- L’Autre Chemin
- Séjours
- The Stevenson trail from Le Puy to St-Jean du Gard
From 1405€
half-board*, bag transfer & journey back
Hike with peace of mind along the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail.
You’ll hike the iconic long-distance hiking trail (GR70) that connects Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, or even Alès if you want to extend your hike by a day. This hiking route is very well marked. It’s a very pleasant path; you’ll travel in harmony with nature, encountering varied landscapes as you follow in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson through the Cévennes.
You will cross territories with strong personalities: Haute-Loire, Lozère (country of the Camisards) and Gard where you will cross the waters of the Loire, the Allier, the Lot, the Tarn and the Gardon… A trek where all your senses will be awakened and during which you will feel this very special impression of becoming an actor in your stay, of crossing the landscape, of meeting people, of discovering villages… Such a sweet sensation that only hiking on the move can offer, especially when you undertake the journey in the Cévennes on the trails of the Stevenson Trail GR70.
The entire route presents no particular difficulties, even though it is sometimes very hilly. Hiking the full version of the Stevenson Trail is an opportunity to truly disconnect and appreciate the changing landscapes offered by this interlude between the north and south of the Cévennes. You’ll find some tips for preparing your hike by clicking on the link… And if some stages seem too long, we can offer you the Stevenson Trail in a Zen version, which shortens some of the steps and makes the Stevenson Trail accessible to everyone ;-) And to make your trip even more comfortable, your luggage is transported at each stage! So, are you ready for an adventure in the Cévennes?
- Bonus: The L’Autre Chemin agency is located in Le Puy-en-Velay – 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 variety of landscapes, from the high plateaus of Haute-Loire to the verdant Lozère region, passing through the incredible Tarn Gorges before heading to the Gard region and its beautiful chestnut groves.
- Tip: The Stevenson Trail is a very popular route, especially in May, June, and September. If possible, we encourage you to book your trip well in advance and to choose a departure time outside of weekends. This will increase accommodation options and allow for a more relaxed hike.
Two options to choose from:
- 13-day travel package from Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille to Saint-Jean-du-Gard: €1,410 / person
- 14-day travel package from Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-du-Gard: €1,475 / person
- 15-day travel package from Puy-en-Velay to Alès: €1,565 / person
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The advantages of your stay:
- 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 based on a half-board basis (excluding the Puy-en-Velay and Alès stops, which are included in the overnight stay and breakfast plan).
- Your luggage is delivered to each stop (one bag, max. 13kg/person).
- Your return trip by minibus to the starting point is included in our packages.
- Telephone assistance.
Cover photos: Le Puy-en-Velay Tourist Office – Luc Olivier
Route Information
- Elevation 6,760 m
- Self-guided hike (you choose your departure point and go as you wish, solo, with family, or with friends)
- Accommodation: in a private room (B&B, cottage, hotel, or alternative accommodation)
- Tip for travelers from the South of France: We can, at your request, reverse the shuttle and schedule it on the first day of your stay. Leave your car in St-Jean du Gard and take the 1:15 p.m. shuttle (time is mandatory) to Chasseradès.
- Experienced hiker: 5 to 7 hours of walking per day
- What’s the weather like? See our Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that every stopover is given as an indication and may be modified according to the availability of accommodation
A free day exploring the town of Le Puy-en-Velay.
It's wonderful to stroll through its narrow streets and discover the Notre Dame du Puy Cathedral, the statue of Notre Dame de France, and the Saint-Michel rock topped by its chapel dating from the 10th century...
Discover:
> The Cathedral and its Cloister
> Statue of Notre Dame de France
> The Rochet and the Saint-Michel Chapel
> The narrow streets of the upper town
> The Hôtel-Dieu and its exhibitions
> The Polignac Fortress
> The Puy de Lumières event, which illuminates the monuments in July and August
> The immersive show Terre de Géants
> Bobbin Lacemaking Center
> The Henry Vinay Garden (Horseshoe Park)
> The Crozatier Museum
Photo: Le Puy-en-Velay Tourist Office – Luc Olivier
A warm-up stopover to reach Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, a small, characterful town. You'll gain some altitude before reaching Coubon and climbing back up the ridges. Your journey will offer beautiful views of the Lausonne, Loire, and Gazeille valleys.
