Stevenson’s Trail | North
Stevenson’s Trail | North
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Follow in Stevenson's footsteps along the northern section of the GR70, a trail that winds its way through extinct volcanoes, pastoral lands and stone villages. This less-travelled and deeply serene route offers an intimate approach to the landscapes that inspired the young Scottish writer in the early days of his famous journey.
- Start in Le Puy-en-Velay, a city of pilgrimage and Romanesque heritage, nestled between volcanic peaks and medieval streets.
- Advance through high plateaus dotted with heather, ancient rural roads and quiet villages, where life seems to resist the passage of time.
- Cross the remote landscapes of the Massif Central, with its rivers, open meadows and forests that change colour with each season.
- Savour the authenticity of the regional cuisine: farmhouse cheeses, freshly baked breads, artisan sausages and rustic wines, ideal for a break in the shade.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Le Puy-en-Velay
The first day begins in Le Puy-en-Velay, a medieval gem nestled in the volcanic heart of southern France. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city surprises from the very first moment with its rugged volcanic promontories, crowned by monuments that seem suspended between earth and sky. Stroll through its cobbled streets, flanked by period houses that have hardly changed in centuries, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of its squares, terraces and markets.
If time permits, climb up to the chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe or contemplate the monumental statue of the Virgin Mary from the top of Rocher Corneille, where the view encompasses red roofs, green hills and the beginning of an adventure that will take you through landscapes that have inspired travellers for generations.
If time permits, climb up to the chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe or contemplate the monumental statue of the Virgin Mary from the top of Rocher Corneille, where the view encompasses red roofs, green hills and the beginning of an adventure that will take you through landscapes that have inspired travellers for generations.
Overnight in Le Puy-en-Velay
Hotel Bristol
Located near the historic centre, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with flat-screen televisions, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a restaurant where a delicious breakfast is served every morning.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Le Puy-en-Velay to Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille 11,8 miles I 19 km
The walking route begins by leaving Le Puy-en-Velay behind, following rural paths that wind their way through rolling hills and volcanic formations. The transition from urban surroundings to the countryside is gradual but evocative, marking the start of a journey steeped in history and changing landscapes.
The first section crosses Coubon, a small, quiet village that retains the rural character of the region. From here, the trail enters the landscapes of the Ardèche Mountains Regional Nature Park, where the views stretch across wooded hills, ancient volcanic cones and meadows dotted with flowers depending on the season. As you progress, the Massif Central reveals itself in all its grandeur.
Finally, you will arrive at Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, a charming village situated on a plateau, which was Stevenson's starting point in 1878. Here, among cobbled streets, stone houses and the echoes of ancient stories, you will end the day with the feeling of having crossed a threshold between the present and the past.
Ascent: 566m (1,857ft) / Descent: 257m (843ft)
The first section crosses Coubon, a small, quiet village that retains the rural character of the region. From here, the trail enters the landscapes of the Ardèche Mountains Regional Nature Park, where the views stretch across wooded hills, ancient volcanic cones and meadows dotted with flowers depending on the season. As you progress, the Massif Central reveals itself in all its grandeur.
Finally, you will arrive at Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, a charming village situated on a plateau, which was Stevenson's starting point in 1878. Here, among cobbled streets, stone houses and the echoes of ancient stories, you will end the day with the feeling of having crossed a threshold between the present and the past.
Ascent: 566m (1,857ft) / Descent: 257m (843ft)
Overnight in Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille
Hotel Chevre et Chou
The hotel offers beautiful and comfortable rooms with television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. It also has a terrace and a spectacular restaurant where you can enjoy local dishes and products.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille to Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas 16,8 miles I 27 km
The journey continues through one of the most scenic landscapes of the route, the Loire River gorge, near Goudet. Here, the river winds between steep slopes and ancient volcanic formations, offering the perfect setting for a break.
From this point, the trail climbs towards the high plateau, where the black volcanic soil contrasts with the bright green of the Puy lentil fields. The path passes through small rural villages, some almost suspended in time, until it reaches Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas, a secluded and peaceful village surrounded by pastures and wide skies.
Here, Stevenson spent the night on his second day of walking, and even today the place retains the air of retreat and contemplation that so inspired the writer.
Ascent: 708m (2,323ft) / Descent: 430m (1,411ft)
From this point, the trail climbs towards the high plateau, where the black volcanic soil contrasts with the bright green of the Puy lentil fields. The path passes through small rural villages, some almost suspended in time, until it reaches Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas, a secluded and peaceful village surrounded by pastures and wide skies.
Here, Stevenson spent the night on his second day of walking, and even today the place retains the air of retreat and contemplation that so inspired the writer.
