Stevenson Trail 1st Stage Walking Holiday
In the footsteps of one man and his donkey
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In 1878, Robert Louis Stevenson published, “Travels with a Donkey”, an account of his intriguing journey accompanied by his donkey, Modestine. Starting at the southern end of the Massif Central, the walk takes you across the Cévennes to the edge of the Midi.
View Prices & Book
Book online or call 01580 214 010
Stevenson Trail 1st Stage Walking Holiday
Auvergne, the Cevennes and the Alps
Optional Extras
Extra night B&B Chasseradès £75.
Starting days: Any.
Route Map

Rail Travel
Outward: Depart St Pancras International station, change stations in Paris and trains at Clermont Ferrand, arrive Le Puy en Velay late evening. Transfer from station to hotel not included - hotel is within easy walking distance.
Return: Transfer to Chasseradès station not included, change trains at Nimes and stations in Paris, arrive St Pancras International station late evening.
- Day 1 Arrival Le Puy
- Le Puy has a wealth of religious history and several beautiful buildings including the cathedral and the Romanesque chapel of St Michel de L’Aiguille perched 80m high on a pinnacle of rock - the Rocher St. Michel.
- Day 2 Le Puy to Le Monastier - 12 miles (19.2km)
Today’s walk starts with a climb out of the valley, encircled by extinct volcanoes and then descends to cross the infant Loire, passing through some enchanting scenery.
- Day 3 Le Monastier to St. Nicolas - 16 miles (25.6km)
Stevenson bought his donkey, Modestine, in Le Monastier. Cross the Loire river at Goudet and rise out of the valley. The author got lost here; he missed the Lac du Bouchet because it is uphill of the hamlet within a flooded volcano cone.
- Day 4 St. Nicolas to Langogne - 16 miles (25.6km)
- Through wooded valleys and rough pasture, along cinder paths and farm tracks. Everything is made of local granite, the houses, bread ovens and crosses.
- Day 5 Langogne to Cheylard L’Evêque - 10 miles (16km)
- An undulating walk across the remote and vast plain of Margaride. The church bells here, like so many in the region, are not housed in a tower. This makes them louder, so in times of inclement weather the bells used to be rung to guide lost souls to the safety of the village.
- Day 6 Cheylard L’Evêque to La Bastide - 12 miles (19.2km)
Walk on the route of the Roman road that leads to Marseilles, via Regordane and enter the upper reaches of the attractive Allier valley.
- Day 7 La Bastide to Chasseradès - 8 miles (12.8km)
- You climb today to the highest point of this stage, opposite the source of the Allier. As you climb over the Mourage hill you cross the watershed between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, then head down the valley to pretty Chasseradès.
Stevenson Trail 1st Stage Location & Route
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Hotels you will be staying at:
Stevenson Trail 1st Stage View Hotels & Cuisine
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Hotel - Hotel Bristol
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Hotel - Hotel le Provence
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Hotel - Ferme Auberge l'Arrestadou
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Hotel - Le Refuge du Moure
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In the heart of the Mercoire forest, on Robert Louis Stevenson's trail, is the Refuge du Moure an 18th century house built of granite with local-style 'lauze' roof. Comfortable, cosy rooms, decorated in warm colours and some with patchworks made by your hosts. Genuinely warm welcome.
Hotel Facilities
- Warm and friendly welcome
- Locally sourced food
- Wonderful location
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Hotel - Les Genets
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Hotel - Hotel des Sources
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Hotel - Hotel de l'Arche
Stevenson Trail 1st Stage Prices & Book
Own Travel
£749 Prices per person (based on two sharing).
Rail Inclusive
£1139 Prices per person (based on two sharing).
Ferry Inclusive
£892 Prices per person (based on two sharing).
Extra night B&B Chasseradès £75.
Starting days: Any.
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To book or tailor this holiday call us on 01580 214 010