1. Nature Occitane
  2. Self-Guided Walking Trips in south of France
  3. The Chemin de Stevenson : from Chasseradès to Saint-Jean-Du-Gard

The Chemin de Stevenson : from Chasseradès to Saint-Jean-Du-Gard

Southern Part
Set off on the Chemin de Stevenson at your own pace, with a roadbook and a selection of accommodation and stages carefully put together by members of the Nature Occitane team. You are currently on the hiking page for the Stevenson Trail Southern part from Chasseradès to Saint-Jean-Du-Gard in 8 days. Nature Occitane takes care of all the logistics of this hike: selection and booking of accommodation, luggage transport, booking of various forms of transport... and stays by your side throughout the trip, thanks to our telephone assistance service.

Prices from 680€ per person.
  • parc-cevennes-stevenson-randonnee-trek-sejour-france
  • chemin-de-stevenson-randonnee-cevennes-sud-france
    cFLOE
  • chemin-stevenson-randonnee-nature-parc-nationa
  • stevenson-parc-cevennes-france-randonnee
  • stevenson-randonnee-endemique-nature-sejour-circuit
Strengths
  • Authentic accommodation selected for its charm and warm welcome
  • The advice of a local mountain guide
  • A hike through the Cevennes National Park
  • GPS guidance available on our app
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Itinerary
  • Day 1:

    The Chemin de Stevenson : your arrival in Chasseradès

    Welcome to Chasseradès

    Arrival in Chasseradès during the day and settle into your accommodation in the late afternoon.
    Take advantage of the day to visit the village and its surroundings: the old town and its cathedral, the rock and the chapel of Saint Michel d'Aiguille...
    Dinner and overnight stay in Chasseradès.

  • Day 2:

    The Chemin de Stevenson : from Chasseradès to Le Bleymard

    5 to 6 hours walking. Ascent/descent : +610m / - 690m

    After a hearty breakfast in your accommodation, you're off on an adventure along the Stevenson Trail. Today, you'll cross the Goulet mountain, with its summit at 1450m altitude. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas. After a full day's hiking, you'll reach Le Bleymard, your final destination. This picturesque village is the perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries.
    Dinner and overnight in Le Bleymard.

  • Day 3:

    The Chemin de Stevenson : from Le Bleymard to Pont du Montvert

    6 hours walking. Ascent/descent : +820m / - 1015m

    Explore the highest point of the Stevenson by climbing Mont Lozère to the "Sommet de Finiels" at an altitude of 1699 meters. Here you can admire the 360° panoramic view over the whole region (from the Gorges du Tarn to the Alps) and its typical drailles. At the end of the day, you'll arrive at Pont du Montvert.
    Dinner and overnight in Pont du Montvert

  • Day 4:

    The Chemin de Stevenson : from Pont du Montvert to Florac

    7 hours walking. Ascent/descent : +690m / - 940m

    A new day, a new landscape! Throughout the day, you'll follow the clear waters of the Tarn. Explore the Bougès mountain and immerse yourself in Camisarde history, marked by the Pont de Montvert war. Your day ends in Florac, a charming village in the heart of the Cévennes mountains, where the Tarn and Tarnon rivers meet.
    Dinner and overnight in Florac.

  • Day 5:

    The Chemin de Stevenson : from Florac to Cassagnas

    4h30 to 5 hours walking. Ascent/descent : +340m / - 180m

    The route follows the Mimente valley along the old railroad line that once linked Florac to Chamborigaud. Through a forest of chestnut trees, the trail leads you to the Cevennes village of Saint-Julien-d'Arpaon, home to the remains of an impressive 13th-century château. Your final destination is Cassagnas, one of the few villages in France to have a temple rather than a church.
    Dinner and overnight in Cassagnas.

  • Day 6:

    The Chemin de Stevenson : from Cassagnas to Saint-Etienne-Vallée-Française

    5 to 6 hours walking. Ascent/descent : +350m / - 450m

    The hike between Cassagnas and Saint-Étienne-Vallée-Française explores the schistose Cévennes, with their landscapes of sharp Serres and deep Valats. As you climb towards the Plan de Fontmort, you'll be surrounded by shades of green and black, punctuated by the yellow of flowering broom or the mauve of heather, depending on the season.
    Dinner and overnight in Saint-Etienne-Vallée-Française.

