A guidebook to the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail (GR70) from Le-Puy-en-Velay to Alès. Covering 272km (169 miles), this long-distance trek through the Cévennes region on the edge of France's Massif Central follows in the footsteps of writer Robert Louis Stevenson and his donkey Modestine. The trail takes around 2 weeks to hike and is suitable for both first-time and experienced trekkers.

The route is described from north to south in 12 stages, each between 16 and 30km (10–17 miles) in length. A brief account of Robert Louis Stevenson's experiences on that section of the route is included for each stage.

• GPX files available to download
• 1:50,000 maps included for each stage
• Detailed information about accommodation, campsites and facilities along the route
• Advice on planning and preparation

Route summary table
Map key
Overview map

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

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'

August 2025

Stage 6

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