Stevenson Trail Walking Holidays

The Stevenson Trail: a Complete Guide to Walking the GR70

The Robert Louis Stevenson Trail, also known as the GR70 or Chemin de Stevenson, is one of the top long-distance walking routes in Europe. In 1878, the young Scottish author set off from Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille with a stubborn donkey and a sleeping bag, crossing the Velay plateau, the Gévaudan forests, Mont Lozère and the Cévennes valleys over 12 days. His account of the journey, Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes, became a classic of outdoor literature and is often considered one of the founding texts of modern hiking. Today, the Stevenson Trail attracts thousands of walkers each year who come to experience the same wild, remote and strikingly beautiful landscapes that inspired one of the greatest writers in the English language.

Distance and Stages of the Stevenson Trail

The full Stevenson Trail from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-du-Gard covers approximately 252 kilometres (157 miles) and is typically completed in 12 to 14 walking days. The route can be walked in full or in two sections: the northern half from Le Puy-en-Velay to Chasseradès (7 days), and the southern half from Chasseradès to Saint-Jean-du-Gard (7 days). Our self-guided walking holidays allow you to choose the section and pace that best suit your schedule.

Stevenson Trail Route Overview

The Stevenson Trail follows the GR70 long-distance footpath across the Massif Central in southern France. Starting in Le Puy-en-Velay, the route crosses the volcanic landscapes of the Velay, the forests of the Gévaudan, the high plateau of the Margeride, the granite summit of Mont Lozère, and finally the deep valleys of the Cévennes National Park before ending in Saint-Jean-du-Gard. The trail passes through four French departments (Haute-Loire, Ardèche, Lozère and Gard) and offers a remarkable diversity of scenery over a relatively short distance.

Main Villages on the Stevenson Trail

Along the GR70, walkers pass through some of the most characterful villages of southern France, including Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, Pradelles (classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France"), Langogne, Chasseradès, Le Bleymard, Pont-de-Montvert, Florac and finally Saint-Jean-du-Gard. These small towns offer traditional guesthouses, regional cuisine and a deep connection to the history of the Stevenson journey. Each village has its own character, from the granite streets of the Gévaudan to the terraced hillsides of the Cévennes.

Key Stages of the Stevenson Trail Route

The GR70 crosses four French departments and some of the most unspoilt landscapes in southern France. Here are the main stages of the Stevenson Trail.

Le Puy-en-Velay to Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille (19 km)

The walk begins in the magnificent cathedral town of Le Puy-en-Velay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also famous as the starting point of the Way of St James in France. The first day takes you across the Velay plateau to Le Monastier, where Stevenson began his own journey in September 1878.

Le Monastier to Langogne via the Gévaudan (approx. 70 km)

The trail crosses the wild Gévaudan country, a land of forests, granite villages and ancient legends, including the famous story of the Beast of Gévaudan. You pass through Pradelles, one of the official "Most Beautiful Villages of France", and reach the market town of Langogne on the banks of the Allier river.

Langogne to Chasseradès via the Margeride (approx. 50 km)

This section follows the remote Margeride plateau, a landscape of vast open spaces, pine forests and scattered hamlets. The walking is peaceful and meditative, with very few other hikers on the trail. Chasseradès marks the halfway point and is a natural place to split the route.

Chasseradès to Florac via Mont Lozère (approx. 60 km)

The trail climbs to the summit of Mont Lozère (1,699 m), the highest point on the Stevenson Trail. This granite massif offers panoramic views over the surrounding peaks. From the summit, the route descends through the dramatic gorges to Pont-de-Montvert and into the charming town of Florac, gateway to the Cévennes National Park.

Florac to Saint-Jean-du-Gard through the Cévennes (approx. 50 km)

The final section winds through the Cévennes valleys, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Chestnut groves, terraced hillsides and isolated hamlets define this landscape. The trail ends in Saint-Jean-du-Gard, where Stevenson sold his faithful donkey Modestine and took a carriage south. It is one of the most atmospheric stretches of walking in the whole of France.

Landscapes and Regions of the Stevenson Trail

Velay and Haute-Loire

Volcanic plateaux, ancient churches and the remarkable setting of Le Puy-en-Velay, where three volcanic plugs rise from the town centre, each topped by a chapel or statue.

Gévaudan and Margeride

Wild, forested highlands steeped in legend. This is one of the least populated areas of France, offering a true sense of solitude and remoteness.

Mont Lozère

The highest point on the trail, a granite massif with 360-degree views. The landscape shifts from moorland and heather to alpine meadows, with cattle grazing on the high pastures in summer.

The Cévennes

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of outstanding natural beauty. Deep valleys, chestnut forests, terraced hillsides and a unique microclimate that gives the region a distinctly southern feel. This is where Stevenson found the landscape that would inspire some of his finest writing.

Why Walk the Stevenson Trail with Walks in France?

Based just a few kilometres from the Stevenson Trail in Saugues, Walks in France has been organising self-guided walking holidays on the GR70 for over 35 years. We know every stage, every village and every place to eat and sleep along the way. Here is what we offer:

• Daily luggage transfer between your accommodations. You walk with just a light daypack.
• Quality accommodation carefully selected at every stage, from welcoming guesthouses to comfortable country hotels.
• A detailed route book with maps, directions, points of interest and Stevenson's own observations for each day.
• Tailor-made itineraries adapted to your pace and your available time. Walk the full trail or just one section.
• Phone support available throughout your trip.

We design your Stevenson Trail walking holiday around your needs. Request your free quote.

Practical Tips for Your Stevenson Trail Walking Holiday

Best time to walk the Stevenson Trail

The GR70 is best walked between May and October. June and September offer the finest combination of warm weather, long days and quiet trails. July and August are warmer and busier, particularly in the Cévennes. The Mont Lozère section can be cool and windy even in summer, so layered clothing is essential.

How difficult is the Stevenson Trail?

The Stevenson Trail is rated moderate. Most stages are between 15 and 25 km, with some significant ascents, particularly the climb to Mont Lozère. A reasonable level of fitness and some previous walking experience are recommended. Our self-guided itineraries allow you to adjust daily distances to suit your abilities.

Stevenson Trail vs the Way of St James

Both routes start from Le Puy-en-Velay but head in different directions. The Way of St James heads south-west towards Spain and Santiago de Compostela. The Stevenson Trail heads south through the Cévennes to Saint-Jean-du-Gard. The Stevenson Trail is shorter (252 km vs 750+ km) and has a stronger literary and cultural identity, while the St James Way is a pilgrimage route with a spiritual dimension. Both are exceptional walks. Browse all our walking holidays in France.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk the Stevenson Trail in sections?

Yes. We offer the Stevenson Trail as a full 14-day walk or in two sections of approximately 7 days each: the northern section from Le Puy-en-Velay to Chasseradès, and the southern section from Chasseradès to Saint-Jean-du-Gard.

What is included in a Stevenson Trail walking holiday with Walks in France?

All our packages include accommodation with half-board (breakfast and dinner), daily luggage transfer, a detailed route book and phone support throughout your trip.

How much does a Stevenson Trail walking holiday cost?

Our self-guided Stevenson Trail walking holidays start from around €720 for a 7-day section and from €1,560 for the complete 14-day trail. Get in touch for a personalised quote.

Can I walk the Stevenson Trail with a donkey?

Walking with a donkey is a popular option on the Stevenson Trail and a wonderful way to experience the journey as Stevenson himself did. Local donkey hire companies operate along the route. Contact us if you would like to combine a donkey trek with our accommodation and luggage transfer services.