Forbes Traveler's top-ten Travel Adventure in 'Best of' Format.
Key Facts
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a) Theme
Best of Stevenson Trail brings you the highlights of the Robert Louis Stevenson trail - that's 88 miles/132 kms of fine French trails spread over six days of great France hiking. We believe we have eliminated some of the more monotonous forestry trails, and what's left are the paths that leave your senses feeling exhilarated.
Best of Stevenson Trail gives you some of the best French trails and the best hotels there are along one of the top-ten France hiking experiences - that's the package. In this way, you get to walk the most challenging, but also the most aesthetically pleasing, from Le Monastier to Langogne and from Luc to Florac. It's all the highs without the lows and you enjoy the delights of the Upper Loire Valley, Mont Lozere and the 'chemin des crêtes.’
b) Further Information
c) Model Programme: Best of Stevenson Trail
Day 1. LE PUY.Arrival and hotel check-in. A visit to Puy merits a day's stay in itself, so much history is there here to enjoy - get there early!
Day 2. LE MONASTIER to LE BOUCHET ST NICOLAS.
14 miles-21 kms
The day starts with a taxi transfer (included) to Le Monastier and the start of the Stevenson trail . After a short descent into the Loire Valley, you climb over 400 metres, through charming hamlets and across volcanic plateau before arriving at Stevenson's first overnight stop.
Day 3. LE BOUCHET ST NICOLAS to PRADELLES.
12.5 miles-19 kms.
Very few climbs or descents today as you walk the volcanic plateau en route to the granite 'City of High Prairies'.
Day 4. PRADELLES to LA BASTIDE.
15 miles-22.5 kms.
You start on the Stevenson and then follow the medieval Regordane Way to Luc and onward to La Bastide.
Day 5. LA BASTIDE PUYLAURENT to LE BLEYMARD.
18.5 miles-28 kms
You climb to the highest point of the walking tour so far, cross the watershed between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, and head down valley to picture-postcard Chasseradès. Then you enter the Cevennes proper, with some great views and the chance to see the source of the Lot River.
Day 6. LE BLEYMARD to PONT DE MONTVERT.
11 miles-16.5 kms.
An early start is advised for this memorable walk across Mont Lozere, with the option to climb Le Pic de Finiels (1699 ms). Then descend to Le Pont de Montvert and Camisard Country.
Day 7. PONT DE MONTVERT to FLORAC.
16.5 miles-25 kms.
The longest and most challenging day of the tour is blessed with some memorable views over the heart of the Cevennes.
Day 8. End of your France hiking tour.
And the end of a memorable trek. Au revoir et bon retour.
Note: The above hiking tour is a guide only. As part of our policy of continual review and improvement, we reserve the right to make alterations to our walking tours in France.
d) Access
To join this walking tour, the nearest airport or TGV railway station is St Etienne/Lyon, with onward train to Le Puy-en-Velay.
If you prefer to access via Avignon, Marseille, Montpellier or Nimes (airport or TGV), there is a train option available- please contact us for further details.
Those preferring to drive can leave their car in Le Puy or near Ales and collect it at the end of the hiking trip*.
* Cars are left at owners' risk.
e) Accommodation
• Six 2-star character hotels and one '3-star' Auberge, all with restaurants.
• En-suite facilities.
Note: we reserve the right to slighty alter the above, depending on availability, whilst maintaining the same general level of accommodation quality.
f) What's included in Best of Stevenson trail
Included
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7 nights B & B
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5 picnic lunches and 6 evening meals - leaving you free to dine out wherever you wish in Le Puy.
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Luggage transfers¹.
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Taxi transfer from Le Puy to Le Monastier at the beginning of the tour.
- Cell-phone loan for non-Europeans if required, subject to availability.
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Car parking in Ales for the duration of your trek where required*
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France Hiking Insight Notes™ that empower & make orientation easy
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Themed vacation dossier
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Comprehensive travel notes & logistical information
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Emergency telephone help-line service with local British backup.
Not included
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Remaining meals: your packed lunch for your first day's walking can be bought in Le Monastier before departure; and you are free to choose where to eat dinner in Le Puy - there are many options.
- Personal expenses
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Entrances into optional cultural visits and venues
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Travel, walking and personal insurance
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Single rooms – unless booking at single person rate
¹ Important note: You are entitled to take one piece of luggage per person, each weighing up to 16 kgs. Supplements are payable for extra or overweight luggage.
* Parking is at customer's risk.
Prices 2010: Best of Stevenson trail
Extra nights: On Request