  • Day 7:

    The Chemin de Stevenson : from Saint-Etienne-Vallée-Française to Saint-Jean-du-Gard

    4 to 5 hours walking. Ascent/descent : +480m / - 600m

    Bringing Robert Louis Stevenson's journey full circle, the final stage takes you to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, a charming village stretched along the Gardon river. Following the Corniche des Cévennes, the landscape gradually softens, revealing the gentle southern character of the region, known for its vines and mulberry trees. The day's hike ends in Saint-Jean-du-Gard, where you'll spend the night in this village of character.
    Dinner and overnight in Saint-Jean-du-Gard

  • Day 8:

    End of The Chemin de Stevenson at Saint-Jean-du-Gard

    End of the trip

    End of service after breakfast.

Disclaimer

The stages and partner accommodations mentioned on the site are those we prefer. Depending on your registration date, we may have to make reservations for other accommodations of the same category. For last-minute bookings, we may have to offer you less comfortable accommodation, especially during the high summer season. We are fully aware of the different accommodation options available for each stage: we will choose the best available offer for you when you register.

Dates & prices

We propose 2 ranges of accommodation for this stay:

Package Dormitory Double room 2 pers. Twin room 2 pers. Triple room 3 pers. Single room 1 pers. 4-person room 4 pers.
Essential range
Group of 2 8 days / 7 nights €710 €780 €800 - - -
Group of 3 8 days / 7 nights €690 - - €790 - -
Group of 4 or more 8 days / 7 nights €680 - - - - €740
Single person 8 days / 7 nights €760 - - - €1,010 -
Comfort range
Group of 2 8 days / 7 nights - €950 €970 - - -
Group of 3 8 days / 7 nights - - - €860 - -
Group of 4 or more 8 days / 7 nights - - - - - €820
Single person 8 days / 7 nights - - - - €1,250 -

NB: prices shown are per person.

NB: Prices for the southern part in 8 days / 7 nights.

For all other requests, we can provide you with a customized quotation.

OUR PRICE INCLUDES :


DORMITORY FORMULA (ONLY ESSENTIAL RANGE)
- 7 nights in a hostel/hotel in a dormitory (exept the first night at Chasseradès and the last night at Saint-Jean-du-Gard)

DOUBLE ROOM FORMULA
Essential range : 7 nights in a double room in a hotel*/**, inn or guesthouse
Confort range : 7 nights in a double room in a hotel**, inn or BnB

SINGLE ROOM FORMULA
Essential range : 7 nights in a double room in a hotel*/**, inn or guesthouse
Confort range : 7 nights in a double room in a hotel**, inn or BnB

TRIPLE ROOM FORMULA
Essential range : 7 nights in a double room in a hotel*/**, inn or guesthouse
Confort range : 7 nights in a double room in a hotel**, inn or BnB

QUADRUPLE ROOM FORMULA
Essential range : 7 nights in a double room in a hotel*/**, inn or guesthouse
Confort range : 7 nights in a double room in a hotel**, inn or BnB

For all formulas:
  • ½ board
  • Luggage transfer (1 piece of luggage per person)
  • Topo guide (1 topo guide for 1 to 4 people)
  • Tourist tax
  • Registration fees

OUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE :



NB: price per person for the entire trip, subject to availability at time of booking.

