GR®70 Stevenson's trail From Le Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire) to Ales (Gard

The GR®70, or Stevenson Trail, crosses the varied landscapes of Auvergne and the Cévennes, offering hikers a total immersion in the nature and history of this region. The trail is named after the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson, who embarked on this journey in 1878 with his donkey Modestine. Stevenson recounted his adventure in his book “Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes,” published in 1879. This travel narrative has become a source of inspiration for many hikers eager to follow in the author's footsteps through the mountains and valleys of this beautiful region. The history of the GR®70 is deeply intertwined with Stevenson’s reflections on nature, friendship, and self-discovery, as the path partially follows the route he took.

Google Maps

Distance: 268km, Elevation maximum: 1699m, Elevation minimum: 130m, Elevation gain uphill: 7655m
IGN Maps: Le Puy-en-Velay (2735E). Le Puy-en-Velay Yssingeaux (2835OT). Solignac-sur-Loire Cayres (2736E). Gerbier de Jonc Mezenc Vivarais (2836OT). Langogne (2737E). La Bastide-Puylaurent (2738E). Largentiere la Bastide-Puylaurent Vivarais Cevenol (2838OT). Mont Lozere Florac PN des Cevennes (2739OT). Corniche des Cevennes PN des Cevennes (2740ET). Ales (2840OT).

La Bastide-Puylaurent: L'Etoile Guest House, 06 83 99 70 86, Email Former resort Hotel built in 1926 in the architectural style typical of the "Roaring Twenties", L'Etoile Guest house is a mountain retreat in the South of France. Beautiful park along the Allier River. Bedrooms are spacious and comfortable. Private parking. Many Hiking loops.

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Chasserades: Hotel des Sources, Eric Chaptal, 04 66 46 01 14, Email In a warm atmosphere, the Hotel des Sources welcomes you in a pleasant natural setting where you can enjoy calm and serene nature without restriction. Generous regional cuisine.

13/10/25

The attendance on the Stevenson Trail has seen a notable decline in recent years, mainly due to several factors:
1. Controversial Route Modification: A recent change to the path, which lengthens the distance and deviates from the historical route, has sparked negative reactions among hikers and local stakeholders. Many see it as a loss of authenticity and the original spirit of the trail, which may discourage some walkers.
2. Consequences of Lockdown and Health Crisis: Like many tourist trails, the Stevenson Trail was severely affected by pandemic-related restrictions. Some accommodations closed or reduced their activities, making travel organization more difficult for hikers.
3. Uncertainties About the Future of the Iconic Path: The last two kilometers leading to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, the historic endpoint, are at risk of becoming inaccessible by 2027 due to unfunded work. This prospect worries merchants and tourism professionals and could deter hikers from embarking on the trail.
4. Competition and Changing Habits: Attendance on major hiking routes can be uneven and season-dependent. Some hikers now prefer other trails or times to avoid crowds or weather uncertainties. These combined factors explain why the trail is attracting fewer visitors than before, despite its historical and natural appeal.
5. A proliferation of themed and circular hiking trails in all regions of France.

Nearby paths:
Around Tanargue (Ardeche)
Tour of the Margeride (Lozere)
Around Ardechoise mountain (Ardeche)
Tour of the Causse Méjean (Lozère)
Around Galeizon Valley (Gard-Lozere)
The Cevenol (Lozere, Ardeche, Gard)
GR®3 Loire River trail
GR®3F From Lafarre (Haute-Loire) to Apinac (Loire)
GR®4 From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean
GR®7 From Vosges to Pyrenees
GR®40 Around Velay (Haute-Loire)
GR®43 From Faisses Pass to Ste Eulalie (Lozere)
GR®61 From Anduze to Asclier Pass (Gard)
GR®65 Camino de Santiago - Via Podiensis
GR®67 Around Cevenol country (Gard, Lozere)
GR®68 Around Mont Lozere (Gard, Lozere)
GR®72 From Les Chambons (Ardeche) to Barre-des-Cevennes (Lozere)
GR®300 From Sancoins (Cher) to Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)
GR®430 Saint Regis way (Haute-Loire, Ardeche)
GR®470 Allier River springs and gorges (Haute-Loire, Lozere)
GR®700 Regordane Way (Haute-Loire, Ardeche, Lozere, Gard)
GR®736 Tarn Valley and Gorges (Lozere, Aveyron, Tarn)
GR®765 From Cluny (Saone-et-Loire) to Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire)