Stevenson's Trail: The Cevennes - 8 Days
Stevenson's Trail: The Cevennes - 8 Days
8 Days Starting in Le Puy-en-Velay, France and ending in Florac, France
Visiting: Le Puy-en-Velay, Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, Langogne, La Bastide Puy Laurent, Le Bleymard, Le Pont de Montvert, Florac
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JC8
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an 8-day adventure along Stevenson’s Trail through the picturesque Cevennes in France. This self-guided walking tour takes you through the serene Massif Central, offering a blend of quiet countryside, lush meadows, and shaded chestnut forests. Enjoy pretty riverside strolls and invigorating walks over low mountains, with accommodations in charming country hotels. Starting in the historic city of Le Puy-en-Velay and ending in the quaint town of Florac, each day presents new landscapes and cultural treasures, from ancient cathedrals to scenic mountain ridges. With luggage transfers and detailed route notes provided, immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich history of this enchanting region.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Le Puy-En-Velay
Location: Le Puy-en-Velay
Accommodation Name: 3* hotel
For your first nights accommodation you stay in the historic city of Le Puy not far from Le Monastier where the Stevenson's Trail begins. Le Puy is a wonderful town to explore and you may wish to add an extra night. Its most striking attraction is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy, dating chiefly from the first half of the 12th century. Each morning, pilgrims gather at the cathedral to be blessed before starting their journey to Santiago de Compostela. The cathedral has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1998, as part of the "Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France". The iron statue of Notre-Dame de France (The Virgin Mary) overlooking the town was designed by the French sculptor Jean-Marie Bonnassieux, and is made from 213 Russian cannons taken in the Siege of Sevastopol (1854–1855). Fountain Crozatier is also worth visiting in the centre of town.
Accommodation: Stay in a comfortable 3* hotel a few minutes walk from the train station. All rooms are ensuite.
Day 2 : Le Monastier To Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas - 24 Km /15 Miles, 6.5 Hours
Location: Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille
Accommodation Name: auberge
Meals Included: Dinner
Taxi transfer (included) from Le Puy to Le Monastier where the Stevenson trail starts. Take a moment for a look around Le Monastier before you start the walk. You could visit the Abbey Church with its 15th century organ or the Chateau, part of which is now the Municipal Museum and the Town Hall. You walk on via the village of St. Martin de Fugeres to Goudet where we cross the River Loire. From here there's only half the day's distance left to cover through the Velay hills.
Accommodation: Stay in a welcoming auberge in this tiny village. The restaurant serves traditional regional specialities.
Day 3 : Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas To Langogne - 28.5 Km/17.8 Miles, 7,5 Hours
Location: Langogne
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Before you reach your goal for today, walk through Landos, Arquejol and Pradelles. This last place is an old fortified village that overlooks the Upper Allier Valley. It used to be an important stopping place for merchants importing goods from the South of France. The rest of the day is downhill to Langogne, on the banks of the River Allier.
Accommodation: we use a charming, centrally-located hotel offering ensuite accommodation, a terrace and a restaurant.
Day 4 : Langogne To La Bastide Puy Laurent - 35 Km/22 Miles, 7.5 Hours
Location: La Bastide Puy Laurent
Accommodation Name: 1* hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
A series of paths past mills and wayside cavalries brings us to the ruined village of Fuzilhac. Of this region Stevenson wrote, "Moor, heather marsh, tracts of rock and pines, woods of birch, green and stony cattle tracks wandered in and out...." Little has changed. Pass through the village of Cheylard and the Chabadoures ravine on to La Bastide Puy Laurent a tiny village with approx. 200 inhabitants. This is a long day and you won't get much of a chance to visit the abbey of Notre Dame des Neiges, where Stevenson spent several nights.
If you would like to add a rest day to the tour we suggest La Bastide, from which it is an easy day walk to the abbey.
Alternatively, it is possible to break up today's walk with an overnight in the village of Cheylard l'Eveque after 16km. This will also give you enough time to see the abbey. The walk from Cheylard l'Eveque to La Bastide Puylaurent is 20km. For full details see trip code JCV.
Accommodation: A simple, convivial 1* hotel. All rooms are ensuite and there is a restaurant.
Day 5 : La Bastide Puy Laurent To Le Bleymard - 29.4 Km /18.3 Miles, 7 Hours
Location: Le Bleymard
Accommodation Name: 2* hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Head south away from the river through woods and past dolmens to reach Chasserades. A walk over the Montagne du Goulet ridge brings us to Le Bleymard. This small village rises to an altitude of 1087m and will surprise you with its heritage, Chapel of Saint Jean du Bleymard, Priory of Saint Jean du Bleymard, known as Peytavin House and beautiful old houses with slate roofs of Tournel.
*Note that it is possible to shorten today's walk by a taxi dropping you off further up the route.