Depending on availability at the time of booking, we may be obliged to apply supplements for upgrades to higher-category accommodation.
Options

Options, supplements and reductions:

Essential range
Supplements
July/August €40
Meals
Picnic supplements included €100
Supplementary nights at the beginning or end of your trip
Additional night at Chasseradès in a double room with breakfast €60
Additional night in Chasseradès in triple room with breakfast €50
Additional night in Chasseradès in single room with breakfast €85
Additional night at Chasseradès in a double room , in half board €85
Additional night at Chasseradès in a triple room with half board €80
Additional night in Chasseradès in single room with with half board €105
Additional night in Saint-Jean-du-Gard in a double room with breakfast €50
Additional night in Saint-Jean-du-Gard in triple room with breakfast €45
Additional night in Saint-Jean-du-Gard in a single room with breakfast €95
Additional night in Saint-Jean-du-Gard in a double room with half board €75
Additional night in Saint-Jean-du-Gard in triple room with half board €65
Additional night in Saint-Jean-du-Gard in a single room with half board €105
Transfers
Return shuttle Saint-Jean-du-Gard/Chasseradès (departure at 8.15 am, arrival at 10.40 am) €37
Comfort range
Supplements
July/August €40
Meals
Picnic supplements included €100
Supplementary nights at the beginning or end of your trip
Additional night at Chasseradès in a double room with breakfast €70
Additional night in Chasseradès in triple room with breakfast €60
Additional night in Chasseradès in single room with breakfast €95
Additional night at Chasseradès in a double room , in half board €115
Additional night at Chasseradès in a triple room with half board €80
Additional night in Chasseradès in single room with with half board €105
Additional night in Saint-Jean-du-Gard in a double room with breakfast €65
Additional night in Saint-Jean-du-Gard in triple room with breakfast €60
Additional night in Saint-Jean-du-Gard in a single room with breakfast €110
Additional night in Saint-Jean-du-Gard in a double room with half board €100
Additional night in Saint-Jean-du-Gard in triple room with half board €95
Additional night in Saint-Jean-du-Gard in a single room with half board €140
Transfers
Return shuttle Saint-Jean-du-Gard/Chasseradès (departure at 8.15 am, arrival at 10.40 am) €37

NB: prices are per person.

Hosts
  • Essential range

  • Essential formula

    For this package, we offer a selection of simple, comfortable hotels, hostels and guest houses.

    • guesthouse-stevenson-france-hiking-trek-nature
      Our partner accommodation in Le Bleymard
    • accommodation-cevennes-stevenson-trek-holidays-travel
      Our partner accommodation in Le Bleymard
  • Comfort range

  • Comfort formula

    For this package, we offer guest houses and 2* hotels.

    • hotel-cevennes-stevenson-half-broad-trekking-hike-discover
      Our partner hotel in Saint-Jean-du-Gard
    • accomodation-hike-travel-south-france-guide
      Our partner hotel in Saint-Jean-du-Gard

*NB: these are our preferred accommodations. Depending on your registration date, we may be able to reserve other accommodation of the same category for you.

Practical info

PRACTICAL INFORMATION


COMING BY TRAIN


Arrival at Chasseradès station :
7h journey from Paris (11 trains per day on average, with a connection in Nîmes). Please note that stopping at Chasseradès is optional. Tell the ticket inspector that you want to stop there!

Departure from Saint-Jean-du-Gard station :
Return to Nîmes by bus. Please note that buses are rare or non-existent at weekends and on public holidays. For current timetables, consult the bus network website.

Return to Chasseradès from Saint-Jean-du-Gard :
Take the bus to Alès (buses all week except weekends and public holidays). You can also take a cab (Taxi Jouanen: +33 (0)4 66 61 73 72). Once in Alès, you can take the train to Chasseradès via La Bastide-Puylaurent.

Return to Puy-en-Velay (if you're doing the whole Chemin de Stevenson):
You'll need to get to Alès in the same way as above. From Alès, you can take a direct train to Langogne. From there, you can take a bus to Puy-en-Velay (every weekday except weekends and public holidays).

We recommend the SNCF Connect website for exact train times and reservations.

COMING BY CAR


Chasseradès is on the D6 about 40 km east of Mende.

Where to leave your vehicle :
  • In the private parking lot of your first accommodation in Chasseradès and collect it at the end of the hike.
  • In the private parking lot of your last hotel in St Jean-du-Gard and take the train to the starting point of the hike in Chasseradès.

If you've parked your car in Chasseradès :
The ideal and most convenient way is by shuttle bus from Saint-Jean-du-Gard to Chasseradès.
  • Departures from Saint-Jean-du-Gard: 8:30 am and 1:30 pm
  • Arrivals Chasseradès: around 10:45 or 15:45
(Extra charge, see "Options" section).

