STEVENSON’S TRAIL - Macs Adventure · ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON’S CEVENNES TRAIL On the 22nd....
Transcript of STEVENSON’S TRAIL - Macs Adventure · ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON’S CEVENNES TRAIL On the 22nd....
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON’S CEVENNES TRAIL
On the 22nd. September 1878 the young Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson left on foot from
Monastier sur Gazeille in the Haut-Loire with a pack donkey called Modestine. 12 days, 156 miles
and a host of adventures later he arrived at St. Jean du Gard, his trek immortalised in the 1879
classic, ''Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes''
Today we invite you to recreate his fascinating journey with considerably more certainty and comfort. You
stay in locally selected guesthouses, eat the best of local cuisine and carry only a light day bag. In short, a
classic walking tour that takes you both through literary history and delightfully unexplored regions of rural
France.
Starting from the volcanic plateau of the Velay, Stevenson's Trail takes you south through a country of
mountains cut by river valleys and criss-crossed by ancient footpaths and drovers tracks through remote
areas of forgotten France.
From Le Puy, by way of the Haut Loire where high summer pastures of wild flowers and yellow gorse are
set off by wooded hillsides of dark green pines, you will find Romanesque Abbey Churches, fields sown
with the world famous Le Puy lentils and sweet scented May Narcissi.
The Velay gives way to legendary Gevaudan in modern Ardeche, a gently undulating landscape of
enchanting woods, ancient stone bridges over mountain streams to the Trappist Abbey, Notre Dame des
Neige (our Lady of the Snows) where Robert Louis spent the night.
Reaching the half-way point, you enter the UNESCO protected National Park of the Cevennes to ascend
the heather-clad slopes of Mont Lozere. Guided by prehistoric standing stones you gain the highest point
on the trail -- that strange, granite rock-strewn, 'Summit of Finiels' (1699m) which rewards you with it's
breathtaking panorama of the 'Sea of Mountains' stretching to the far horizon as though untouched by
time.
The Cevennes of Cevennes, as Robert Louis Stephenson called it, lies ahead. Descending through the
land of the Protestant Camisards (where the 17th century military road built to control their area cuts
across wide moorlands) there are lichen-covered dry stonewalls, terraced hillsides, villages and hamlets
with stone-covered roofs among cascading streams. Pine trees give way to evergreen oaks that cling to
the dry rocky hillsides of the Mediterranean, sweet chestnut groves and myrtle bushes and your
destination at St. Jean du Grad
Congratulating yourself on finding the finest trail in rural France
Drinking in the vast views of the Sea of Mountains and the blue Mediterranean skies.
Hunting for the Black Virgins in the basalt steep-stair streets of Le Puy
Soaking in the atmosphere over a glass of vin and delicious local cheeses in a field of
wild flowers.
Looking out over the ‘Sea of Mountains’ in the Cévennes & feeling on top of the world
Exploring 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the National Park of the Cévennes
STEVENSON’S TRAIL
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON’S CÉVENNES TRAIL
SUMMARY
What’s Included?
Accommodation: Hand picked auberges, inns and
small hotels.
Meals: All breakfasts, 5,4,9 evening meals
Baggage Transfer: Luggage transfer is included.
Information Pack: Guide Book, detailed maps and
information Pack and emergency support.
Tour: Stevenson’s Trail
Code: WFSST1-3
Type: Self-Guided Walking Holiday
Price: See Website
Single Supplement: See Website
Dates: April - October
Walking Days: 5, 6 or 11
Nights: 6, 7 or 12
Start: Le Puy en Velay
Finish: St Jean du Gard
HIGHLIGHTS
Is the Stevenson Trail for me?
Of course it’s for you! Wonderful walking, delicious
French food and the spectacular scenery. The
idyllic rural countryside and literary connections
make this a particularly engaging route.
We offer three itineraries on Stevenson’s Trail
covering the North, South or entire length on the
trail.
LE PUY-EN-VELAY TO CHASSERADES
Walking Days: 5 Nights: 6 Average Daily Distance: 12.1miles Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Description: The Northern section of
Stevenson’s Trail explores the Haut Loire and
the Romanesque Abbey Churches are a delght.
LE PUY-EN-VELAY / CHASSERADES TO
ST-JEAN-DU-GARD
Walking Days: 6 Nights: 7 Average Daily Distance: 11.6m Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Description: This is the most popular section
of the trail as you are walking in the Cévennes
National Park for the majority of the walk.
LE PUY-EN-VELAY TO ST-JEAN-DU-
GARD
Walking Days: 11 Nights: 12 Average Daily Distance: 13miles Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Description: Follow Robert Louis Stevenson’s
journey in it’s entirety to get the most from your
visit to this beautiful corner of France.
DAY 1: ARRIVE LE PUY-EN-VELAY
The ancient medieval town, now a UNESCO
World Heritage site, is dominated by 3
‘Puys’ (steep volcanic plugs) crowned by the
massive statue of Mary, the ancient Cathedral
and St Michel’s chapel. Almost unchanged in a
1000 years the medieval houses, alleys and
steep-streets nestling below are bustling with
shops traditional lace making, little restaurants
and café terraces.
Overnight: As you’ll stay privately with one of
our hostesses in their own historic home you’ll
have a unique chance to soak up the
atmosphere and discover the town floodlit at
night. Or maybe take the gourmet dinner option
at Du Parc.
DAY 2: LE MONASTIER-SUR-GAZEILLE TO LE BOUCHET-ST-
NICOLAS (1217M)
14 mls / 23km. 6hr15. +460 m, -175 m. (Private
transfer from Le Puy to Monastier)
Where RLS had to jettison the egg whisk and a
leg of mutton.
Your adventure in Stevenson’s footsteps begins!
Descend to cross the Gazeille River before
climbing to Courmarcés and St-Martin-de-
Fugéres by ancient lanes and byways. Cross the
gorge of the Loire at Goudet (ideal spot for picnic
lunch) to reach the high volcanic plateau. On
passed several small hamlets set amidst a
patchwork of black volcanic soil and green fields
of Puy lentils to the isolated hamlet of Le
Bouchet Saint Nicolas.
Overnight: Tonight’s modest auberge, owned by
the local farming Villeseche family, is a
rendezvous for walkers and locals alike or
sometimes we stay in one of the little village
houses. Local style dinner and breakfast
included.
Day Route M
1 2
3 4 5 6 7
Arrive Le Puy En Velay
Walk Monastier-sur-Gazeille to le
Bouchet-St-Nicolas
Walk to Langogne
Walk to Cheylard L’Évêque
Walk to La Bastide Puylaurent
Walk to Chasserades
Au Revoir to the Stevenson Trail.
0 14
17 10 12 7.5
THE SOUTH: WFSST2
STEVENSON’S TRAIL
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON’S CÉVENNES TRAIL
DETAILED ITINERARY
THE NORTH: WFSST1
ITINERARIES Day Route M
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Arrive Le Puy En Velay
Walk from Chasserades to Le
Bleymard
Walk to Le-Pont-de-Montvert
Walk to Florac
Walk to Cassagnas
Walk to St-Etienne-Valley-
Française
Walk to St-Jean-du-Gard
Au Revoir to the Stevenson Trail.
0
9.5
12
14.5
11
14
8.5
ENTIRE ROUTE: WFSST3
Day Route M
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Arrive Le Puy En Velay
Walk Monastier-sur-Gazeille to le
Bouchet-St-Nicolas
Walk to Langogne
Walk to Cheylard L’Évêque
Walk to La Bastide Puylaurent
Walk to Chasserades
Walk to Le Bleymard
Walk to Le-Pont-de-Montvert
Walk to Florac
Walk to Cassagnas
Walk to St-Etienne-Valley-
Française
Walk to St-Jean-du-Gard
0 14
17 10 12 7.5 9.5 12
14.5 11 14
8.5
DAY 3: LE BOUCHET-ST-NICOLAS
TO LANGOGNE (915M)
17 mls / 27km. 6.45hrs. +315 m. -575 m.
When RLS got a goad and things start to go
more smoothly!
Today the high plateau ridge to the market town
of Landos is followed by super walking via
Arquejol & the railway viaduct, crossing a deep
ravine. Detouring briefly, you can reach Rocher
de la Fagette (1265) with distant views to
rounded volcanic mountain tops, Naussac
reservoir and nearby historic Pradelles, follow.
We often stop in at Stephanie’s café on the
square in the austerely beautiful Pradelle before
descending to the larger market town of
Langogne. (pop 3282)
Overnight: Despite the main road it remains a
backwater reminiscent of a bygone era. We
usually stay in the somewhat faded grandeur of
the old coaching Hotel, or take a taxi the short
drive to the holiday village, stunningly located on
the lake. Dinner is included in both.