Accommodation: Overnight in a high standard 2* hotel traditionally appointed, with ensuite facilities and a fine pine beam and stone restaurant surrounding a large hearth.
Day 6 : Le Bleymard To Le Pont De Montvert - 22.5 Km /14 Miles, 5.5 Hours
Location: Le Pont de Montvert
Accommodation Name: 2* hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Continue south along an old drovers road, over the Col de Finiels, past the Chalet du Mont Lozere. The col with its fine viewpoint over the Cevennes, makes a delightful lunch stop. There is an opportunity in clear weather to reach the Sommet de Finiels (1698m), the highest point in the Lozere range. We descend to Le Pont de Montvert.
Accommodation: A 2* hotel, which sits on the riverbank of the Tarn. All rooms are ensuite and have a balcony. The restaurant serves regional specialities.
Day 7 : To Florac - 30 Km /18.6 Miles , 7.5 Hours
Location: Florac
Accommodation Name: 3* hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
From Le Pont de Montvert walk south along the Martinet valley and ascend the ridge of the Montagne du Bouges. From here continue along the crest of the two valleys of the Tarn and Mimente. At the end of the ridge descend into Florac. You can discover the region's history and geology at the imaginative exhibition house in the old chateau. The town itself is quite small, but has two large open squares with restaurants and a few shops. The quaint boulevards of the old town offer a tempting array of cafes.
Accommodation: Stay at a 3* hotel in the centre of town. All rooms are ensuite and the property includes a traditional restaurant, landscaped gardens and a swimming pool.
Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast
Location: Florac
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Florac for your onward journey.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in country hotels -
7 breakfasts, 6 dinners
Enjoy 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners included in your stay.
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7 nights accommodation in country hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available
Stay for 7 nights in country hotels with twin share rooms and ensuite facilities where available.
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Luggage transfer, 1 bag of max 13kg
Luggage transfer service for one bag up to a maximum of 13kg.
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Information pack including route notes & maps (1 pack per room booked)
Receive an information pack with route notes and maps, one per room booked.
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City tax
City tax is included in the package.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for assistance during your trip.
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GPX Tracks will be sent to you
GPX tracks for the route will be sent to you.
What's Not Included
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1 dinner & lunches & beverages
One dinner, all lunches, and beverages are not included.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Travel to the starting point and from the end point of the trip is not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses like laundry and phone calls are not included.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
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Guide: this is a self-guided holiday
This is a self-guided holiday, so a guide is not included.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Excess luggage
Excess luggage beyond the allowed 13kg is not included.
Accommodation
7 nights in country hotels. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests. Half-board 6 nights (evening meal, bed and breakfast) throughout in country hotels of 1, 2 and 3 star standard with en suite facilities where possible, but these cannot be guaranteed. Bed & breakfast only in Florac. Note that the hotels we use vary in quality, sometimes there is little else at a location we can use or other hotels will not give us one night bookings. You should be reassured to know however, that Robert Louis had to often make do with his home made fur lined bivvy bag or stayed in pensions with several to the bed, eating ‘pot luck.’ You won’t need to do this!
Grading
‘Moderate – Challenging’ (grade 4). This is a walk for fit and experienced walkers. The grade reflects the length of the days and the roughness of the terrain. The longest days can only be practically shortened by taxi in most cases. Day Stages: up to 35km (22miles) per day over hilly terrain.
Mode of Transport
Taxi transfer (included) from Le Puy to Le Monastier where the Stevenson trail starts. Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip is not included.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in country hotels, with a mix of 1, 2, and 3-star standards. Most rooms have ensuite facilities, although this cannot be guaranteed. In Florac, accommodation is bed and breakfast only.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners. The accommodation in Florac is bed and breakfast only.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided for one bag with a maximum weight of 13kg.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
An emergency hotline is available, and GPX tracks will be sent to you. Additionally, an information pack including route notes and maps is provided.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided holiday.
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What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The tour is graded as 'Moderate – Challenging' (grade 4). It is suitable for fit and experienced walkers due to the length of the days and the roughness of the terrain.
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Can the longest walking days be shortened?
Yes, the longest days can be practically shortened by taxi in most cases.
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What are some of the key attractions in Le Puy-en-Velay?
In Le Puy-en-Velay, you can explore the Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Puy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the iron statue of Notre-Dame de France. The Fountain Crozatier is also worth visiting.
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What is the highest point you will reach during the tour?
The highest point you will reach is the Sommet de Finiels at 1698 meters, which is the highest point in the Lozere range.
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What are some notable sites along the trail?
Notable sites include the Abbey Church and Chateau in Le Monastier, the old fortified village of Pradelles, and the Chapel of Saint Jean du Bleymard in Le Bleymard.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.