you follow the trails, the landscapes gradually change and the views open up. You discover Saint-Étienne-Vallée-Française, a beautiful village nestled in a lush green setting, before climbing once again towards the Col de Saint-Pierre. A final descent brings you to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, gently embraced by the waters of the Gardon, where this wonderful Cévennes adventure comes to an end.
The GR70, Stevenson Trail, is a legendary hiking route crossing the Cévennes in the footsteps of Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Along the way, you’ll experience the remarkable diversity of the Cévennes landscape: granite mountains, deep forests, lush valleys and charming villages full of character.
🥾 An accessible and wonderfully scenic hike:
The route does not present any particular difficulties. Simply let the trails guide you, take the time to admire the scenery, and enjoy this immersive journey through the heart of the Cévennes.
❤️ What we love: The Mimente and its crystal-clear pools — perfect for a refreshing break.
💡 Our tip: The Stevenson Trail is particularly popular in May, June and September, so be sure to book your trip in advance!
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your hike.
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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 stopover (one bag max. 13kg / person – max dimensions : L + W + H : 120cm)
- Your journey back by minibus to the starting point is included in our packages
Your itinerary:
- Elevation gain 1,585 m
- Self-guided hike
- Maxi 7h30 hours of walking
- Family: Children aged 14 and over (experienced walking)
- Your vehicle: you can park it in the village parking lots.
- Accommodation: in a private room (B&B, cottage, hotel, or unique 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
A few days on the Stevenson Trail south of Florac to Saint-Jean du Gard
Note: The steps are given for information purposes only and may be modified depending on host availability.
Welcome to Florac, in the Heart of the Cévennes National Park!
Welcome to Florac-Trois-Rivières, a charming little town nestled in the heart of the Cévennes and a true gateway to the Cévennes National Park.
Here, water is everywhere: the Tarnon, Tarn and Mimente rivers, along with the Pêcher spring, shape the landscape and give the town its unique character. Take the time to wander through the narrow streets of the historic centre, admire the pretty façades and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Before lacing up your hiking boots and setting off along the Stevenson Trail, why not settle down at a café terrace, enjoy a drink and savour the gentle atmosphere of the Cévennes?
A wonderful way to begin your adventure, surrounded by water, nature and the gentle art of living!
Discover:
• Florac
> Crossroads of the waters of the Tarn, Tarnon, Mimente, and Pêcher
> The Cévennes Park House located in the castle
> The narrow streets
Along the Mimente…
Your day begins by crossing the Tarnon before entering a beautiful pine forest, planted in the 19th century. Little by little, the gentle murmur of the Mimente makes itself heard and accompanies you along the trail.
Here, the river reveals beautiful crystal-clear pools, inviting you to pause, take a refreshing break and simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Following a quiet, shaded trail, you make your way gently through the heart of the Cévennes landscape.
Further along, you reach Saint-Julien-d’Arpaon or Cassagnas, depending on accommodation availability.
A beautiful day alongside the water, combining forest, river and the gentle charm of the Cévennes.ulien d'Arpaon or, a little further (depending on accommodation options), Cassagnas.
Discover:
• Saint-Julien d'Arpaon
> The magnificent and cool Mimente Valley
> The remains of the 13th-century castle
> The chestnut grove
Through the Cévennes Forests
You hike through the heart of a beautiful forest, gradually making your way up towards the Plan de Fontmort. The trail climbs steadily through a peaceful, wild landscape before opening onto a magnificent balcony trail, offering stunning views over the Cévennes valleys.
Then comes the gentle descent towards Saint-Germain-de-Calberte. As the day unfolds, the landscape begins to change: the vegetation becomes different, the scents evolve, and Mediterranean fragrances gradually make their presence felt.
A beautiful stage where, step by step, you can feel the Cévennes giving way to the more southerly landscapes of southern France.
Discover:
• Between Cassagnas and Saint-Germain de Calberte
> The ruins of the Gallo-Roman villa
> The panoramic view
• Saint-Germain la Calberte
> Les Châtaigners
> The 11th-century castle
> The church of Saint-Germain
You’ll soon reach the charming village of Saint-Étienne-Vallée-Française, crowned by its château and gently embraced by the waters of the Gardon. The trail then climbs once again towards the Col de Saint-Pierre, overlooking the Cévennes valleys and offering beautiful views towards Saint-Jean-du-Gard.
A final descent gradually leads you into this welcoming Cévennes town. Take some time at the end of the day to wander through its streets, discover its heritage and soak up the warm, lively atmosphere.
As you make your way along this final stage, the landscape takes on an increasingly Mediterranean character: olive trees, dry-stone walls and southern vegetation gently herald your arrival in the South.
A wonderful way to end your hike, between the rugged Cévennes, characterful villages and the first scents of the Mediterranean.
Discover:
• Saint-Etienne-Vallée-Française
> Cambiaire Castle
• Saint-Jean du Gard
> The Old Bridge
> The Clock Tower
> Saint-Jean Castle
> The Maison Rouge Filature and its Horseshoe Staircase
> The Stevenson Fountain
> The Steam Train
Return to Florac
At 8:15 am or 1:15 pm, a shuttle will pick you up in Saint-Jean-du-Gard and take you back to Florac, where your vehicle will be waiting for you.
Your luggage will also be transported by the shuttle, making your return simple and hassle-free.
🚐 8:15 am departure → arrival in Florac around 9:30 am
🚐 1:15 pm departure → arrival in Florac around 2:30 pm
A convenient and carefree way to bring your Stevenson Trail adventure to a close!
This price includes :
- Accommodation in a twin, double, triple, multiple, or single room (with additional charge), depending on the booking configuration, with half-board
- Tourist taxes.
- Luggage transport (maximum 13 kg/person).
- Your digital travel and guidebook.
- The topo guide (1 copy per 3 travelers).
- Journey back to Florac by minibus.
- Telephone assistance.
Extras :
- Comprehensive cancellation and luggage insurance
- Single room
- No return transfer from Saint-Jean-du-Gard
This price does not include:
- Transportation and transfers to the starting point,
- Meals other than those specified in the chosen package,
- 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 quotation
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 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 Car
You can park in the city’s parking lots.
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- Lyon: 260 km
- Marseille: 230 km
- Toulouse: 270 km
- Montpellier: 160 km
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