Backpack Cevennes [M]

Backpack Cevennes is a fine opportunity to get away from modernity and reflect on both the impact and insignificance of man’s terrestrial footprint. You discover the most isolated part of France, where life continues along traditional lines irrespective of events in the world at large. Cevennes is the perfect location for a walking holiday in general and a backpacking one in particular.

Backpack Cevennes takes you into a zone protected by National Park status that has recently gained UNESCO World heritage recognition. Rough camping is not allowed, but we’ve chosen two camping sites that we know you’ll be happy with - an hotel option is available if you prefer a solid roof over your head. Mountains for some, hills for others, The Cevennes rise up from the Mediterranean plains to the south and the Languedoc Garrigues to the east, the latter affording the route of best access. It’s a patchwork of deeply incised valleys, clear-water winding rivers and hill slopes covered by forests of varied pine, sweet chestnut and mulberry – not to forget the impressive strawberry tree that bursts into life in mid-Autumn.

A land of rebellion and refuge for some, and traditional crafts and farming for others, the multi-faceted Cevennes gradually reveals itself to you as you traverse fine trails across granite hill-crests and along shale valley. Starting in the Alesian foothills, and finishing in the Huguenots stronghold of St Jean du Gard, the walking is graded as moderate, but the experience is profound. Marvel at a region who’s isolation has contributed to the preservation of ‘eternal France’ and the creation of France’s last hiking paradise.

Tour Summary

Day 3: Mialet to St Jean du Gard.

Tour Description

In search of the Huguenots
You start the day by crossing the Gardon River and finish by arriving at its name-sake in Mialet. In between you enjoy a fabulous day's walking and a fine introduction to what Cevennes is all about: bucolic wooded pathways, schiste hill-top trails and tiered hillsides. You pass the Huguenots Museum and follow the river bank to your welcoming campsite.

Camisard Country
Your climb a narrow ridge, hilltop-bound, and enjoy an open forest trail to the main GR, before departing southward across a little-known trail with fine views over to Mont Aigoual. From there you meander through a series of Cevenol villages, including one that was 'cleared' by Louis XIV, before walking past the Grotte des Camisards and its eponymous bridge.

From Gardon to Gardon
You walk upstream and alongside an impressive gorge before leaving the Gardon du Mialet en route to the Gardon du St Jean du Gard. It's a fine climb and descent that sets you up nicely for tomorrow's grande finalé.

The Royal Route & Corniche.
You climb an ancient drovers' trail, walked by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1878, to the Lozerean border and a memorable 360 degree panorama. Sacré balade!