DAY 4: LANGOGNE TO CHEYLARD
L’ÉVEQUE (1125M)
10 mls / 16km. 4.10hrs. +320 m, -150 m
When RLS became hopelessly lost thanks to two
villages with confusingly similar names.
Undulating walking by dark forests and small
streams crossed by ancient humpback bridges
as you discover the remote Gévaudan
countryside. Passing Saint-Flour-de-Mercoire
(1049m) and the Cathedral-like Mercoire forest to
Sagne-Rousse, where RLS got hopelessly lost.
Later, an ancient sunken track descends to the
remote hamlet of Cheylard L’Eveque.
Overnight: In the charming local Auberge with
typical regional dinner served at long tables
bustling with fellow walkers from around the
world and a hearty breakfast
DAY 5: CHEYLARD L’ÉVEQUE TO
LA BASTIDE-PUYLAURENT (1024M)
12 mls / 18.5 km. 5hrs45. +240 m, -380 m
(14.5mls / 23.5 kms 7hrs for Monastery)
Where RLS met Father Apollinaris and overcame
his terror.
Fine valley walking today through rolling hills and
forests by Les Pradels to breathtaking views of
the distant Blue Cévennes Mountains. Joining
the medieval route to Luc before descending by
rough mule track into the Allier valley and the
Ardeche department at Laveyrune. An hour
further on and the route divides for the
Monastery or the small village of La Bastide.
Overnight: You may choose to stay at either
place. We usually stay with Florence and Pascal
at their Hotel in the centre of La Bastide, which is
modest, simple and welcoming with dinner
included.
One of the highlights of this trail is the Trappist
Monastery of Notre Dame des Neige, where RLS
spent a night, attended church services, enjoying
the company of the monks after overcoming his
initial terror of the place! Today they have a small
number of monastic style rooms available with
dinner and are famous for their wine called Fleur
des Neige. We always leave with a pot of their
delicious honey.
DAY 6: LA BASTIDE-PUYLAURENT
TO CHASSERADES (1150M)
7.5 mls /12 kms, approx. 3.5 hrs, +330 m, -160m.
Where RLS gets a bed to himself.
First by La Mourade, (1308m), fine high country
walking and stunning panoramic views south to
the Cévennes mountains. Then through the
majestic Forest Domaniale de la Gardille to
Chabalier, the historic hamlet of Chasserades,
and tiny Mirandol with its distinctive ‘Lauzes’ roof
tiles and massif 30m Viaduct. This is the longest
and highest walking day of the trail so far. First
by La Mourade, (1308m), fine high country
walking and stunning panoramic views south to
the Cévennes mountains. Then through the
majestic Forest Domaniale de la Gardille to
Chabalier, the historic hamlet of Chasserades,
and tiny Mirandol with its distinctive ‘Lauzes’ roof
tiles and massif 30m Viaduct.
Overnight: Either the fantastic Hotel Les
Sources, or a friendly, welcoming B&B. Dinner
Included.
DAY 7: CHASSERADES TO
BLEYMARD (1413M)
8.5 mls /14 kms, approx 4.5 hrs
From Chasseradès the trail lies by tiny Mirandol
with its distinctive ‘Lauzes’ roof tiles and massif
30m Viaduct. The forest-covered Goulet Massif
is the first major climb on the trail and more than
rewarded by the breathtaking panorama.
(1413m) La Bleymard, gateway to the Cevennes
National Park, lies below via the drove road, ‘La
Drailles des Mulets’ and a steep decent by the
source of the Lot River.
Overnight: You will stay either stay with Tiny at
her delightful chalet home before the decent into
the village or maybe with Claude and Jean-
Francois is the heart of the village at their busy,
simple hotel. Dinner included.
DAY 8: LE BLEYMARD TO LE PONT-
DE-MONTVERT (875M)
12mls / 19km. 6hrs. +630 m, -824 m.
Where RLS spent the night under the stars
The old drove road climbs steeply through pine
forests by the Col Santel (1200) before emerging
at the Mont Lozère Chalet, ski station. The
barren Finiels summit, over 5000ft. (1699m), the
highest point in the Cevennes and the trail, lies
ahead. Ancient standing stones, or Montjoies,
mark the route as the awe-inspiring panorama of
the Cevennes as Stevenson’s ‘Cevennes de
Cevennes’, opens up below. Descending the
rough steep track through the photogenic
scattered boulders, or chaos, to the lively
mountain village of Pont-de-Montvert (pop 302)
and its renowned humpback bridge over the High
Tarn.
