Stevenson’s Trail | South
Stevenson’s Trail | South
Personalised Quotation
Luggage Transfers
24/7 Travel Assistance
Selected Accommodations
Delve into the final chapters of Robert Louis Stevenson's journey through the south of France, from Chasseradès to Saint-Jean-du-Gard. Among solitary peaks, deep gorges and wooded plateaus, you will follow in the footsteps of a young writer who transformed this journey into one of the most beloved works of the 19th century.
- Begin your journey in Chasseradès, a quiet village nestled among high forests, the ideal starting point for immersing yourself in the solitude of the Massif Central.
- Cross the Lozère highlands, with their vast panoramic views and pastoral landscapes, where the open sky invites contemplation.
- Pass through the Cévennes National Park, a wild environment protected by UNESCO, with winding paths that descend through gorges, cross green valleys and connect stone villages that seem almost suspended in time.
- Along the way, you will enjoy simple, honest cuisine: rustic breads, sausages, chestnuts and mountain cheeses.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Chasseradès
The journey begins in Chasseradès, a tranquil village nestled among high forests and ancient trails, where time seems to move at the pace of the seasons. Far from the hustle and bustle of city life, this corner of the Massif Central offers a peaceful and authentic start to your trip.
With a modest train station connecting to cities such as Clermont-Ferrand, Chasseradès is the perfect gateway to days of hiking, changing landscapes and living pages of history and literature.
With a modest train station connecting to cities such as Clermont-Ferrand, Chasseradès is the perfect gateway to days of hiking, changing landscapes and living pages of history and literature.
Overnight in Chasseradès
Les Airelles
Recently renovated so you can enjoy all kinds of amenities, this accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. You can also enjoy home cooking and traditional dishes.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Chasseradès to Le Bleymard 10,9 miles I 17,6 km
The trail starts in Chasseradès and soon passes through the small village of Mirandol, where houses with lauzes roofs preserve the authentic character of the region. At the entrance to the valley, an imposing 30-metre viaduct stands as a testament to engineering that defies geography without disrupting its harmony.
The route then enters the Goulet massif, covered by thick coniferous forests that envelop the path in shade and coolness. This is the first major climb of the route, demanding but generous in its reward, with majestic views opening up over valleys and peaks.
From there, the trail descends, following the course of the River Lot. Between bends and clearings, Le Bleymard finally appears, at an altitude of 1,413 metres. This quiet mountain village, considered the gateway to the Cévennes National Park, sits beneath the old cattle track known as La Draille des Mulets, which for centuries served as a passageway for shepherds and their flocks.
Ascent: 424m (1,391ft) / Descent: 520m (1,706ft)
The route then enters the Goulet massif, covered by thick coniferous forests that envelop the path in shade and coolness. This is the first major climb of the route, demanding but generous in its reward, with majestic views opening up over valleys and peaks.
From there, the trail descends, following the course of the River Lot. Between bends and clearings, Le Bleymard finally appears, at an altitude of 1,413 metres. This quiet mountain village, considered the gateway to the Cévennes National Park, sits beneath the old cattle track known as La Draille des Mulets, which for centuries served as a passageway for shepherds and their flocks.
Ascent: 424m (1,391ft) / Descent: 520m (1,706ft)
Overnight in Le Bleymard
Hotel La Remise
Built in 1870, this accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a terrace, a restaurant and a bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Le Bleymard to Pont de Montvert 12,4 miles I 20 km
Today is one of the most memorable days of the journey. Along the way, ancient menhirs, known locally as Montjoies, emerge from the grass and stones, marking the route as they did for centuries for shepherds, pilgrims and solitary travellers.
The ascent leads to Mont Lozère, a former ski resort that transforms into a vast, luminous open space in summer. From here, the trail continues until it reaches Pic de Finiels, which at 1,699 metres is the highest point not only of the route, but of the entire Cévennes mountain range.
The view from the summit is breathtaking, with rolling mountains stretching out to the south and the clean air giving a feeling of lightness that contrasts with the firmness of the rock beneath your feet.
The descent is steep and winds through a landscape of scattered rocks and whimsical shapes, almost sculpted by the wind and time. Each turn of the trail offers a new postcard view as the path descends towards Pont de Montvert, a charming village nestled between rivers and mountains, where history and nature merge in a silent embrace.
Ascent: 657m (2,155ft) / Descent: 810m (2,657ft)
The ascent leads to Mont Lozère, a former ski resort that transforms into a vast, luminous open space in summer. From here, the trail continues until it reaches Pic de Finiels, which at 1,699 metres is the highest point not only of the route, but of the entire Cévennes mountain range.
