The route
Stevenson's Way is generally an easy to moderate hiking route, making it suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness and are used to walking longer day hikes. The route is not technically difficult, but there are days with relatively high altitude metres and long stretches - especially in the areas around Mont Lozère and in the Cévennes.
Itinerary
Arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay. There is time to explore the charming town of Le Puy-en-Velay, especially the impressive Notre-Dame Cathedral, built on a volcanic rock and an important pilgrimage site.
The first stage of the journey follows in the footsteps of Stevenson and his donkey Modestine. The route heads southwards with beautiful views of the Puy Valley. Along the way, you'll pass the village of Coubon and cross the Loire River before reaching Le Monastier, where Stevenson himself began his journey in 1878.
A varied walking day with a descent into the Gazeille and Loire valleys. Passing small villages such as Courmarcès and St Martin de Fugères, you'll reach Le Bouchet-St-Nicolas, where you'll find old stone houses with carved reliefs - a historic and atmospheric place.
The route follows wide paths and crosses the Allier River. You'll enter the ancient Gévaudan, known from both history and myth. In Langogne you can admire a Romanesque church with over 100 ornate capitals and enjoy the medieval atmosphere of the town with its walls and towers.
The walk takes you through heather-clad moors, small birch groves and rugged granite cliffs. You pass St Flour de Mercoire and end up in the small, quiet village of Cheylard-l'Évêque. A shorter but atmospheric day through a rugged and beautiful landscape.
A scenic day through the Forêt de la Gardille. Along the way you will pass the ruins of an old castle in Luc and have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Abbey, where Stevenson spent three days. The route then heads towards La Bastide-Puylaurent.
Short and manageable day. The hike goes through the forests of Gardille, up to the top of La Mourade (1,308 metres) with fantastic views of the surrounding highlands. Then descend to Chasseradès, a peaceful village.
After the village of L'Estampe, the route climbs to a pass at 1,413 metres and then descends to Le Bleymard, a small village at the foot of Mont Lozère - the next major highlight of the journey.
One of the most spectacular stages. You cross the Col de Finiels and climb Mont Lozère (1,699 metres), the highest point on the route, with sweeping views of the Cévennes. The descent goes through flowering meadows and broom thickets to Pont de Montvert, the centre of the Camisard rebellion.
The longest but perhaps most beautiful stage of the route. The walk takes you over the Col du Sapet and through the Forêt de Ramponenche to Florac, the capital of the Cévennes. Here you'll find life, markets and a wonderful atmosphere in the narrow streets.
After Florac, the route follows a former railway that is now a peaceful path through nature. You'll follow the Mimente gorge and end at Cassagna's old railway station. Alternative accommodation may be required here due to limited capacity.
A beautiful day through chestnut forests and historic landscapes. Pass the Col de la Pierre Plantée (891 m) and end up in the old village of St-Étienne, known for silk production and architecture in slate and Lauzes stone.
Last stage before the finish. The route goes over the Col de St Pierre and down to St-Jean-du-Gard, where Stevenson finished his journey and sold Modestine. A beautiful town surrounded by vineyards and mulberry trees.
Breakfast and then departure. The journey is over, but the memories live on!
Pictures from the trip
Prices and dates
Price includes
- 13 nights in small hotels - always incl. private shower/toilet
- Breakfast and dinner every day
- Luggage transport between hotels
- Detailed route descriptions and maps (in English)
- 24-hour local and international service hotline for the duration of the tour
- This is a package holiday and is covered by the Travel Guarantee Fund and the Package Travel Act - see what benefits this brings you - click here
- Transport to France
- Drinks and beverages
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Handling fee (€20)
- Tourist tax (if due)
Practical information
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:
- Choose your desired start date
- Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
- Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).
Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Clermont-Ferrand or Lyon are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.
The overnight stays on the trip take place in double rooms at specially selected 1-, 2- and 3-star hotels, inns and guesthouses.
It is possible to book extra nights before, during and after the trip
On this trip, breakfast and dinner is included every day. The dinners will consist of a 2-3 course menu that you can pick yourself. Beverage is not included.
Lunch can be bought in the small towns during the trip and brought along the hikes.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.
This trip has difficulty level 2-3, which means that most hiking days are level 2, with a few at level 3.
Grade 2
Easier hikes on reasonably good trails. Daily hikes will last 4-6 hours in hilly terrain. Anyone in generally good physical condition can participate. Luggage is transported, and you only carry a light daypack. Requires well-fitting footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Grade 3
Hiking in mountainous terrain with longer ascents and descents. You will hike 5-7 hours a day. Requires generally good fitness and health, but no special technical skills or prior experience. Requires good shoes, such as trekking or mountain boots.
Read more about our grading system here.
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
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