The Robert Louis Stevenson Trail - GR70 through the Massif - Cicerone Press

Guidebook to the GR70 through France's Velay and Cevennes regions, which follows in the footsteps of author Stevenson and his faithful donkey, Modestine. At 272km, this long-distance trail from Le Puy to Ales is ideal for people new to walking holidays, and promises an interesting journey with an historical and literary flavour.

Seasons
From around Easter to October (since much of the accommodation closes over the winter months); July and August can be very hot so it is best to avoid walking during the hottest part of the day

Centres
Le-Puy-en-Velay, Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, Pradelles, Langogne, Le Bleymard, Le Pont-de-Montvert, Florac, St-Jean-du-Gard, Alès

Difficulty
Most of the trail is on easy terrain, but some sections are longer and therefore more demanding, so a certain level of fitness is required. The GR70 trail is well signposted and it is a great long-distance trail for first-time and experienced hikers alike.

Must See
River Loire, River Gardon, Mount Lozére, Cévennes, Massif Central, River Tarn, Camisards history, Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Travels with a donkey in the Cévennes'


Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Travels with a donkey in the Cévennes' is a classic of travel literature. The GR70 long-distance trail is based on the author's route, allowing walkers to follow in the footsteps of Stevenson and his four-legged companion Modestine through the beautiful Cévennes region on the edge of France's Massif Central. The route is ideal for both first-time trekkers and more experienced hikers, covering around 272km of gently undulating countryside from Le-Puy-en-Velay to Alès. It can be completed in under a fortnight.

The trail is presented in 12 stages of 16 to 30km, each with clear route description and mapping, an elevation profile, notes on local points of interest and a brief account of Robert Louis Stevenson's experiences on that section of the route. There is useful advice for planning your trip - including when to go, what to take and how to get there - and accommodation listings.

Following drove roads, bridleways and footpaths, the GR70 showcases the landscapes of the Cévennes: wildflower meadows, rolling hills, chestnut woods, limestone gorges and meandering rivers. Characterful villages provide accommodation and other services and offer an opportunity to sample the delicious local produce. There are also glimpses into the region's fascinating history, from pre-historic burial sites to locations associated with the eighteenth-century Protestant Camisards who resisted religious persecution. While many things have undoubtedly changed since Stevenson's visit, the area retains its authentic rural charm and you will soon discover just why Stevenson found it so appealing.

Contents
Introduction
About Robert Louis Stevenson
The trail
When to go
Suggested itinerary
Travelling to and from the trail
Accommodation
Food and supplies
What to take
Language
Maps and waymarking
Using this guide
The GR70
Stage 1 Le Puy-en-Velay to Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille
Stage 2 Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille to Le Bouchet-St-Nicolas
Stage 3 Le Bouchet-St-Nicolas to Langogne
Stage 4 Langogne to Cheylard-l’Évêque
Stage 5 Cheylard-l’Évêque to La Bastide-Puylaurent
Stage 6 La Bastide-Puylaurent to Le Bleymard
Stage 7 Le Bleymard to Le Pont-de-Montvert
Stage 8 Le Pont-de-Montvert to Florac
Stage 9 Florac to Cassagnas
Stage 10 Cassagnas to St-Germain-de-Calberte
Stage 11 St-Germain-de-Calberte to St-Jean-du-Gard
Stage 12 St-Jean-du-Gard to Alès

Appendix A Useful contacts and information
Appendix B Accommodation
Appendix C Campsites
Appendix D French–English glossary