Day 2. LE PUY EN VELAY to LE BOUCHET ST NICOLAS.
14 miles-21 kms.
Taxi transfer (20 kms) to LE MONASTIER and the start of the 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.
Night in Le Bouchet.
Day 3. LE BOUCHET ST NICOLAS to PRADELLES.
12.5 miles-19 kms.
The ascents and descents are less steep today, but the walking is far from flat as you climb to the volcanic plateau from the Arquejol Viaduct before the descent to the fabulous granite 'City of High Prairies'.
Night in Pradelles.
Day 4. PRADELLES to CHEYLARD L’EVEQUE.
12 miles-18 kms.
You descend to Langogne and into the land of the 'Beast of Gevaudan', through forest and charming hamlet en route to the medieval village of Cheylard, repleat with church, chapel and abbey.
Night in Cheylard.
Day 5. CHEYLARD L’EVEQUE to LA BASTIDE.
11 miles-16.5 kms.
You climb through a forest and have lunch beside a lake, before descending to the fabulous ruins of Luc castle. Then you follow the medieval Regordane Way.
Night in La Bastide.
Day 6. 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 as you walk beside the source of the Lot River.
Night in Le Bleymard.
Day 7. LE BLEYMARD to PONT DE MONTVERT.
11.5 miles-17 kms.
A memorable ascent to Mont Lozere, and the highest point in south-central France, Le Pic de Finiels (1699 ms). Then it’s a steep descent followed by a gentle hike to Le Pont de Montvert and into Camisard Country.
Night in Pont de Montvert.
Day 8. PONT DE MONTVERT to FLORAC.
16.5 miles-25 kms, with shorter option.
The longest day is blessed with some memorable views over the waves of Cevennes hills as you walk mountain crest, crossing from Mediterranean to Alpine flora and back along the watershed.
Night in Florac.
Day 9. FLORAC to ST GERMAIN DE CALBERTE.
19 miles-28.5 kms, with option to split this stage into two.
You enter the steep-sided, red rock Mimente Valley, and past the ruins of the château at St. Julien d'Arapon, en route to the hamlet of Cassagnas, Camisard stronghold. You then pass through Pierre Plantée Pass at 891 ms and past several menhirs and chestnut groves, the traditional staff of life in the Cevennes.
Night in St Germain.
Day 10. ST GERMAIN DE CALBERTE to ST. JEAN DU GARD.
14 miles-21 kms.
A memorable last-day's trek that has you walking the Corniche des Cevennes and climbing to a 360 degree vantage point for those last-gasp photos. The sharp descent to the Gardon Valley is a fitting finale.
Night in St Jean.
Day 11. End of your walking holiday in France.
A memorable trek has brought you to St Jean, where you may wish to stay an extra night and enjoy some of the delights of this busy market town, with castle, museums and plenty of cafes and restaurants. Or simply relax by the heated outdoor pool?