In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationMassif Central / Lozère
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions74.26 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
A gentle winter immersion awaits you on this trip, inviting you to explore a pristine landscape where nature unfolds beneath a blanket of immaculate snow . Each day, embark on a snowshoe hike , guided by passionate instructors who will share the secrets of the mountains , their elusive wildlife, resilient flora, and landscapes steeped in history. At midday, enjoy breaks in carefully selected, unique, and authentic locations: an old bread oven, a forgotten hamlet, or the grounds of a castle. In the evening, return to the warm comfort of your accommodation, gathered around a crackling fireplace. You'll have free access to a complete wellness area : an indoor pool heated to 30°C, a sauna, a spa, and an introduction to sophrology to further enhance your relaxation. A journey that is both invigorating and soothing , in the heart of an exceptional natural and cultural environment.
The highlights
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Discover the Cévennes National Park, a region of diverse landscapes, heritage and traditions
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A unique welcome from your hosts and accompaniment by local guides.
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All-inclusive stay (full board, equipment, swimming pool, jacuzzi with free access)
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The Francis Paths, the key to a country
Each day you will set off with one of our guides who will allow you to immerse yourself in this preserved nature within the Cévennes National Park, with discovery and friendly hikes.
On snowy terrain or on paths, trails, mountain moors with a medium level, without technical difficulty.
4 to 5 hours of walking and 300 to 400m of positive elevation gain per day.
In figures
Snowshoes
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 270 m
- Average daily descent: 330 m
Management
French
With us, you're guaranteed to hike with people who love our region and are passionate about the mountains. Your state-certified guide will share their unique perspective on the history and mysteries of Mont Lozère. Shepherds, farmers, beekeepers, retired schoolteachers, stonemasons, forest rangers, ornithologists… your guide will introduce you to the people who embody the spirit of our land. Our guides will also show you their favorite picnic spots, sometimes in unusual locations (barns, bread ovens, granite boulder fields…).
Program
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Welcome
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Accommodation in the small Lozère village of Bagnols-les-Bains (municipality of Mont Lozère et Goulet), at the foot of Mont Lozère, in a "Logis de France" hotel.
Welcome, presentation of the stay over drinks and dinner at the accommodation.
Day 1 -
The slopes of Mont-Lozère
- Transportation Bus - 00h30 - 15km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A hike to discover the villages on the slopes of Mont Lozère and their traditions. The storm bells once marked the rhythm of hamlet life and served as a sound marker. During the long winter months, the storm, a low-hanging wind sweeping through the powdery snow, limited travel between villages and surprised travelers. They owed their safety to the sound of the bell rung by the villagers, signaling the proximity of shelter.
4 to 5 hours of walking. Elevation gain: approximately 250 m.
Day 2 -
The summit of the Goulet
- Transportation Bus - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from the summit of Goulet (1497m), a massif forming a ridge perfectly parallel to the north of Mont Lozère, towering approximately 400m above the valleys on either side; numerous streams originate here, including the Lot River. Explore the Château du Tournel, which housed the Barony of Tournel from the 12th century onwards. This schist citadel, now in ruins, perched above the Lot, seemed impregnable. Also discover the village of Saint Julien du Tournel and its 12th-13th century Romanesque church.
5 hours of walking. Elevation gain: approximately 300 m.
Day 3 -
The chaos of Roc des Laubies
- Transportation Bus - 00h30 - 25km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A hike to discover western Mont Lozère and its unique natural features: the granite and its erosion, revealing, on the valley slopes and in the valley bottoms, jumbles of rounded granite boulders or even massive rock formations. The route passes by the Roc des Chiens Fous (Rock of the Mad Dogs), the Croix de Maître Vidal (Master Vidal Cross), and the Roc des Laubies jumble (1562m).
4 to 5 hours of walking. Elevation gain: approximately 300 m.