STEVENSON’S TRAIL
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON’S CÉVENNES TRAIL
The 18th C. Camisard’s war that broke-out here
so fascinated RLS that, by following in their
footsteps, he became for many, the ‘Father’ of
today’s walkers.
Overnight: Sometimes we can’t resist stopping 3
km before to stay in the delightful mountain
hamlet of Finiels at Jacqueline B&B with her
lovely dinners or we can sometimes enjoy the
use of the barbecue terrace at Jean-Marc’s
spacious mini ‘maison’ just over the bridge in
Montvert where dinner is not included.
DAY 9: LE PONT-DE-MONTVERT TO
FLORAC (546M)
17.5 mls /28km 8hrs +545 m, - 875 m. (option to
shave 4 kms off this day)
Where RLS had lunch with 3 women and flirted
with the waitress!
Walking doesn’t come much better than this as
we head into the heart of the Cévennes and the
capital, Florac. This, the longest hiking day, with
energetic ascents and descents, rewards us with
daylong spectacular views. By the Bouges Ridge
and summit (1421m), & Col du Sapet (1080m),
with its mysterious standing stones before
dropping down to Bedoués (560m) and Florac
(pop1998). Here the confluence of 3 rivers, which
cascade merrily through the crumbling old
historic quarter, give a feel of Venice. (If the day
is too long you can shave 4klms off its end by the
GR68.)
Overnight: In the local hotel, renowned for it’s
great food or at Veronique and Denis’s historic
B&B, with restaurant below, in the heart of the
quaint old quarter.
DAY 10: FLORAC TO CASSAGNAS
(693m)
11 mls / 17.4km. 5hrs. +200m, -50m.
Where RLS had lunch in the company of a
gendarme and a merchant
With spectacular scenery all day the first part is a
challenging walk by hills and balcony paths
among the red-rock scenery of the Mimenti valley
up to by Saint-Julien-D’Arpaon. By contrast the
enchanting countryside following the gorge along
the disused railway track to Cassagnas, makes
for a delightful stroll.
Overnight: We’re spoilt for choice here,
sometimes heading to Isabelle’s Gipsy Caravans
or drinking in the scenery from the tranquil
garden at Stephanie’s B&B. However our
favourite is to carry on to Le Chateau du Cauvel,
either by walking the extra 8 km or having
hopped a lift part route with the bags in the
morning!
DAY 11: CASSAGNAS TO ST-ÉTIENNE-VALLEY-FRANÇAISE
(255m)
14mls /22.5km 4.45hrs. +320m, -710m.
Chestnuts! Forested Camisards country among
the Chestnut trees as the trail circles below the
watershed of Mount Mars (1162m) making the
easy climb to La Plan de Fontmort before we join
various other forested GR trails to arrive at the
Col de la Pierre Plantee (891m) and the last of
our mysterious standing stones. Descending
down to Le Serre de la Can and St -Germain-de-
Calberte before joining a pleasant ancient track
following the chestnut groves to the valley and St
-Etienne-Valley-Française.
Overnight: Either we stay at the fascinating goat
farm where they make amazing cheese or with
Madame Thomas at her B&B in this typical
village with dinner arranged in the local bistro.
DAY 12: ST-ÉTIENNE-VALLEY-FRANÇAISE TO ST-JEAN-DU-GARD
(190m)
8.5mls. / 12.5km 7.15hr. +350m, -410m.
A long climb up to Col de Saint-Pierre (597m)
and Signal de Saint-Pierre (695) is rewarded by
the breathtaking 360 panorama of the Cévennes
mountains. Downhill to the pretty hamlet of Pied-
de-Cote to join the Gardon river walk and by the
ancient bridge into the main town of St Jean du
Gard, where Stevenson sold his donkey
Modestine.
Overnight: Our historic hotel is where
Stevenson caught the stagecoach, set amidst the
bustle of this Mediterranean influenced town.
Tonight we’ll toast RLS and our amazing travels
with a glass or two and maybe a delightful dinner
in the restaurant next-door.
DAY 13: ST JEAN DU GARD
After a light breakfast it’s ‘Au Revoir’ to
Stevenson’s Trail.
Getting to Le Puy en Velay
Lyon is the closest airport, 125km North West of
Le Puy. Nimes, Montpellier and Clerment
Ferrand are also possibilities.
