The Stevenson Trail
Organised treks and walking holidays in 2026

Walking in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson and his donkey Modestine is much more than a simple hike: it is an immersive journey through the landscapes and history of the Massif Central. From the volcanic plateaus of Velay to the schist ridges of the Cévennes, the GR70 follows a route of exceptional richness. Whether you are drawn to the camaraderie of a group holiday or the independence of a self-guided holiday, Grand Angle puts its expertise at your service. We take care of all the logistics so that your only concern is putting one foot in front of the other, with complete peace of mind. Discover our itineraries along this legendary trail and get ready to experience your own “Travels with a Donkey”.

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Why choose the Stevenson Trail for your next walking holiday?

The Stevenson Trail, or GR70, is a unique adventure combining the pleasure of walking, the discovery of changing landscapes and a journey back through literary history. Following the Scottish writer’s route, you cross the heart of the Massif Central, a region that has retained its authentic character. It is an opportunity to discover places with a strong identity, such as Gévaudan, Mont Lozère and the Cévennes, while enjoying a well-marked trail suitable for a wide range of walkers.

Our holiday options on the GR70: self-guided or group?

At Grand Angle, we know that every walker has their own idea of the perfect holiday. That is why we offer two ways to explore this iconic trail.

Self-guided walking on the Stevenson Trail

Would you like to walk at your own pace, alone or with friends and family? Our self-guided option is for you. We arrange all the logistics in advance: booking accommodation, transferring your luggage and providing detailed route notes. All you need to do is enjoy your self-guided walking holiday with peace of mind. It is the perfect way to experience the complete Stevenson Trail on a self-guided holiday without a worry.

Group holidays on the Stevenson Trail

If you enjoy the atmosphere of a group and the insights of a local expert, our guided walking holidays are ideal. Our guides are passionate about their region and enrich your journey with stories about the wildlife, plants and local history. They look after the group’s safety and keep everyone together, allowing you to share a friendly and rewarding experience, such as on our group walking holiday along the southern Stevenson Trail.

Which route should you choose on the Stevenson Trail?

The full GR70 generally takes around twelve days to walk, but you can easily explore just one section, depending on your time and preferences.

  • The complete route: From Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-du-Gard, for a fully immersive journey covering more than 270 km.
  • The northern section: Explore the high volcanic plateaus of Velay and the lands of Gévaudan, following the first stages of the writer’s journey.
  • The southern section: Cross the Cévennes National Park, from Mont Lozère to the Cévennes valleys, along the wildest part of the route.

Practical tips for your walking holiday on the Stevenson Trail

When should you walk the GR70?

The ideal time to walk the Stevenson Trail is from May to October. Walking in spring brings lush green landscapes filled with flowers, while autumn dresses the forests in glorious colours, with temperatures often very pleasant for walking.

Preparing your equipment

Comfortable, well-worn-in walking boots are essential. Remember to bring a three-layer clothing system to adapt to changes in the weather, which are common at these mountain elevations. Thanks to our luggage transfer service, you only need to pack your rucksack for the day.

The Stevenson Trail with the family

With its flexible stages and captivating history, the GR70 is an excellent option for a family trek. The story of Stevenson’s journey with his donkey Modestine provides plenty of motivation for younger walkers. By choosing a self-guided holiday, you can adapt the pace of each stage for a shared adventure that will delight walkers young and old. For an even more immersive experience, discover our family holidays on the Stevenson Trail.

Also discover our scheduled departures in 2026 for treks in the Cévennes, walking holidays from place to place in Auvergne or along the GTMC. You might also enjoy a trek in Provence and on the French Riviera or a walking holiday in Brittany.

For any further information or to tailor your holiday, please feel free to contact a Grand Angle adviser directly.

Our articles about the Stevenson Trail

24 reviews

Alain 12/27/25

—  Positive, but the organization of my trip was complicated by the hard-to-find accommodations. A hiker like me isn't looking for top-of-the-range hotels, but rather friendly, communal gîtes d'étapes. Not always the case. What's more, I had to pay a cab supplement to make a stopover. This added significantly to the cost of the tour. I don't understand why Grand Angle doesn't anticipate a sufficient number of places to meet the very high demand at this time (June). There were no incidents with the accommodation bookings, the transport of my bag or the punctuality of the cab.

Hello Alain,

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback on your hike.

The Stevenson Trail is indeed a particularly popular route, especially in June, and accommodations along the trail are limited. We fully understand your preference for shared, friendly hostels. However, the majority of our travelers generally prefer individual or double hotel rooms rather than nights in shared dormitories. That’s why we prioritize this type of accommodation whenever possible.

Regarding availability, our “self-guided” trips operate differently from guided tours: since our clients travel on the dates of their choice, we do not reserve rooms in advance at accommodations. During certain peak periods, this may limit options at certain stops and, in rare cases, require a taxi transfer to find suitable lodging.

We regret that this resulted in additional costs and complicated the organization of your trip. We are nevertheless delighted to see that, despite more complex logistics than usual, you were able to enjoy your trip without a hitch.

— Reply from Lorène (GrandAngle.Travel)

Catherine 6/23/26

—  Grand Angle suggests this hike is rated 2/4, while La Pèlerine rates it 3/5. As partners, you should come to an agreement.

Sylvie 12/27/25

—  A 120km hike on the Chemin de Stevenson from Chasseradès to St Jean du Gard that lived up to our expectations, both in terms of organization and the hiking plan proposed by GRAND ANGLE. The stages are well calculated, the accommodation very clean and sometimes surprising… However, you need to be well trained to complete this route in 6 days.

Philippe 12/27/25

—  Very good. Thank you for the organization.

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