In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationMassif Central / Cévennes
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions136.27 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on an adventure through the Cévennes with our exceptional GR736 route. Discover Villefort, the starting point nestled in the heart of the Cévennes National Park, where unspoiled nature and a picturesque atmosphere set the tone for an unforgettable adventure. Villefort, the trail's origin, is accessible by train, offering an ideal gateway to this long-distance hike.
Your exploration begins with an immersion in the breathtaking landscapes of Mont Lozère, through dense forests, offering a taste of the natural wonders to come. The Pas de Soucy, an iconic feature of the Tarn gorges , is a highlight of the route. Impassable by water, it offers an exceptional panoramic view.
Each day brings its own share of adventures, varied panoramas, local architecture, and encounters with wildlife. Climb onto the Causse Noir for a panoramic view of the Tarn gorges, admire the majesty of the Millau Viaduct, and conclude this epic hike after 12 days rich in discoveries .
The highlights
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A hike with stages of approximately 17 km
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Inns or hotels along the Tarn
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Breathtaking landscapes from the Cévennes to the Grands Causses
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Route requiring a minimum of experience on generally well-marked mid-mountain trails.
A little training in mountain walking may be necessary, especially to cope with the elevation gain and the length of the walk.
The path is not always in good condition and there may be sections with stones, making the walk a little more difficult and strenuous.
4 to 6 hours of walking per day (excluding breaks)
High-top hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing are necessary.
Positive elevation gain between 500 and 700m: It is better to be in good shape, or at least somewhat athletic, but it is still quite doable if you are used to a little physical activity, even light.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 559 m
- Average daily descent: 601 m
Management
Program
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Villefort, Gateway to the Cévennes
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Immerse yourself in the unspoiled atmosphere of Villefort, the starting point of the GR736 hiking trail. Explore the castle, stroll through the narrow streets, and experience the warm welcome of the locals. Spend the night in a hostel to fully immerse yourself in the Cévennes atmosphere from the moment you arrive.
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 1 -
From Villefort to Mas de la Barque
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 910 m
- Negative elevation 90 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This first stage on the GR736 is an adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of the Cévennes National Park. The trail guides you through dense forests before opening up to the vast landscapes of Mont Lozère.
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 2 -
From Mas de la Barque to Pont de Montvert
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Upon arriving at the Pont du Tarn, take the time to take a nice break and refresh yourself by the river before continuing towards the village.
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 3 -
From Pont de Montvert to Cocurès
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Head south! This stage begins through the village's narrow streets and explores the Bougès mountain. The paths transform into drovers' tracks, revealing the ancestral routes of the Cévennes transhumance.
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 4 -
From Cocurès to Quézac
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
In Florac, discover the meeting of the Cévennes schists, the granites of Mont Lozère, and the limestone of the Grands Causses, forming the Tarn, Tarnon, and Mimente rivers. Skirt the Causse Méjean plateau to finally reach Quézac.
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 5 -
From Quézac to Ste Énimie
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This stage in the Tarn Gorges between Quezac and Sainte-Énimie offers a spectacular immersion. The trail winds between the cliffs, providing unforgettable views. Pass through picturesque hamlets for an authentic experience.
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 6 -
From Ste Énimie to La Malène
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 430 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Tarn Gorges. The path follows the meanders of the cliffs around the cirque of St Chély before reaching the villages of Hauterives and then La Malène at the end of the day.
Overnight stay in a B&B (dinner not included)
Day 7 -
From La Malène to the Vines
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Cross the iconic Pas de Soucy, a gigantic rocky chaos, to enjoy the exceptional panorama marking this narrow part of the Tarn gorges.
Overnight stay with half-board
Day 8 -
From the Vines to the Rosebush
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 470 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Discover the iconic rocks of the Tarn Gorges, overflown by griffon vultures reintroduced in the 1970s. Let your imagination shape their stories!
Overnight stay in a B&B (dinner not included)
Day 9 -
From Le Rozier to Rivière-sur-Tarn
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This varied stage on the GR736 takes you through diverse landscapes. Climb onto the Causse Noir plateau for a panoramic view of the Tarn gorges. Upon reaching elevation 814, enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire route.
Day 10 -
From Rivière-sur-Tarn to Millau
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The final leg to Millau offers an epic conclusion to your journey. After the high limestone plateaus, follow the winding banks of the Tarn and admire the majestic Millau Viaduct as you approach.
Overnight stay in a B&B (dinner not included)
Day 11 -
End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Conclude this great hike after breakfast, taking away unforgettable memories of this Cévennes adventure.
For the return journey: there is an SNCF train station in MILLAU
During the summer months, shuttle buses also allow people to return to Villefort.
Day 12
Accommodation
We've discovered accommodations along the GR736, carefully selected to meet your expectations. These places, mostly located on the GR736, offer a warm atmosphere, sometimes slightly set back from the trail.
Regarding the arrival time at your accommodation, we advise you to arrive after 5pm , as most of the time you will be welcomed by private hosts who take the time to prepare for your arrival.
It is important to note that depending on availability at the time of your booking, alternative accommodations may be suggested, potentially requiring adjustments to the itinerary and possibly a temporary change. In this case, the new route will be recalculated, and a transfer can be arranged if necessary. These accommodations, located along the Camino de Santiago, offer a welcoming and friendly experience, primarily along the GR736, sometimes slightly off the beaten track. Your hosts will take the time to ensure a warm welcome, so please avoid arriving before 5:00 PM each day to allow for optimal service.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 8 nights with half board
- 3 nights in a B&B (La Malène - Le Rozier - Millau)
- The free GPS hiking app
- The organization and preparation of the stay
- Our support throughout the entire duration of your project.
The price does not include
- Dinners in La Malène, Le Rozier and Millau
- Picnics
- Luggage transport
- The means of transport to and from the destination
- Insurance
Options
- Paper travel diary : CHF29.27 / unit
- Additional night before the stay in a double room with B&B (night + breakfast) : CHF80.50 / person
- Additional night before the stay in a single room with B&B (night + breakfast) : CHF107.95 / person
- Additional night before the stay in a twin room with B&B (night + breakfast) : CHF80.50 / person
- Additional night after the stay in a double room with B&B (night + breakfast) : CHF80.50 / person
- Additional night after the stay in a single room in a B&B (night + breakfast) : CHF107.95 / person
- Additional night after the stay in a twin room with B&B (night + breakfast) : CHF80.50 / person
- Luggage transport (1 bag of 13kg per person) : CHF173.81 / person
- 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
- Waterproof shoes that fit well on the feet
- 1 comfortable change of clothes and a pair of lightweight shoes for the stage
- 1 Tupperware-type plastic bowl
- Cutlery
- 1 cup
- 1 folding knife (Opinel type)
- 1 water bottle and/or a thermos (minimum one liter)
- 1 lightweight flashlight (preferably a headlamp)
- 1 waterproof plastic sleeve for your documents
- Money: personal expenses (drinks during hikes, visits, etc.)
Optional :
- Photo equipment
- A pair of binoculars
- A survival blanket
Clothing to bring
The 3-layer system allows you to manage all situations during a hike:
- A short- or long-sleeved undershirt (t-shirt) made of breathable material (hollow fiber)
- A warm fleece fur jacket
- A windproof, waterproof, and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may suffice. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is essential. Choose quick-drying clothing and therefore avoid cotton. Opt for wool, silk, and synthetic fibers, which will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible. Avoid overly warm and bulky parkas.
- Waterproof shoes that fit well (mountain boots or "trekking" type walking shoes in leather or leather and Gore-Tex)
- A comfortable change of clothes and a pair of lightweight shoes for the stage