Day 4 -
The Sources of the Tarn
- Transportation Bus - 00h45 - 30km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from the Col de Finiels (1541m), this hike explores the source of the Tarn River, which rises in a valley at an altitude of over 1500m, in a network of peat bogs that ensure a significant flow for the river from its very first kilometer. A complete immersion in the white landscape where a few mountain pines withstand the harsh climate.
5 hours of walking. Elevation gain: approximately 300 m.
Day 5 -
The peaks of the Finiels
- Transportation Bus - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Snowshoes
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A hike to discover the summit of Finiels. Following the "Montjoie" markers, granite posts that served and still serve as waymarkers to mark the path, which disappears under the snow in winter. Ascent to the highest point of Mont Lozère (1699m), from where, on a clear day, you can discover a panorama stretching from the Alps to the Mediterranean.
5 hours of walking. Elevation gain: approximately 250 m.
Day 6 -
End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of stay after breakfast.
Day 7
Note
This program is for guidance only. Routes may be modified and adapted depending on the weather, skill level, or other factors. If there is insufficient snow, snowshoeing will be replaced by hiking.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in a family-run ** hotel, in a double, twin, or triple room. Solo travelers can be grouped together in a twin room with two beds at no extra charge, or in a single room for an additional fee (€200). Simply let us know your preference when booking.
A family saga that began in… 1933. Our hotel, accommodations and our stays in Lozère take their name from the concept created by my father and my uncle.
My great-grandparents founded the hotel in the 1930s; my grandparents expanded it; the two Francises and their wives further developed it and gave their name to our family-run hiking holiday organization. Two houses now comprise the world of Chemins Francis, separated by the Lot River, in the heart of the village of Bagnols-les-Bains.
Access
A free shuttle service between the train station and the hotel (round trip) is provided from Bagnols-Chadenet train station. Please let us know your arrival time in advance.
Go to the starting point
A free shuttle service between the train station and the hotel (round trip) is provided from Bagnols-Chadenet train station. Please let us know your arrival time in advance.
From Paris, take the A71 to Clermont-Ferrand. Then take the A75 to exit 34. Next, take the N106 to Mende and the N88 towards Langogne - Le Puy. 10 km after Mende, take the D901 towards Villefort to Bagnols. Michelin map 240, fold 3.
To plan your journey, we advise you to check your route on the following websites:
www.viamichelin.fr
www.mappy.fr
Free parking in the hotel car park.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a double or twin room with shower and toilet, television, telephone,
- Full board (buffet breakfast, lunch or picnic, dinner),
- Access to the hotel's facilities (swimming pool, spa and sauna),
- A 1.5-hour yoga session limited to 12 people.
- Transfers by minibus to the starting points of the hikes,
- Support from a qualified professional,
- A welcome drink on Sunday upon arrival and an aligot tasting meal on Friday
- Loan of equipment, box of PQN and cup
- The train station shuttle hotel
The price does not include
- Drinks (wine, personal drinks at the bar).
- The tourist tax.
- The round trip.
- Your individual insurance.
- Single room supplement: €200
- À la carte wellness services.
Options
- Single room : CHF182.96 / 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 provided on site
- Towels and bath towels
- Picnic box and cutlery
Equipment to bring
- Backpack, sunglasses, pocket knife, water bottle or thermos, small personal first aid kit (elastoplast for blister prevention, plasters, sunscreen...).
Clothing to bring
- Bring warm clothing, and a windproof and waterproof jacket, as the perceived temperature on the plateaus can be cold (altitude varies between 900 and 1699m).
- Sturdy and warm trousers
- Lightweight trousers
- A pair of lightweight gaiters
- A wool shirt or undershirt
- A fleece, rain cape or Gore-Tex type jacket
- Three pairs of wool socks
- Tights + a warm undershirt
- Two pairs of gloves or mittens
- A hat covering the ears
- A pair of warm hiking boots (not Moon Boots type) + waterproof overshoes
- An outfit for after snowshoeing
- A swimsuit