Places to discover:
• Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille
> The Abbey of Saint Chaffre, which combines Romanesque and Gothic styles.
> The Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste
> The circular fountains and wash houses
> Museum of Popular Beliefs
> Museum of the Treasures of Le Monastier
> School Museum
> The European Cultural Space
> The Recoumène Viaduct (Photo: Schappeler)
After crossing the Gazeille River, the path climbs back into the forest before reaching the basalt plateaus overlooking the Loire Valley. From Saint-Martin-de-Fugères, the trail will plunge you towards the Gorges de la Loire sauvage... A river that carves its way through cliffs and basalt flows. In the distance, you'll see the Dévès plateau (a hotspot for green lentil cultivation in Velay), which will host your stopover for the day, not far from the volcanic lake of Bouchet.
A beautiful walk that quickly immerses the walker in the atmosphere of the Stevenson Trail.
Places to discover:
• Saint-Martin-de-Fugères
> The church
• Goudet
> A stroll through the village center and discover the polychrome roofs
> Beaufort Castle
• Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas
> The volcanic lake of Bouchet
You'll travel across the high plateaus on red volcanic dirt roads. These trails will take you through cultivated fields (including the Puy green lentil crop - AOP) before discovering Landos and then Pradelles, a town labeled "Most Beautiful Villages of France."
In the distance, the Gévaudan Mountains stretch across the Allier Valley.
Photo credit: Le Puy Tourist Office ©FLOÉ
Discover:
• Landos
> The washhouse and its fountain
> St. Félix Church
> The Marais de Ribains
• Arquejols
> Viaduct
> Jagonas Castle
• Pradelles
> Village tour
> Neo-Gothic church
> View of the Gévaudan
It's time to leave the volcanic Haute-Loire region and head for the mysterious Lozère region. After reaching Langogne, you'll wander deep into the Mercoire forest, where you'll discover the Ron de Baoun, a chaotic mass of granite boulders, and the Stevenson fir. Your path will lead you to Cheylard-l'Évèque, a small, traditional village isolated in the heart of nature.
Depending on accommodation options in Cheylard-l'Évêque, your accommodation may be offered in Chaudeyrac.
Discover:
• Langogne
> Naussac Lake – Watersports and Swimming
> The Calquières Spinning Mill
> Museum of Sacred Art
• Saint-Flour-de-Mercoire
> The Dense Forest
The Little Church
> The Ron de la Baoune – A Chaos of Granite Blocks
> The Stevenson Fir
> The Pascalou Stevenson Stele
• Cheylard-l'Evêque
> Our Lady of All Graces on the Heights
The Stevenson Trail will challenge your legs, with uphill and downhill sections... You'll overlook the village of Luc and discover the remains of its castle and the murmur of the first ripples of the Allier River.
From Luc, depending on your fitness level, you can reach the Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey before heading to La Bastide-Puylaurent, OR you can choose a shorter route: Le Cheylard l'Evèque – La Bastide-Puylaurent, a direct route (21 km - 5 hours of walking) with direct access to La Bastide from the Col d'Esperlouze... The choice is yours ;-)
Discover:
• Luc
> The remains of the castle
> The nascent Allier
• La Bastide-Puylaurent
> The Notre-Dame des Neiges Abbey - Photo Schappeler
To recover from all these adventures, a shorter stage was essential to give you time to recuperate and enjoy the surroundings. You'll climb the slopes of La Gardille before reaching the small village of Chasseradès...
If you didn't climb to Notre-Dame des Neiges the day before, perhaps today will be the opportunity. + 9.5 km + 2 hours 50 minutes of walking... The choice is yours...
Discover:
• Chasseradès
> Saint-Blaise Church
> The source of the Allier
More hills for this beautiful day in the forest... After crossing the small hamlet of Mirandol and its railway bridge, you'll climb the trails through the magnificent Goulet Forest, inhabited by all kinds of animals. Once at the pass, the path will lead you down to the village of Les Alpiers (where you can discover the source of the Lot River) and then Le Bleymard, a pretty village at the foot of Mont-Lozère.
