Trekking the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail

The GR70 through the Cevennes/Massif Central

By Nike Werstroh, Jacint Mig

ISBN

9781852849184

Availability

Published

23 Feb 2021

Edition

Third

Pages

128

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x .90cm

Weight

150g

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Guidebook to the GR70 through France's Velay and Cévennes 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'

ISBN

9781852849184

Availability

Published

23 Feb 2021

Edition

Third

Pages

128

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x .90cm

Weight

150g

Overview

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.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS

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

Maps

Maps and waymarking

The GR70 long-distance trail is well waymarked with red and white stripes. There are also many different signs, especially at junctions, to help you to follow the route. A red and white cross marks the wrong way at junctions and turn-offs. At junctions, where there are other GR trails crossing the GR70, look out for the GR70 signs. You can also spot some old and some home-made signs. The distances given on some signs might not be accurate. As the trail is well signposted, the maps in this guide should probably suffice. If you do want a map, take the Stevenson Trail IGN GR70 trail map (1:100,000, 1cm=1km). If you decide to take IGN walking maps (1:25,000) you will need a collection of nine maps to cover the areas. You can download the IGNrando app from www.ignrando.fr.

(Clockwise from top left) Direction markers; wrong way; right way; Stevenson village sign; unofficial GR70 sign; turn left, turn right signs; direction markers and gîte signs; GR waymarking

Google maps or Maps.me applications on your smartphone are also worth considering. Some map apps work offline as well.

GPX tracks

GPX tracks for the routes in this guidebook are available to download free at www.cicerone.co.uk/918/GPX. A GPS device is an excellent aid to navigation, but as the trail is well signposted you most probably won’t need one. GPX files are provided in good faith, but neither the author nor the publisher accepts responsibility for their accuracy.

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Downloads

Trekking the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail - GPX File

Nike Werstroh

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Jacint Mig

Nike and Jacint met many years ago on a long coach journey as they both travelled into the unknown to build a new life in a different country. It wasn't long before they became inseparable. Travelling quickly emerged as their favourite activity and now wherever they go they try to find the best trails. They would love to share their passion for walking with others. Nike went to journalism school and Jacint is a keen photographer. Nike and Jacint live in Guildford and when they are not walking in one of their favourite mountain ranges somewhere in Europe, they enjoy exploring the diverse trails in the Surrey Hills close to their home. And when they are not out walking they offer a personalised travel planning service, details of which can be seen on Nike and Jacint's website: www.trailnotes.co.uk.

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