Character
A cultural and scenic trek with a gentler profile, villages and the strong backstory of Stevenson's journey. The pace is more pilgrim than expedition.
GR Routes
GR70 Stevenson Trail
A literary long-distance trek in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson — good for a first multi-day hike.
Overview
GR70 combines a great backstory, friendly logistics and the landscape of central France. It is an excellent candidate for beginners who want a long-distance trek without alpine difficulty.
- Distance
- 272 km
- Time
- 12-15 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Total elevation gain
- 6,900 m
Route & profile
Quick orientation of the route line, start, end and elevation profile.
Elevation profileHighest 1,207 m a.s.l. · Pont-de-Montvert
Cevenny, Francie
272 km · 13 stages · ↑ 6,900 m
Elevation data for stage points is indicative, derived from Copernicus DEM GLO-90 after geocoding stage locations via OSM; problematic points are manually verified from map or trail sources. Verify against the specific GPX/map before your trip.
Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, displayed via Waymarked Trails.
Planning
Typical budget is gîte d'étape, demi-pension and the occasional hotel. Better to book ahead in smaller villages.
May, June, September and October. Summer can be warmer and busier; outside season check accommodation is open.
What to expect
Who it's for
A first multi-day trek, relaxed couples or solo travellers who want good waymarking, accommodation and a clear narrative.
Suggested pace
12–15 days for the full route. Can be walked faster, but the magic of GR70 lies in the villages, food and slower rhythm.
Logistics
Le Puy-en-Velay has good transport links, and gîtes and small accommodation work along the route. Book ahead in season, especially for larger groups.
Resupply & permits
Resupply
Resupply in Le Puy, Langogne, Le Bleymard, Florac, Cassagnas and Saint-Jean-du-Gard. Dinner is often handled by demi-pension at the gîte.
Permits & regulations
No permit. Accommodation with a donkey, larger groups and popular dates should be booked through the official network in advance.
Why go
- An ideal entry into the world of long-distance trekking.
- A good combination of nature, culture and relaxed logistics.
- A strong narrative that communicates well on the website.
Watch out for
- Not a technical trek, but repeated daily kilometres are tiring.
- Not all services may be open outside the main season.
- Worth watching the weather in the higher parts of the Cévennes.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for Stevenson Trail?
May, June, September and October. Summer can be warmer and busier; outside season check accommodation is open.
How hard is Stevenson Trail?
Stevenson Trail is rated as Moderate. A cultural and scenic trek with a gentler profile, villages and the strong backstory of Stevenson's journey. The pace is more pilgrim than expedition.
How many days does Stevenson Trail take?
Stevenson Trail usually takes 12–15 days. 12–15 days for the full route. Can be walked faster, but the magic of GR70 lies in the villages, food and slower rhythm.
Do I need a permit for Stevenson Trail?
No permit. Accommodation with a donkey, larger groups and popular dates should be booked through the official network in advance.
What about resupply on Stevenson Trail?
Resupply in Le Puy, Langogne, Le Bleymard, Florac, Cassagnas and Saint-Jean-du-Gard. Dinner is often handled by demi-pension at the gîte.
Similar treks
Community
Photos from trekkers
Real shots from the trail by people who walked it — coming soon.