Ascent: 708m (2,323ft) / Descent: 430m (1,411ft)
Overnight in Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas
L'Arrestadou
Surrounded by a beautiful garden, this accommodation offers an environment in which to rest and relax. In addition, a delicious continental breakfast is served every morning.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas to Langogne 17,4 miles I 28 km
Today you will begin your journey in Arquejol, where the majestic railway viaduct rises above a deep ravine. As you progress, the trail follows the crest of a high plateau, from where the open horizons invite you to pause and contemplate the landscape.
A short detour will take you to the Rocher de la Fagette, a natural vantage point from which you can admire the gentle, rolling volcanic peaks that define this region. In the distance, Pradelles appears, suspended in time, like an echo of the area's rural history.
The road continues to Pradelles, a small village that retains the charm of its medieval past. Its quiet streets, stone houses and open views of the surrounding landscape offer a peaceful pause before the final descent.
The day ends in Langogne, the largest commercial town on the route. Here, the bustle of its streets, traditional markets and the warmth of its inhabitants offer a vibrant contrast.
Ascent: 248m (2,323ft) / Descent: 561m (1,411ft)
A short detour will take you to the Rocher de la Fagette, a natural vantage point from which you can admire the gentle, rolling volcanic peaks that define this region. In the distance, Pradelles appears, suspended in time, like an echo of the area's rural history.
The road continues to Pradelles, a small village that retains the charm of its medieval past. Its quiet streets, stone houses and open views of the surrounding landscape offer a peaceful pause before the final descent.
The day ends in Langogne, the largest commercial town on the route. Here, the bustle of its streets, traditional markets and the warmth of its inhabitants offer a vibrant contrast.
Ascent: 248m (2,323ft) / Descent: 561m (1,411ft)
Overnight in Langogne
Hotel Beausejour
The hotel offers rooms with flat-screen televisions, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. It also has a terrace, restaurant, and bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Langogne a Cheylard-l'Évêque 9,9 miles I 16 km
Today you will venture into a landscape of rolling hills, where undulating terrain unfolds between shady forests and small streams that meander peacefully, crossed by ancient stone bridges that have stood the test of time. It is a journey that invites introspection, in the heart of the remote Gévaudan countryside, a land where history blends with legend.
The path will take you to the peaceful village of Saint-Flour-de-Mercoire, a rural gem hidden among the thickets. Further on, you will cross the dense forest of Mercoire, a wild and almost magical enclave, where the vegetation seems to shut out the outside world and envelop the walker in a deep silence.
Shortly afterwards, you will arrive at Sagne-Rousse, a crossroads of paths and memories, famous for being the place where the writer Robert Louis Stevenson got hopelessly lost during his journey through the Cévennes. Here, nature imposes itself with character, and time seems to dissolve among the trees and leaf-covered paths.
The day ends with a descent along an old sunken path, an ancient trail that gently descends to the isolated village of Cheylard l'Évêque. It is a place frozen in time, where the stones of the houses seem to tell stories to the walker who stops to listen.
Ascent: 370m (1,214ft) / Descent: 153m (502ft)
The path will take you to the peaceful village of Saint-Flour-de-Mercoire, a rural gem hidden among the thickets. Further on, you will cross the dense forest of Mercoire, a wild and almost magical enclave, where the vegetation seems to shut out the outside world and envelop the walker in a deep silence.
Shortly afterwards, you will arrive at Sagne-Rousse, a crossroads of paths and memories, famous for being the place where the writer Robert Louis Stevenson got hopelessly lost during his journey through the Cévennes. Here, nature imposes itself with character, and time seems to dissolve among the trees and leaf-covered paths.
The day ends with a descent along an old sunken path, an ancient trail that gently descends to the isolated village of Cheylard l'Évêque. It is a place frozen in time, where the stones of the houses seem to tell stories to the walker who stops to listen.
Ascent: 370m (1,214ft) / Descent: 153m (502ft)
Overnight in Cheylard-l'Évêque
Le Refuge du Moure
This charming accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. In addition to a delicious breakfast, you can also enjoy typical homemade dishes from the region.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Cheylard-l'Évêque to La Bastide-Puylaurent 16,7 miles I 27 km
The trail winds through rolling hills and tranquil forests, where light filters through the leaves and views open up to the distant blue mountains of the Cévennes. Further on, the route joins the old road to Luc and the terrain changes abruptly. A steep bridle path descends into the Allier valley, marking the entrance to Ardèche. The vegetation becomes denser, wilder, and the murmur of the river guides your steps towards the bottom of the valley.
