Hiking tour along the Tarn River

A leisurely off-trail approach to the source of the river, which we will see rapidly increase in size. From the ridges and slopes of Mont Lozère, on its eastern side, the Tarn leads us into a plain before plunging into its first inaccessible gorges, all the way to Pont de Montvert. It was in this village that the Camisard War began, the Protestant uprising following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes.

Overnight stay and dinner at L'Auberge des Cévennes, which once hosted the famous travel writer Stevenson

approximately 20 to 22 km

Approximately 250m elevation gain, 920m elevation loss

We leave the Upper Tarn Gorges as there is no path along the water's edge due to the steepness. We reach the Bougès massif via the Stevenson Trail. Forests and ridges await us before descending towards Florac, the sub-prefecture of Lozère.

Nights at the grand Hôtel du Parc, dinner in town if possible at La Fontaine restaurant

Two possible routes: the valley floor, a short and quick route, or via the Causse Méjean in an excursion that leads to the Single and the protohistoric Cap Barré before descending to Ispagnac, whose specialties are now wine, strawberries and truffles.

Overnight stay at the Hotel Les Vignes Rouges

Approximately 9 to 15 km

Approximately 560m elevation gain, 550m elevation loss for the route via the limestone plateau

We'll pass through Quézac, known for its sparkling spring water. Then, on the left bank, we'll see villages clinging to both sides of the river and castles, including Castelbouc. Nearby, dinosaur footprints have recently been discovered in a cave. We'll arrive in Sainte-Enimie, a medieval village built around the monastery founded by Enimie, the sister of King Dagobert, and its miraculous spring.

Overnight stay and dinner at the Auberge du Moulihn

Approximately 18 km

Approximately 50m elevation gain, 100m elevation loss

The route passes through the charming village of Saint-Chély, nestled in the cirque of the same name. The exploration of limestone architecture continues with a visit to the Château de La Caze and then Hauterives, a hamlet accessible only by boat or cable car. The Tarn River calms down before reaching our overnight stop, La Malène.

Approximately 14 km

Approximately 150m elevation gain, 150m elevation loss

This route follows the river, occasionally climbing higher to bypass the famous Straits, which can be navigated by boat with the boatmen whose cooperative has existed for over a century (at the beginning of the 20th century, the road through the gorges hadn't yet been built, and this was the only way to travel). The route passes through La Croze, another (privately owned) hamlet inaccessible by road. The path overlooks the Pas de Souci, the only rapid on the river, impossible to navigate by kayak, before reaching our stopover village of Les Vignes.

Overnight stay and dinner in a 2-bedroom cottage, at Alex's

or Moulin de Parayre bed and breakfast, overnight stay + breakfast and dinner at Alex's

approximately 12.5 km

Approximately 200m elevation gain, 200m elevation loss

Here, there are two possible routes: the bottom of the gorges to Le Rozier, or the Tarn ridge along the edge of the Méjean plateau, with its magnificent views of and from the cliffs. The route arrives at Le Rozier in Lozère, opposite the village of Peyreleau in Aveyron, both located at the confluence of the Tarn and Jonte rivers.

Transfer in the late afternoon. Return to Chemins Francis

Approximately 11 to 18 km on foot

From approximately 100m of elevation gain and 100m of elevation loss, to approximately 550m of elevation gain and 600m of elevation loss.

End of stay after breakfast.