- L’Autre Chemin
- Séjours
- The Régordane Trail ‘light stages”from Le Puy-en-Velay to Alès
€1460 / pers.
The Régordane Trail from Puy-en-Velay to Alès with light stages
Explore the Régordane Trail on foot, this ancient trade route, a true link between the Massif Central and the South of France. A beautiful, yet relatively uncrowded route, you’ll explore the trails of Haute-Loire, Lozère, Ardèche, and Gard, with an incredible crossing of the Cévennes National Park, the only mid-mountain national park. Incredible natural landscapes and varied scents follow you, changing as you progress toward the South of France. The stages of the Chemin de Saint-Gilles – Régordane Trail do not present any particular difficulties.
Find 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 provides us with in-depth knowledge of the trail.
What we like: La Garde-Guérin, a haven of peace overlooking the valleys… A beautiful, yet little-used route
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The benefits 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 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 return minibus transfer to the departure point is included in our packages.
Your itinerary:
- Elevation gain 3,225 m
- Self-guided hike
- Accessible to most people
- Accommodation in a private room (B&B, cottage, hotel, or unique accommodation)
- What’s the climate 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.
An opportunity to discover the Velay city! Stroll and discover the upper town of Le Puy-en-Velay. Explore the hidden streets and discover the Cathedral, the starting point of the Way of Saint James.
Discover:
> The Cathedral and its Cloister
> Statue of Our Lady of France
> The Rochet and the Chapel of Saint-Michel
> The narrow streets of the upper town
> The Hôtel-Dieu and its exhibitions
> Bobbin Lacemaking Center
> The Henry Vinay Garden (Horseshoe Park)
> The Crozatier Museum
Let's begin your walking journey following in the footsteps of the muleteers and the Cévennes trails of the GR700. Start by climbing above Le Puy to discover the Devès plateau and its red volcanic soil.
Discover:
> The view of the city of Le Puy and its surroundings
> Landscapes of the wild Loire Gorges
> Crossing the Devès volcanic plateau
With just a few strides, you reach Costaros and continue your journey through the volcanic landscapes of the Velay region. You walk alongside the peaceful Maar du Péchay, a fascinating reminder of the area’s volcanic past, before reaching Landos. The GR700 then takes you further south, through the wild and unspoilt landscapes of Haute-Loire, to Pradelles, a charming hilltop town on the doorstep of the Cévennes.
Discover:
> The Péchay Maar
• Landos
> The washhouse and its fountain
> St. Félix Church
> The Ribains Marsh
• La Sauvetat
> The volcanic narces
• Pradelles
> Village tour
> Vélorail
> Neo-Gothic church
> View of Gévaudan
From Pradelles, you make your way to the town of Langogne and Lake Naussac, following the same trail as the Stevenson Trail. The Stevenson Trail and the Chemin de Régordane share the same route for a while before eventually parting ways.
Depending on accommodation availability, you will either stay in Luc, continuing along the Chemin de Régordane, or in Cheylard-l’Évêque or Chaudeyrac. In the latter case, you will make a slight detour from the Chemin de Régordane and follow the Stevenson Trail instead for this stage.
Discover:
• Langogne
> Lake Naussac – Water sports and swimming
> The Calquières spinning mill
> Museum of Sacred Art
• Luc
> The remains of the castle
> The first eddies of the Allier
Setting off from Cheylard-l’Évêque, you make your way into the magnificent Gardille Forest, where nature reveals all its beauty. Your route then takes you to Espradels, followed by Luc, overlooked by the ruins of its castle, a reminder of the area’s rich history. Gradually, you reach the first waters of the Allier River and continue on to the Col d’Esperlouze. Crossing the pass, you descend towards La Bastide-Puylaurent, surrounded by the wild and unspoilt landscapes of Lozère.
The Chemin de Régordane winds its way through the wild landscapes of Lozère, gradually gaining altitude as it leads you to La Garde-Guérin, a magnificent medieval village perched on a rocky promontory. Far from the bustle of the Stevenson Trail, you discover unspoilt nature, ancient mule tracks and an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.
Highlights :
> The wheel ruts carved into the rock
> The Table de Gargantua (dolmen)
• Prévenchères
>The Manoir de Vauvineux
>The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption
>The 500-year-old oak tree
• La Garde-Guérin
> Its commanding position overlooking the Chassezac Gorges
> The castle tower and chapel
You make your way towards the peaceful shores of Lake Villefort and discover the spectacular Villefort geological fault, towering above the tranquil waters of the lake. Following these ancient trails, you walk in the footsteps of the muleteers of the past, imagining their heavily laden caravans making their way through these wild and unspoilt landscapes.
