Hiking in the Tarn and Jonte Gorges
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration7 days
-
LevelConfirmed
-
DestinationOccitanie / Lozère
-
AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions78.98 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Explore the wild gems of the Cévennes through an immersive loop in the heart of the Tarn, Jonte, and Causse Méjean gorges. This circuit leads you to discover typical villages and perched hamlets like Les Douzes or Castelbouc , where authenticity and local charm set the pace at every stage.
Designed to suit all tastes, this holiday blends freedom of movement with a variety of activities : opt for a peaceful boat trip , embark on a challenging hike , or simply enjoy the breathtaking views. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a lover of wide-open spaces , each day offers a new opportunity for wonder.
Between sculpted cliffs , unspoiled forests , and wild plateaus , this getaway offers a condensed experience of spectacular nature , to be enjoyed at your own pace. An active and accessible immersion in one of France's most beautiful landscapes, ideal for combining gentle adventure with authentic discovery .
The highlights
-
Crossing the Causse Méjean
-
Unforgettable panoramic views of the gorges
-
Authentic and high-quality accommodation
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 384 m
- Average daily descent: 340 m
Management
Self-guided tour; we provide you with a digital travel pack that includes: access to our smartphone navigation app, a list of your accommodations, any vouchers, and all the information you need for a smooth trip. If you prefer, we can provide you with a printed version of the travel pack at your home, including maps, a guidebook, and a travel pouch, for an additional fee. For requests for a printed travel pack: if made less than 45 days before departure, and for those residing abroad, the pack will be available at your first hotel.
Program
-
Saint Enimie
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After settling into your hotel, you can either take a day trip to Florac for a taste of the Tarn Gorges, or visit the magnificent village of Sainte-Éminie and its monastery. This village takes its name from a Merovingian princess.
Day 1 -
Sainte Enimie – Les Vignes
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 240 m
- Negative elevation 290 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 510 m
- Negative elevation 570 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Two options are available: a hike to La Malène, from where you can descend the Gorges du Tarn by boat to the Cirque de Baume (boats for 4 to 6 people, approximately €100 per boat) to be booked in advance 04 66 48 51 10. Then you will walk back up to Les Vignes.
The second option is more intense, as it will take you hiking in the cirque of St Chély, the Château de la Caze, the hamlet of Hauterives, the Malène, the Détroits and the Pas de Souci, a gigantic chaos that bars the Tarn under the Roc Aiguille.
Day 2 -
The Vines – The Rosebush
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Positive elevation gain 680 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Here again, there are 2 possible routes:
1/ Via the ledges of the Sauveterre plateaus and the St Marcellin cirque (viewpoints over the Tarn gorges).
2/ Via the Tarn gorges trail (recommended in case of bad weather).
Day 3 -
Le Rozier – The Twelve
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Starting from the Vase de Sèvres and the Vase de Chine, you will follow the GR6 long-distance hiking trail. This path will lead you through picturesque and varied landscapes, passing by the Saint Pierre arch. You will also cross the charming village of Saint Pierre des Tripiers, where you can admire its historical heritage and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding countryside.
Day 4 -
The Twelve – Meyrueis
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 670 m
- Negative elevation 470 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Our final stop in the gorges will take us to Meyrueis. Along the way, we'll pass by the Ferme d'Autrefois (Farm of Yesteryear) eco-museum, where you can discover rural life of bygone days through interactive exhibits. We'll also visit the Aven Armand, an impressive underground cavern whose guided tour, lasting approximately one hour, is highly recommended to admire its magnificent formations. Finally, we'll cross the vast plateaus of the Causse Méjean, offering breathtaking panoramas and a complete immersion in unspoiled nature.
Day 5 -
Meyrueis – Nivoliers or Mas de St Chely
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h01
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 22 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 330 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
One last choice is available to you: a crossing of the Causse Méjean via the GR 60 to the Nivoliers gîte-auberge.
Alternatively, you can continue your journey to Mas St Chély, located in the heart of the Causse Méjean. This option will involve spending the night in a hotel.
Day 6 -
Nivoliers – Sainte Enimie
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The GR trail heads north, traversing the entire Causse Méjean plateau. You'll be amazed by the vast expanses and wild landscapes that unfold before you, dotted with unique rock formations and endemic flora. Along the way, you might even spot vultures soaring overhead, adding a spectacular touch to your hike.
Next, the trail descends into the gorges to reach Sainte-Enimie, where your stay will end after this magnificent hike.
Day 7
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- accommodation in a double room
- dinners
- luggage transport
- the digital travel file
- tourist taxes
The price does not include
- individual drinks
- the entrances to the sites
- Boat trip down the Tarn Gorges with the Malène boatmen (approximately €100)
- picnics
- the travel file (paper version)
- insurance
- registration fees
- anything not listed under "Prices include"
Options
- Picnic : CHF105.20 / person
- Without baggage transfer : CHF-86.91 / person
- Paper Roadbook : CHF32.02 / unit
- Additional night in Sainte Enimie - Double or twin room : CHF118.92 / unit
- Additional night in Sainte Enimie - Single room : CHF164.66 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- A small, comfortable 40-50L backpack with a waist belt for carrying your personal belongings and picnic lunch during the day
- One piece of luggage: a backpack, a travel bag in good condition, or a not-too-bulky suitcase. Only one piece of luggage per person; limited to 13kg.
- For the midday picnic
- Plastic bowl, box or plate
- Cutlery (spoon, fork, knife)
- A 1.5-liter water bottle (minimum) is required; a thermos water bottle is recommended for winter protection against sun and rain.
- High-protection sunscreen and sunglasses
- Toiletry bag and towel (mini) - A mini first-aid kit: personal medications, elastic bandage, biogauze or "second skin", gauze, disinfectant, arnica granules and aspirin for minor injuries... (quite a program! but rest assured, the first-aid kit often returns untouched from your week of hiking)
- Walking sticks (telescopic), very important for making walking easier
Clothing to bring
- Hiking boots that provide ankle support, a good lugged sole, a reinforced heel counter, and good waterproofing.
- Comfortable "hiking-specific" socks (minimum 3 pairs)
- A fleece fur
- Comfortable trousers for walking (quick-drying technical fabric)
- Shorts, t-shirts and technical underwear (quick-drying material)
- A long-sleeved shirt (quick-drying technical fabric)
- Note: Synthetic technical clothing is very effective. New merino wool garments have also appeared; they are very effective and comfortable to wear, and have the advantage of not developing perspiration odors! (Icebreaker, Ruka, etc. brands). Generally speaking, avoid cotton, which becomes cold when wet.
- A pair of jogging-style sneakers for the evening
- Spare clothes and personal linen
- Hat, cap or bucket hat
- A rain cape or a Gore-Tex jacket and possibly Gore-Tex trousers
