A Walking Holiday in the Cevennes, France. On the 22nd of September 1878, the young Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson left Le Monastier sur Gazeille (Haute Loire) on foot with his donkey Modestine. 12 days, 220 km and many adventures later, he arrived at St Jean du Gard (Gard). Albeit less famous than “Treasure Island” and “The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”, his travel diary, published in 1879, entitled “Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes”,has been read and loved by generations of readers.

Today, you can experience a similar adventure by trekking on the same track as Stevenson. You can even take a mule too. The path goes through the heart of the Cevennes National Park – one of the most stunning areas of natural beauty in France. The Cevennes National Park is a protected balcony above the Mediterranean sea on an average elevation of over 1,000m. The path traverses 3 regions (Auvergne, Rh´ne-Alpes, Languedoc-Roussillon) and 4 departments (Haute Loire, Ard¨che, Lozre, Gard), but most importantly, it trails through different country sides, charged with culture, history and gastronomy. Bonne route!

Day 1 – Flight and transfer to Le Puy en Velay.
We recommend you fly to Lyon, then transfer to Le Puy en Velay (625m). Details on how to commute from Lyon airport to Le Puy en Velay can be found in “Additional Information”, together with an option to be transferred directly by One Foot Abroad. Le Puy is a pleasant town with about 20,000 inhabitants. It is the capital of the Velay area, which we’ll traverse during our walk.
Although the walk starts tomorrow from Le Monastier sur Gazeille (930m), One Foot Abroad still caters for you from Le Puy. This way, you can buy your last minute items, enjoy this welcoming town and rest after a long day travelling.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities.
Hotel: Our hotel is a modern 2* hotel, 5 minutes walk from the train station. It is a member of the famous quality label “Logis de France”. Dinner is a culinary delight; expect a menu inspired by the traditions of the region. Spacious room, en-suite.
Meal: 3 course dinner

Day 2 – Transfer to le Monastier sur Gazeille and walk to Le Bouchet Saint Nicolas [5h15, 21.5km, +370m -275m]. In the morning, we transfer you from Le Puy en Velay (625m) to Le Monastier sur Gazeille (930m) (included). In 1878 some village folk waved goodbye to Stevenson from this very spot. Although he was warned about “wolves, cold, thieves and death”, we assue you that nowadays, a walk in the Cevennes is rather more tame! In Goudet (785m), we cross a small river that has its source in near-by Mont Gerbier des Joncs. At this stage, it’s hard to believe that this small river is, in fact, the Loire – the longest river in France (1012km).

Town, Le Bouchet Saint Nicolas: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities.
Hotel: Lovely 2* hotel by the shore of the lake, en-suite.
Meal: Breakfast, picnic lunch & 3 course dinner

DAY 3 – From Le Bouchet Saint Nicolas to Langogne [6h00, 25km, +218m -328m]. Today is our last day in the Velay area. After crossing the Allier river we reach Langogne (915m, pop 3000). Here, the memory of the “ferocious beast”, a wolf that allegedly terrorised the inhabitants, lives on in the stories of the locals. Stevenson’s descriptions describe the area in wonderful detail. Indeed, Langogne remains a beautiful town with its 11th-century Romanesque church. Nowadays, Langogne is one of the main gateways to the Cevennes, with all amenities for visitors.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities.
Hotel: family-run Gite, all facilities.
Meal: Breakfast, picnic lunch & 3 course dinner

DAY 4 – From Langogne to Cheylard l’Evque [4h15, 16km, +210m -0m] . Today we enter a new administrative department; from Haute Loire to Loz¨re, and a new administrative region; from Auvergne to Languedoc-Roussillon. Christian will welcome you to Cheylard l’Evªque (1125m). Quite the intrepid traveller himself, Christian will certainly make you feel welcome at his home. Ask him about the Arctic, Alaska and the Himalayas, not to mention Paris, New York and Tijuana!

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities.
Hotel: 2* hotel, en-suite.
Meal: Breakfast, picnic lunch & 3 course dinner

Our hotels have been carefully selected for their comfort, location, friendliness and character, and are subject to availability. If the hotel described is not available, we will provide you with alternative lodgings of the same standard and price.

Picnic lunches are provided every day. Your meal will be tasty and filling. They usually contain a ham or chicken sandwich (veggie options available), a salad, some fruit and a drink.

Your luggage will be transported by us from hotel to hotel. During the walk, you only carry your day pack!