Discover:
• Mirandol
> The railway viaduct - photo Schapeller
• Les Alpiers
> Source of the Lot River
• Le Bleymard
> The Lot River
> The Saint-Jean Chapel
> The slate roofs of Le Tournel
> The surprising Mont-Lozère
> The Lot River
You'll travel a magnificent stretch between South and North, culminating in the summit of Mont-Lozère and its breathtaking 360° landscape. Climbing Mont-Lozère is an intense experience, offering a rare feeling of communion with nature... What a joy to cross this summit and then descend to Finiels through the windswept moorland. You'll then reach the Pont de Montvert and the flowing Tarn River, walking between moorland and granite boulders. Welcome to the lands of the Camisard!
Discover:
• Finiels
> The granite boulders
> The view of the Cévennes
> The burons and the general architecture of the village
• Pont de Montvert
> The high Tarn Gorges
> The Maison du Mont-Lozère
> The road leading up to L'Hermet
ou'll be gaining some altitude today, even though the Tarn would be perfect for other pleasures!
You'll climb above Pont de Montvert, accompanied by valley views that are truly worth the trip! You'll reach the Col du Sapet, from where you'll see the Mimente Valley before descending the mountain towards Bédouès/Cocurès.
Discover:
• The Col du Sapet
> The incredible view
• Bédouès
> The collegiate church
> The banks of the Tarn
Today you will discover the beautiful spa town of Florac (intersection of the rivers Mimente, Tarn, Tarnon, and Pêcher). This stage will be more leisurely and will give you the opportunity to enjoy the town a little. Next, you will cross the Tarnon... a very beautiful river. Soon you will follow the cool waters of the Mimente and its magnificent translucent pools... You will easily reach Saint-Julien d'Arpaon or even Cassagnas, depending on your accommodation. A very gentle (or almost!) stage.
To discover:
• Florac
> Intersection of the waters of the Tarn, Tarnon, Mimente, and Pêcher
> The Maison du Parc des Cévennes located in the castle
> The small streets
• Saint-Julien d'Arpaon
> The magnificent and cool Mimente Valley
> The remains of the 13th-century castle
> The chestnut grove
After Cassagnas, a beautiful climb through the forest awaits you. At the Fontmort plateau, you'll enjoy a landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. The scents and tree species change... You're walking in (almost) southern lands with a subtle blend of the scents of the vegetation of southern France...
Discover:
• Between Cassagnas and Saint-Germain-de-Calberte
> The ruins of the Gallo-Roman villa
> The panoramic view
• Saint-Germain-de-Calberte
> The Chestnut Hills
> The Cévennes
> The 11th-century Château
> The Church of Saint-Germain-de-Calberte
You won't have finished climbing, as your route will invite you to climb the magnificent Col de Saint-Pierre, which overlooks the Gardon River. But before that, you'll discover the charming village of Saint-Étienne-Vallée-Française and the Château de Cambiaire. Then, you'll enter the Gard department, where all that's left is to descend the path to reach the charming town of Saint-Jean du Gard, bathed by the Gardon River.
Discover:
• Saint-Étienne-Vallée-Française
> The Château de Cambiaire
• Saint-Jean du Gard
> The Old Bridge
> The Clock Tower
> The Château Saint-Jean
> The Maison Rouge Filature and its Horseshoe Staircase
> The Stevenson Fountain
> The Steam Train
You and your luggage will be picked up by a regular shuttle from Place Carnot in the center of Saint-Jean-du-Gard.
Depending on your choice and availability, departure is at 8:15 a.m. or 1:15 p.m., returning to Le Puy-en-Velay at 12:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.
Depending on the length of your stay, you can extend your adventure to Alès with an additional day of hiking (24.5 km - 840 m ascent - 8 hours 40 minutes).
