The Chemin de Stevenson : From Le Puy-en-Velay to Chasseradès

Welcome in Le Puy-en-Velay

Arrival in Le Puy en Velay during the day and settle into your accommodation in the late afternoon.
Take advantage of the day to visit the village and surrounding area, including the cathedral and its 12th-century cloister, and the various museums.

Dinner and overnight in Le Puy en Velay.

5 hours walk . Ascent/descent : +550m / -230m

You begin this route by climbing up to the plateau offering one of the widest views of the green Puy en Velay basin as far as the eye can see. You then descend to the Loire valley, before once again ascending to a new plateau that will take you to your destination. Once you've arrived in this medieval village, take advantage of its monastic past in volcanic soil to discover all the treasures of this territory.

Dinner and overnight in Monastier sur Gazeille

6 hours walk . Ascent/descent : +650m / -350m

Today's route takes you back across the plateau on footpaths where you'll catch a glimpse of some volcanic cones with rounded summits. After passing the gorges de la Loire, you finally reach the village of Le Bouchet Saint Nicolas. Once there, we recommend a visit to the old roadside house, decorated with bas-reliefs and a surprising heritage.

Dinner and overnight at Le Bouchet Saint Nicolas.

6 hours walk . Ascent/descent : +250m / --315m

After crossing the Allier, you enter the Gévaudan region. Here you'll rediscover the old life of the countryside: roadside crosses, wash-houses, shoeing looms, old ovens, assembly houses... Of course, a stop at the churches and other monuments will promise to reveal some magnificent old details.

Dinner and overnight in Pradelles.

6 hours walk . Ascent/descent : +390m / -420m

Today, as you cross heather moors, small copses and granite boulders, you enter a completely different type of landscape that will delight your eyes. Of course, the name Gévaudan evokes the name of the "ferocious beast" that terrorized the region for over 100 years, but despite Stevenson's passing, the legend has always troubled the locals, giving way to many legends that are part of the heritage of this area.

Dinner and overnight in Cheylard l'Eveque.

6 to 7 hours walk . Ascent/descent : +655m / - 760m

Another day's hike to join the old Voie Régordane at Luc, which was once the route to Paris from the lower Languedoc through the Massif Central. You then climb back up to Notre-Dame des Neiges, where Stevenson himself spent some time. Arrive at La Bastide Puylaurent for a well-deserved rest.

Dinner and overnight stay at Bastide Puylaurent.

3 to 4 hours walk . Ascent/descent : +350m / - 200m

You're off again for the last stretch of the Stevenson trail through the beautiful, dense Gardille forest. Once you've climbed to the summit of La Mourade, you can head back down to Chasseradès for your last night with one of our partners, for a good night's rest after this magnificent journey.

Dinner and overnight in Chasserades.

End of the trip

End of service after breakfast.