The view from the summit is breathtaking, with rolling mountains stretching out to the south and the clean air giving a feeling of lightness that contrasts with the firmness of the rock beneath your feet.
The descent is steep and winds through a landscape of scattered rocks and whimsical shapes, almost sculpted by the wind and time. Each turn of the trail offers a new postcard view as the path descends towards Pont de Montvert, a charming village nestled between rivers and mountains, where history and nature merge in a silent embrace.
Ascent: 657m (2,155ft) / Descent: 810m (2,657ft)
Overnight in Pont de Montvert
Auberge des Cevennes
Located in a privileged setting, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also has a restaurant with a beautiful terrace on the banks of the river.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Pont de Montvert to Florac 18 miles I 29 km
Few experiences compare to walking deep into the wild and powerful heart of the Cévennes. Today's stage, the longest of the entire route, has climbs that challenge your legs and descents that test your endurance. But every effort is rewarded by the untamed beauty of the landscape, which unfolds generously at every turn of the trail.
The path crosses the Col du Sapet, a mountain pass offering sweeping views over valleys covered with deep forests and rolling hills, where the horizon seems endless. From there, the route descends towards Bédouès, a small enclave marked by tranquillity and its proximity to the River Tarn.
The last stretch leads to Florac, a hidden gem nestled among mountains, set in a landscape that seems to have been sculpted by water and time. This charming village, with its discreet castle and two large squares surrounded by restaurants and shops, is the perfect place to stop and savour the end of a demanding but unforgettable day.
Ascent: 657m (2,155ft) / Descent: 1042m (3,419ft)
The path crosses the Col du Sapet, a mountain pass offering sweeping views over valleys covered with deep forests and rolling hills, where the horizon seems endless. From there, the route descends towards Bédouès, a small enclave marked by tranquillity and its proximity to the River Tarn.
The last stretch leads to Florac, a hidden gem nestled among mountains, set in a landscape that seems to have been sculpted by water and time. This charming village, with its discreet castle and two large squares surrounded by restaurants and shops, is the perfect place to stop and savour the end of a demanding but unforgettable day.
Ascent: 657m (2,155ft) / Descent: 1042m (3,419ft)
Overnight in Florac
Hotel Des Gorges Du Tarn
This hotel offers well-equipped rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a garden and terrace where you can relax at the end of the day. It also has a restaurant and bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Florac to Cassagnas 11,8 miles I 19 km
The day begins calmly in the picturesque streets of Florac, where every corner seems to whisper ancient stories. Take some time to stroll through its squares, peek into its small shops and enjoy the serene atmosphere before setting off again.
Soon, the trail enters a different landscape, the Mimente Valley, marked by the intense reddish hue of its rock and the abrupt shapes carved into the terrain. The first part of the day is demanding, with steep climbs and narrow passes opening up between hills and ridges.
As you progress, the terrain becomes gentler and the pace more comfortable. The trail follows the course of the gorge, travelling along the old railway line, now transformed into a peaceful path through woods and meadows.
The day ends in the village of Cassagnas, a small rural settlement where time seems to pass slowly. Here, in the middle of the Cévennes countryside, nature and history walk hand in hand, accompanying travellers who let themselves be carried away by the steps of this ancient route.
Ascent: 503m (1,650ft) / Descent: 198m (649ft)
Soon, the trail enters a different landscape, the Mimente Valley, marked by the intense reddish hue of its rock and the abrupt shapes carved into the terrain. The first part of the day is demanding, with steep climbs and narrow passes opening up between hills and ridges.
As you progress, the terrain becomes gentler and the pace more comfortable. The trail follows the course of the gorge, travelling along the old railway line, now transformed into a peaceful path through woods and meadows.
The day ends in the village of Cassagnas, a small rural settlement where time seems to pass slowly. Here, in the middle of the Cévennes countryside, nature and history walk hand in hand, accompanying travellers who let themselves be carried away by the steps of this ancient route.
Ascent: 503m (1,650ft) / Descent: 198m (649ft)
Overnight in Cassagnas
Espace Stevenson
Located in beautiful natural surroundings, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. It also has a terrace, a bar and a restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Cassagnas to Saint-Étienne-Vallée-Française 17,7 miles I 28,5 km
The route continues into the deep forests of the Camisards region, the scene of ancient Protestant revolts that marked the history of these mountains between 1685 and 1715. Walking along these trails is like walking in footsteps laden with memory, where nature seems to keep, among the trees, the echoes of a silent and persistent struggle.
The trail skirts the Monte Mars basin, enveloped in intense greens and the constant presence of chestnut trees, whose generous canopies accompany every step. The ascent to La Plan de Fontmort is gentle but steady, offering a succession of landscapes that alternate between shade and light, as if the forest were playing with the light.
Further on, the path joins other GR forest trails until it reaches the Col de la Pierre Plantée, at an altitude of 891 metres. There, in the midst of the vegetation, mysterious menhirs emerge, witnesses to an even more remote time, of forgotten rites and ancient peoples.
From the pass, an old track descends gently, flanked once again by centuries-old chestnut trees, until it reaches the bottom of the valley. The destination for the day is the beautiful Saint-Étienne-Vallée-Française, where history, nature and rural life intertwine in perfect harmony.
Ascent: 464m (1,522ft) / Descent: 1063m (3,487ft)
The trail skirts the Monte Mars basin, enveloped in intense greens and the constant presence of chestnut trees, whose generous canopies accompany every step. The ascent to La Plan de Fontmort is gentle but steady, offering a succession of landscapes that alternate between shade and light, as if the forest were playing with the light.
Further on, the path joins other GR forest trails until it reaches the Col de la Pierre Plantée, at an altitude of 891 metres. There, in the midst of the vegetation, mysterious menhirs emerge, witnesses to an even more remote time, of forgotten rites and ancient peoples.
From the pass, an old track descends gently, flanked once again by centuries-old chestnut trees, until it reaches the bottom of the valley. The destination for the day is the beautiful Saint-Étienne-Vallée-Française, where history, nature and rural life intertwine in perfect harmony.
Ascent: 464m (1,522ft) / Descent: 1063m (3,487ft)
Overnight in Saint-Étienne-Vallée-Française
Château de Cambiaire
This spectacular 14th-century accommodation is located in a privileged setting surrounded by nature.
Its rooms have private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Saint-Étienne-Vallée-Française to Saint-Jean-du-Gard 8,1 miles I 13 km
The last stretch of the journey begins with an ascent to the summit of Saint-Pierre, where the effort of the previous days finds its ultimate reward: a 360-degree panorama encompassing the immensity of the Cévennes. From here, the landscape unfolds like a living map of mountains, valleys and memories, symbolically marking the end of the journey.
The descent takes you along quiet paths to the charming village of Pied de Côte, with its stone houses and gardens. From there, the trail levels out as it follows the course of the Gardon River, offering a final peaceful walk alongside the water.
An ancient bridge marks the entrance to St-Jean-du-Gard, the town where Robert Louis Stevenson ended his journey and sold his faithful donkey Modestine.
Ascent: 398m (1,306ft) / Descent: 454m (1,489ft)
The descent takes you along quiet paths to the charming village of Pied de Côte, with its stone houses and gardens. From there, the trail levels out as it follows the course of the Gardon River, offering a final peaceful walk alongside the water.
An ancient bridge marks the entrance to St-Jean-du-Gard, the town where Robert Louis Stevenson ended his journey and sold his faithful donkey Modestine.
Ascent: 398m (1,306ft) / Descent: 454m (1,489ft)
Overnight in Saint-Jean-du-Gard
Hotel Les Bellugues
This beautiful, modern hotel offers comfortable, well-equipped rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. It also has a terrace, a garden and a bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Saint-Jean-du-Gard
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
Request a Quotation
Request a Quotation
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms
- Daily Breakfasts
- Dinners
- 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, you will need to take a train to Nîmes, where you will then take another train to Chasseradès.
You can find all the information you need about trains on the SNCF website.
To return to your city of origin from Saint-Jean-du-Gard, you can fly from Lyon Airport. First, you will need to take a bus to Alès or Nîmes station. Please note that these buses do not run very frequently. You can check the timetables on the liO – Région Occitanie website.
Then, from either location, you can take a train 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 Saint-Jean-du-Gard, you can fly from Lyon Airport. First, you will need to take a bus to Alès or Nîmes station. Please note that these buses do not run very frequently. You can check the timetables on the liO – Région Occitanie website.
Then, from either location, you can take a train 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.
Why Choose Orbis Ways?
Find Your Ideal Trip
Explore over 200 carefully designed routes tailored just for you.
Tailor-Made Budget
We adapt to your needs to provide you with the best possible experience.
Get the Most Out of Your Trip
Join the Orbis Ways community and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