After leaving Rogleton behind, a detour leads to one of the most unique places on the route, the Abbey of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges. In this secluded corner, Cistercian monks have lived in seclusion for centuries, cultivating the land and producing wine with the patience demanded by faith and the slow passage of time.
The day ends in the small village of La Bastide-Puylaurent, where the stone houses and the leisurely pace of village life offer a peaceful respite.
Ascent: 620m (2,034ft) / Descent: 719m (2,359ft)
After leaving Rogleton behind, a detour leads to one of the most unique places on the route, the Abbey of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges. In this secluded corner, Cistercian monks have lived in seclusion for centuries, cultivating the land and producing wine with the patience demanded by faith and the slow passage of time.
The day ends in the small village of La Bastide-Puylaurent, where the stone houses and the leisurely pace of village life offer a peaceful respite.
Ascent: 620m (2,034ft) / Descent: 719m (2,359ft)
Overnight in La Bastide-Puylaurent
Hotel La Grande Halte
Located in an old inn, this hotel offers fully equipped rooms with private bathrooms. It also has a restaurant and a bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - La Bastide-Puylaurent to Le Puy-en-Velay 7,8 miles I 12,5 km
The route begins with an ascent to La Mourade, which, at an altitude of 1,308 metres, offers clear and breathtaking views to the south, where the Cévennes mountains form a deep blue horizon.
The path continues through the majestic Domaniale Forest of La Gardille, a vast sanctuary of pine and fir trees that envelops walkers in its coolness and silence. After crossing the Chabalier area, the trail gently leads to Chasseradès, a historic village that seems frozen in time, with its stone houses and dark roofs peeking out from among the trees.
Today's stage, shorter than the previous ones, allows for a leisurely pace. There is time to stop, contemplate the landscape at your leisure, take photographs or enjoy a picnic by the side of the road.
At the end of today's route, you will have a transfer included that will take you from Chasseradès to Le Puy-en-Velay, where you will spend your last night.
Ascent: 354m (1,161ft) / Descent: 211m (692ft)
The path continues through the majestic Domaniale Forest of La Gardille, a vast sanctuary of pine and fir trees that envelops walkers in its coolness and silence. After crossing the Chabalier area, the trail gently leads to Chasseradès, a historic village that seems frozen in time, with its stone houses and dark roofs peeking out from among the trees.
Today's stage, shorter than the previous ones, allows for a leisurely pace. There is time to stop, contemplate the landscape at your leisure, take photographs or enjoy a picnic by the side of the road.
At the end of today's route, you will have a transfer included that will take you from Chasseradès to Le Puy-en-Velay, where you will spend your last night.
Ascent: 354m (1,161ft) / Descent: 211m (692ft)
Overnight in Le Puy-en-Velay
Hotel Bristol
Located near the historic centre, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with flat-screen televisions, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a restaurant where a delicious breakfast is served every morning.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Le Puy-en-Velay
After a delicious breakfast, it is time to say goodbye and return to your place of origin.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary Map
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms
- Daily Breakfasts
- 6 evening meals
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
To reach the starting point of this walking trail, we recommend flying to Lyon Airport. From there, take a train to Gare de Lyon Part-Dieu station, where you will then take a TGV to the centre of Le Puy (via Saint-Étienne-Châteaucreux). You can also travel to Le Puy by train from Nîmes, Clermont-Ferrand and Montpellier.
You can find all the information you need about trains on the SNCF website.
To return to your city of origin from Le Puy-en-Velay, you can fly from Lyon Airport. First, you will need to take a train to Saint-Étienne station. Then, another train will take you to the centre of Lyon, from where you will need to take a bus to the airport.
You can find more information about trains on the SNCF website.
You can find all the information you need about trains on the SNCF website.
To return to your city of origin from Le Puy-en-Velay, you can fly from Lyon Airport. First, you will need to take a train to Saint-Étienne station. Then, another train will take you to the centre of Lyon, from where you will need to take a bus to the airport.
You can find more information about trains on the SNCF website.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
The route is available from late April to October, covering the best seasons for walking. Spring, especially May and June, offers pleasant temperatures and an explosion of wildflowers in full bloom. In July and August, the heat can be intense, so it is recommended to start your walks early, although the villages come alive with the hustle and bustle of summer. September marks a charming transition, with landscapes tinged with reds and golds, chestnut harvesting and spectacular storms heralding the end of summer.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is of medium-high difficulty, making it ideal for people looking for 6 to 7 hours of walking per day with climbs that can be steeper and longer. It is recommended that you are in good physical condition and in good health. Some sections of the walk have uneven terrain, including rocky areas.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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