For those who do the full route :
If you have parked your car in Le Puy-en-Velay, return by shuttle from St Jean du Gard to Le Puy-en-Velay
  • Departures from St Jean du Gard: 8:30 am and 1:30 pm
  • Arrival Le Puy-en-Velay: around 12:15 or 5:15 pm

LEVEL


HIKING LEVEL : Medium (M) - Depending on the stages defined with Nature Occitane. Unaccompanied itinerant hike, no transfers included (except luggage) during your free hike. NB: You always have the option of taking a luggage transfer cab if you feel tired at certain stages.

CARRYING DURING THE HIKE: You don't need to carry anything, as your assistance baggage (maximum 15kg) is returned to you each evening at the accommodation. You carry only your daypack during the hike.

PUBLIC : Practicing an endurance activity (hiking or cycling) once a week 2 months before departure. You're not afraid of a succession of hiking days or a good climb every now and then.

TERRAIN : Easy hiking on good trails in the Cévennes and Lozère regions, accessible to anyone in good physical condition.

HIKING TIME : These are given as a guide only. They are average times and take into account only the actual walking time, not breaks.

WATER : Water points are fairly frequent along the circuit. Water points are spaced about 1h30 to 3h apart. However, a minimum 1.5-liter water bottle is essential.

CLIMATE : This is a mid-mountain climate. The weather is cool in spring and autumn. In summer, it's hot but temperate. However, there is a risk of thunderstorms in the mountains.

ENVIRONMENT : Part of the Stevenson Trail lies within the Cévennes National Park. We therefore ask you to respect the park's charter, particularly in terms of protection: respect for natural heritage, cultural heritage and local people, and natural resources (water, soil, habitats, fauna, flora, climate). We also remind you not to leave the trails, make fires or pick plants.

EQUIPMENT


On the first day, you must arrive "ready to hike" (hiking boots on, water bottle full, backpack complete, assistance bag closed).

THE BACKPACK


It should be able to hold your personal belongings for the day, i.e. around 30 liters. Choose a backpack with a waist belt (so that your weight rests on your pelvis), padded shoulder straps and a chest strap. Your backpack should always include warm clothing, rain gear, a water bottle, a first-aid kit and your personal items, not forgetting part of your picnic. In addition to a bag cover, a garbage bag and two freezer pockets are essential to protect your belongings from the rain.

YOUR LUGGAGE


This is your "follower" luggage, which you'll find again every evening. It can be a duffel or sports bag. In addition to your extra change, it contains the extras you'll be glad to have back in the evening (CAUTION: it must not exceed 12 kg). Make sure you limit your equipment and pack only the essentials.

HIKING SHOES


Choose hiking boots with good ankle support and notched but flexible soles. Footwear is one of the most important elements of your hike. Above all, they must be comfortable, lightweight, waterproof and breathable. Good ankle support is essential. Don't set off with brand-new shoes. Use them at least two or three times before hiking. Also, make sure your "old shoes" don't give way on the first ascent.

CLOTHING


  • A waterproof GORE TEX windproof jacket (no poncho-type k-way)
  • A fleece jacket
  • Pants, shorts, T-shirts (avoid cotton, prefer breathable materials).
  • Change of clothes and personal laundry
  • A bathing suit and a towel (microfiber towels are preferable, as they are lighter and dry faster).

BEDDING


  • A light sleeping bag (comfort 10°C) or "meat bag" (blankets available in accommodations).

PICNIC


  • 1 individual airtight box (Tupperware type), capacity approx. 0.6 liters, cutlery, plate and cup.

OTHERS 


  • Water bottle (2-liter minimum per person).
  • A pair of telescopic hiking poles (optional)
  • Sunglasses and sun cream
  • Hat or cap
  • A small toilet bag, with towel
  • Flashlight or headlamp (for night-time use)
  • A pair of tennis shoes or sandals (for evening wear)
  • Toilet paper
  • Earplugs
  • Camera
  • Small personal first-aid kit (aspirin, plaster, elastoplast, compeed...)