This price includes:
- Accommodation in a private room (with sheets and towels) according to the configuration selected at booking: twin, double, triple, multiple, or single (with supplement)
- Half-board accommodation (excluding the Puy-en-Velay stopover, which includes overnight stays and breakfast)
- Tourist taxes
- Luggage transport (maximum 13 kg/person)
- Your digital travel and guidebook
- The guidebook (1 copy per 3 travelers)
- Return to Puy-en-Velay by regular shuttle
- Telephone assistance
Available options:
- Multi-risk cancellation insurance
- Single room
- No return from St-Jean du Gard
- 15-day stay from Puy to Alès (overnight stays and breakfast in Puy and Alès)
- 13-day stay from Monastier-sur-Gazeille to Saint-Jean du Gard
- Travel book and guidebook Additional
This price does not include:
- Transportation and transfers to the starting point,
- Parking
- 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 guidance)
- Multi-risk cancellation insurance
- More generally, anything not listed in the “This price includes” section
As an option, L’autre Chemin offers:
The Stevenson Trail logbook A veritable passport to be stamped at each stage of your hike.
We also offer the optional Stevenson Trail Logbook, which will be a nice souvenir of the Stevenson Trail. Price: €7 / logbook when booking your stay.
If you want to hike the Stevenson Trail and carry your own backpack : Enjoy a €105 discount on your trip.
If you don’t want to take the return shuttle to Le Puy: Enjoy a €58 discount on your trip.
If you want to continue the GR70 Stevenson Trail to Alès (15 days),
you can do so by continuing the Stevenson Trail to Alès and enjoying a challenging stage (24.5 km – 840 m ascent – 8 hours 40 minutes). We offer the Stevenson Trail in 15 days from Le Puy to Alès. Information: This stage of approximately 24km is very long, 8h40 minimum – D+870m and leads on a path with passages that are a little more technical than the previous ones on the ridges (stage reserved for good walkers, you will have to scramble a little over blocks)
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.
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 truly beautiful 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 guide!
- Paris: 515km
- Lyon: 134km
- Marseille: 300km
- Toulouse: 350km
- Montpellier: 250km
Where to park in Le Puy?
- Breuil underground car park – Place du Breuil (near Ibis Styles and Ibis Centre) – Closed Sundays and public holidays – 7 days: €60 & 14 days: €100/14 days – Reservations: +33 4 71 02 03 54
- Bertrand de Doue car park: Parking without video (near train station, Ibis Styles & Budget)
- Estrouilhas car park: Parking without video (near Ibis Centre)
- Quincieu park and ride: Parking without video (near Ibis Centre)
- Montredon park and ride: Parking without video (free bus service to the city center)
- Dunant car park (free bus service to the city center) Above-ground car parks in Le Puy – Rates: €10/week and €20/month.
Subscriptions must be reserved and paid in advance at the parking lot. Commercial Mobilité-en-Velay Tel. 04 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.
- Parking de la Gare: Video-monitored parking – €6 / 24 hours (near Ibis Styles & Budget)
- Parking des Carmes: Video-monitored parking – €30 / week – Reservations: 07 68 10 76 81 (near Ibis Styles & Budget)
- La Malle Postale – Parking 7km from Le Puy – Drop-off and pick-up guaranteed – 7 days / 7– 7 days: €30 & 15 days: €50 – Reservation: +33 4 71 04 21 79
- Saint-Jacques Parking (Center served by bus) – 13 bis de Roderie – Aiguilhe – Video surveillance – Reservation: +33 4 44 43 97 43 – 7 days: €29 & 14 days: €55 (near Ibis Center)
Prices given for information purposes only and subject to change without notice
avec l’Autre Chemin
Dès 710€ / pers
Sac transporté & retour inclus
Introduction du Chemin de Stevenson du Puy-en-Velay à Chasseradès
Du Puy ou du Monastier à Chasseradès, découvrez les premières étapes du Chemin de Stevenson - GR70
845€
Sac transporté & retour inclus
Conclusion du Chemin de Stevenson, de Chasseradès à St-Jean du Gard
Chemin de Stevenson Sud, les Cévennes de Chasseradès à St-Jean du Gard ou jusqu'à Alès selon votre choix
Dès 800€ / pers.
sac transporté & retour inclus
Introduction au Chemin de Stevenson zen, Le Puy-en-Velay à Chasseradès (étapes allégées)
Introduction Zen au Chemin de Stevenson, les premières étapes du chemin avec des étapes allégées du Puy à Chasseradès