Gradually, the route leads you to Vielvic, where you cross into the Gard department. You then begin your descent towards Génolhac, a charming Cévenol village nestled along the Gardonnette, where gentle landscapes and authentic character come together.
Highlights :
• Villefort
> Saint-Loup Chapel and its views over the lake
> The village’s historic houses
> The lake, ideal for walking and swimming
> The Palais du Thort (a recumbent dolmen)
> The wheel ruts carved into the rock
• Saint-André-de-Capcèze
> The church
• Génolhac
> Nestled at the foot of Mont Lozère
> A beautiful medieval town
> The Pont de Rastel
You continue your hike through the heart of the Cévennes National Park, following wild and unspoilt landscapes where nature takes centre stage. Your trail leads you to Pont-de-Rastel, peacefully nestled along the banks of the Luech. Further on, you reach Chamborigaud, a charming Cévenol village where you can enjoy its pleasant riverside surroundings.
Places to discover:
• Villefort
> The Saint-Loup Chapel and the view of the lake
> The old houses
> The lake (walking and swimming)
> The Thort Palace (recumbent dolmen)
> The ruts carved into the rock
• Saint-André de Capcèze
> The church
• Génolhac
> At the foot of Mont-Lozère
> Beautiful medieval town
> The Rastel Bridge
Your route takes you to Portes, where the impressive Château de Portes stands proudly. With its majestic silhouette and striking shape, it has rightfully earned the nickname “the Ship of the Cévennes.” Take time to admire this iconic landmark, a true sentinel overlooking the spectacular Cévennes landscape.
Discover:
• Pont de Rastel
> The bridge
> The river
• Chamborigaud
> Luech lake
> The Cévennes line viaduct
> The old houses
> The lake (walking and swimming)
civilisation. As you cover the last few kilometres, the Cévennes landscapes slowly give way to the outskirts of Alès, the end of your journey. You arrive in the town of Alès and enjoy this final stage before relaxing and savouring a well-deserved evening. You spend your last night here, with overnight accommodation and breakfast included.
Photo: Alès – © Alès City Communication Department – R. Capelle
Discover:
• Portes
> The Castle
> The Mining Shafts
> The Landscape
• Pradel
> The Castle
> Notre-Dame de Laval
• Le Mas de Dieu
> Facades and the Romanesque Church
• Saint-Martin de Valgagues
> Its Mining Past
• Le Mas de Dieu
> Church from the 11th and 12th centuries
Meet at 7:30 a.m. in front of the train station, where a minibus will be waiting to take you to Le Puy-en-Velay. The journey takes approximately five hours, with arrival expected around 12:30 p.m., depending on traffic conditions.
Alternatively, you can make your own way by taking the train from Alès station.
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
- Tourist taxes
- Luggage transport (maximum 13 kg/person – Max dimensions : L + W + H : 120cm)
- Your digital travel and guidebook
- The guidebook (1 copy per 3 travelers)
- Telephone assistance
Available options:
- Multi-risk cancellation & luggage insurance
- Single room
- No journey back from Alès
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
Administration fees
- €12/person if ordered online
- €15/person via quote
L’Autre Chemin has developed numerous partnerships with guesthouses and small hotels (, ***, or equivalent) to offer you comfort and authenticity, making each stage an opportunity to discover architecture, lifestyle, gastronomy, as well as a moment for exchange and meeting new people.
Please note: The stages along the route are determined according to the pace we consider most suitable. We strive to offer stages that provide comfort, discovery, and authenticity in hotels, guesthouses, gîtes, or unique accommodations. However, the level of comfort may vary. Usually, bathrooms are en-suite, but depending on availability at the time of booking, the bathroom or WC may be located on the landing or shared in some accommodations, though this remains relatively rare.
in hotels, guesthouses, gîtes, or unique 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 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 – 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 want to book your hike on the Chemin de Régordane or ask us any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
with L'Autre Chemin
From 1525€ / pers.
The Stevenson trail GR70 – Nature trek through the Cévennes
Fully organized hiking trip on the Stevenson Trail (GR70) from Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean du Gard or Alès, depending on your choice. A walking adventure in the heart of the Cévennes, following in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson.
€920/ pers.
Act 4 – Way of Saint James, from Cahors to Lectoure
Discover Act 4 of the GR 65 from Cahors to Lectoure
€1010 / pers.
The Régordane Trail “express” from Le Puy-en-Velay to Alès
The Régordane trail for Le Puy to Alès