From the airport there is a fast train link (30 mins)
to the main train station, Gare de Lyon Part-Dieu
and from here the TGV will whisk you via Saint-
Etienne-Châteaucreux to down town Le Puy in
2.20hrs giving you your first glimpse of stunning
Southern France.
From St Jean-du-Gard
You can either take a combination of bus and
train back to Le Puy or we can book a private
transfer, which is recommended.
Accommodation
We specifically choose our accommodation for
comfort, location and real authenticity. All are
owner operated 2 & 3* star hotels / auberge/
B&B with ensuite rooms that offer a genuinely
warm welcome.
STEVENSON’S TRAIL
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON’S CÉVENNES TRAIL
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOLIDAY INFORMATION
Accommodation Details
We will always try and accommodate you at the
locations detailed, but because of limited
availability we may have to accommodate you at
an alternative location of the same or better
standard or for 2 nights in the same place.
Alternative details will be noted on your
accommodation sheet.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
Single rooms are available but attract a
supplement. This is a great holiday for solo
walkers. If you are travelling solo the holiday is
slightly more expensive as some costs are not
shared.
Meals
The delicious French food and wine available
locally is undoubtedly a highlight of this holiday.
The price of your holiday includes breakfast each
morning. Dinner is included on 5, 4 & 9 nights
respectively for the North, South and Entire walk.
All your hosts will prepare a packed lunch if you
let them know in advance. 7-10€ approx pp. or
you can pick up a crusty baguette, some
fantastic local cheese, sweet ripe fruit and picnic
en route.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred from your
accommodation onto your next overnight stop.
We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of
up to 15kg per person. Please make sure they
are clearly marked with your name and next
nights accommodation.
Walking Grade
This holiday is graded moderate to strenuous
because some of the daily walks are relatively
long over undulating terrain while in the later half
the terrain is very hilly and summer temperatures
can be high.
The walks follow ancient footpaths, sheep tracks
and drove roads. Over Basalt, granite, schist and
limestone. Where possible the route avoids
made up roads and in some sections the rocks
can be loose underfoot.
Navigation
You will be following the GR70, (GR= Grande
Randonnée or main walking routes) which is
clearly way marked with the famous red and
white strips, whether on a passing tree, rock, or
post. We supply very detailed route notes (you
will need to be familiar with basic compass use to
follow these in some places) and maps so
navigation is generally easy. Heavy rains, winds
and fog do sometimes affect sections of the trail.
Availability & Price
You can start this walking tour on any date from
Easter until the end of October, subject to
availability. Up to date prices are available on our
website.
Included
6,7,12 Nights Accommodation in B&B’s,
auberges and small hotels.
6, 7, 12 Breakfasts
5, 4, 9 Dinners
Door to door baggage transfer of 1 bag of up
to 15kg per person.
Detailed guidebook, information pack and
maps for the group leader.
Emergency support from our local and UK
offices in the event of a problem.
Le Puy to Monastier-sur-Gazeille transfer.
Excluded
Meals not detailed in the itinerary
Travel to start/from end of the walk.
Travel Insurance.
Personal Equipment.
Taxi transfers or public transport should you
need to skip a stage.
Once you have read all the information in this factsheet or our website and decided on your preferred itinerary, visit our website or give us a call to confirm availability. You can then book securely online at www.macsadventure.com by phone: +44 (0) 141 530 8886, Fax/Post: Download or request a booking form and post it to Macs Adventure Ltd, 44 Speirs Wharf, Glasgow, G4 9TH, UK or fax it to +44 (0) 845 527 5688.
Financial Security
In accordance with "The Package Travel,
Package Holidays and Package Tours
Regulations1992" all passengers booking with
Macs Adventure Ltd are fully protected for the
initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all
monies paid to us, including repatriation if
required (this insurance will not cover repatriation
to the country of origin for the passengers
outside of the EU), arising from cancellation or
curtailment of your travel arrangements due to
the insolvency of Macs Adventure Ltd
ABTA Member Statement
Macs Adventure Holidays
is a Member of ABTA.
ABTA and ABTA Members
help holidaymakers to get
the most from their travel and assist when things
don’t go according to plan. We are obliged to
maintain a high standard of service to you by
ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For more information
on ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the
arbitration scheme available to you if you have a
complaint, contact ABTA, 30 Park Street, London
SE1 9EQ, tel 020 3117 0581 www.abta.com
HOW TO BOOK
STEVENSON’S TRAIL
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON’S CÉVENNES TRAIL
AVAILABILITY & PRICES
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE