Activity Overview:

The Chemin de Stevenson, officially known as the GR 70, is a historic long-distance hiking trail inspired by the journey of Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson, who traveled this route in 1878 with his donkey Modestine. Stretching over 250 km through the Cévennes, Gévaudan, and Velay regions in southern France, it offers a peaceful and immersive walk through rural landscapes, ancient villages, volcanic plateaus, and national parks. This trail is a blend of literary pilgrimage and wild nature, perfect for both seasoned walkers and slow-travel enthusiasts.

What’s Included:

• Full suggested itinerary (12-day classic version, adaptable 8–14 days)

• Route descriptions with daily distances and accommodation types

• Luggage transfer options (available on most stages)

• GPS tracks and practical info for train/bus access

• Cultural and historical highlights (linked to Stevenson’s writings)

What’s Not Included:

• Transport to Le Puy-en-Velay (trail start) and from Alès or St-Jean-du-Gard (end)

• Personal hiking gear, insurance, or meals outside of half-board options

• Donkey rental (optional for full Stevenson experience!)

• Trail map (recommended but not mandatory with GPX or guidebook)

Suggested 12-Day Itinerary – Full Chemin de Stevenson

🟦 Moderate – accessible to most hikers with reasonable endurance (daily 15–25 km)

📍 Day 1 – Le Puy-en-Velay → Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille

• Short warm-up day across the volcanic Velay plateau

• Visit the historic cathedral and medieval town of Le Puy

• Distance: ~19 km | 5 hrs

🌲 Day 2 – Le Monastier → Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas

• Pass the Loire valley and climb toward open moorland

• Stevenson mentions this stretch in his book

• Distance: ~24 km | 6 hrs

🏞️ Day 3 – Le Bouchet → Langogne

• Enter the region of Gévaudan, land of legends and wolves

• Lake views and gentle paths

• Distance: ~25 km | 6–7 hrs

🐺 Day 4 – Langogne → Cheylard-l’Évêque

• Wild forests and remote hamlets

• Optional visit to ruins of abbey mentioned by Stevenson

• Distance: ~18 km | 5 hrs

⛰️ Day 5 – Cheylard → Luc

• Follow forest trails to the ruins of Château de Luc

• Historical region tied to Stevenson’s writings

• Distance: ~19 km | 5 hrs

⛰️ Day 6 – Luc → La Bastide-Puylaurent

• Arrival in Lozère, quiet forest paths and river crossings

• Distance: ~18 km | 5 hrs

🌄 Day 7 – La Bastide → Chasseradès

• Enter the Cévennes! Trail gradually climbs again

• Distance: ~12 km | 3–4 hrs

🏔️ Day 8 – Chasseradès → Le Bleymard

• Stevenson’s original mountain passage

• Rural landscapes and chestnut groves

• Distance: ~16 km | 4 hrs

🏞️ Day 9 – Le Bleymard → Pont de Montvert (via Mont Lozère)

• Cross the highest point of the trail (Mont Lozère ~1,700 m)

• Stunning panoramic views over the Cévennes

• Distance: ~19 km | 6 hrs

🌿 Day 10 – Pont de Montvert → Florac

• Descend into Cévennes National Park

• River walks and picturesque stone villages

• Distance: ~28 km | 7 hrs

🌻 Day 11 – Florac → Saint-Germain-de-Calberte

• Hike through the Vallée Française

• Mediterranean vegetation begins to appear

• Distance: ~20 km | 5–6 hrs

🌞 Day 12 – Saint-Germain → Saint-Jean-du-Gard

• Final day through chestnut groves and sun-soaked ridges

• Optional visit to the Stevenson museum

• Distance: ~22 km | 5–6 hrs

Additional Notes:

• Best time to go: May to October (June & September are ideal)

• Trail Marking: Red-and-white blazes (standard for all GR routes)

• Accommodation: Gîtes d’étape, small hotels, chambres d’hôtes, or camping

• Luggage Transport: Available via companies like La Malle Postale

• Stevenson Bonus: You can hike with a donkey like Stevenson — available to rent in Le Monastier!