GR68 (Tour of Cévennes National Park)
GR68 Tour of Cévennes National Park: Complete Hiking Guide
Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the GR68 (Tour of Cévennes National Park), a loop trail that winds through the rugged heart of southern France’s Cévennes region. This iconic route takes hikers across sweeping mountain ridges, fragrant pine forests, and picturesque river valleys, unfolding a landscape where ancient villages dot the hillsides and wildflowers burst into color with each new season. The trail offers an immersive experience in a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, where dramatic granite peaks and rolling green pastures set the backdrop for every step.
From panoramic summits to shady chestnut groves, the GR68 leads you through the untamed beauty of one of France’s most cherished national parks. Whether you’re drawn by the tranquility of hidden streams, the challenge of mountain passes, or the cultural richness of the Cévennes, this multi-day trek promises a journey filled with breathtaking vistas, diverse wildlife, and the soothing sounds of nature all around.
Route Overview
The GR68 is a circular route, typically starting and ending in Florac, a central town in Cévennes National Park with reliable transport links and a full range of services for hikers. The loop can be walked in either direction, but most opt for a counterclockwise approach. Over a distance of approximately 120 kilometers, the trail leads through notable points such as Le Pont de Montvert, Finiels (near Mont Lozère’s summit), Barre-des-Cévennes, and Saint-Germain-de-Calberte, as well as numerous rural hamlets and untouched forest settings.
Most hikers complete the route in 7 days, with daily stages ranging from 15 km to 25 km. Trail conditions are mostly dirt and gravel paths, with rocky segments—especially on ascents and descents over Mont Lozère and along hillside traverses. The majority of the GR68 follows established footpaths and old drovers’ roads, making it accessible to experienced hikers with good fitness, though the cumulative elevation gain (around 5,000 meters) adds to the difficulty.
Waymarking is generally reliable, using the red-and-white stripes typical of French "Grande Randonnée" trails. Facilities such as water sources, basic accommodation, and campsites are available at key locations, but some sections require self-sufficiency. The route’s structure allows for flexibility in itinerary and overnight stays, with opportunities to wild camp or book gîtes, hostels, or small hotels in villages along the way.
Historical Context of the GR68 and Cévennes Region
The Cévennes region is steeped in history, with its rugged landscape serving as a refuge and crossroads for centuries. Historically, the Cévennes were the stronghold of the Camisards, Protestant Huguenot rebels who fiercely resisted persecution during the early 18th century Wars of Religion. The remnants of fortified farmhouses, secretive meeting sites, and ancient paths encountered along the GR68 echo the stories of these determined dissenters, making each step a walk through a living memory of religious struggle and resilience.
The area’s landscape and culture also famously inspired Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, whose 1878 journey through the Cévennes with his donkey, recounted in "Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes," brought international attention to the area’s remote and wild beauty. While Stevenson’s path (now marked as the GR70) overlaps with parts of the GR68, both trails celebrate the region’s age-old connection with travel, resistance, and literature. Exploring the GR68 allows hikers to experience the enduring footprints of shepherds, farmers, and rebels amid traditional stone villages and terraced hillsides, preserving a unique sense of history shaped by nature and human perseverance.
Notable highlights
Mont Lozère: The highest point along the GR68, Mont Lozère offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Cévennes landscape. This granite mountain is often dotted with grazing sheep and wildflowers, and on clear days, hikers can see vast stretches of southern France.
Traditional Cévenol Villages: Picturesque stone-built villages such as Le Pont de Montvert and Florac are scattered along the trail. These historic villages feature narrow streets, centuries-old architecture, and offer opportunities to experience the local culture and hospitality.
Chestnut Forests and Terraced Hillsides: The trail meanders through lush forests filled with ancient chestnut trees, once a staple crop of the region, and showcases the traditional terraced agriculture that is unique to the Cévennes.
Camisard History Sites: Along the route, walkers will pass historical landmarks and memorials related to the Camisard Wars, including old farmsteads, hidden valleys, and museums documenting the local Protestant history and resistance.
Rich Biodiversity and Wildlife: The Cévennes National Park is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Hikers may encounter wild boar, deer, mouflon sheep, and a diverse array of bird species, as well as endemic fauna and flora unique to the region.
Picturesque River Valleys: The GR68 crosses or parallels beautiful streams and rivers such as the Tarn and the Gardon, providing scenic picnic spots, tranquil waters, and occasional opportunities for a refreshing swim.
Stunning Panoramic Viewpoints: Numerous vantage points along the trail offer sweeping vistas of the Cévennes’ mountains, deep valleys, and wooded plateaus, delivering unforgettable sunrise and sunset experiences for trekkers.
Challenges to expect
The GR68’s varied terrain presents significant physical challenges, especially with frequent ascents and descents that can be steep and prolonged. The trail passes through rocky sections and uneven dirt paths, which can be taxing on the legs and require good balance and sturdy footwear. Some segments can feel isolated, with long stretches between settlements, making it essential to carry enough food and water.
Weather conditions in the Cévennes are highly changeable. While spring and autumn bring mild temperatures, sudden rainstorms, strong winds, or dense fog can appear, particularly at higher altitudes like Mont Lozère. Wet conditions can make rocky or clay-soil trails slippery and increase the risk of losing your way.
Navigation along the GR68 is generally well-marked, but occasional faded markings or intersecting local paths may require close attention to maps or GPS. Mobile phone coverage can be inconsistent in remote valleys and ridges, underscoring the need for carrying physical map resources and knowing basic navigation skills.
Hikers should also be prepared for limited availability of resupply points. Many small villages have few shops or restaurants, and outside peak season, some accommodation or facilities may be closed, requiring advanced planning and occasional wild camping.
France - Mountainous
- Forest
- Dirt
- Rocky
- Gravel
- Hotels
- Lodges
- Huts
- Campsites
- Hostels
- Wild camping spots
- Family Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Water Sources
- Campsites
- Shelters
- Picnic Areas
On the first day, set out from Florac, gradually leaving the town behind as the route leads northwards through forested hills and the Gorges du Tarn foothills. The trail passes scenic riverside paths and climbs steadily, offering wide views over the Cévennes valleys. The day culminates in the historic village of Le Pont de Montvert, known for its old stone bridge and charming houses along the Tarn river.
Begin a steady ascent out of Le Pont de Montvert, entering the high granite landscape that leads up Mont Lozère. This stage crosses open plateaus and heather fields, eventually reaching the hamlet of Finiels at the foot of the mountain's summit. Expansive vistas and the wild, windswept scenery make this stretch a highlight for nature lovers.
Leaving Finiels, traverse the upper slopes of Mont Lozère before a gradual descent through grassy highlands, grazing areas, and pine forests. Entering lower valleys, the trail leads toward the small town of Le Bleymard, a convenient resupply and rest stop surrounded by gentle hills and rural farms.
This section features undulating terrain as the route courses through wooded valleys, traditional Cévenol stone hamlets, and stretches of chestnut woodland. The environment feels increasingly remote before descending towards Saint-Andéol-de-Clerguemort, a quiet rural settlement offering tranquil countryside surroundings.
The trail weaves through mixed forests and across old farm terraces, with occasional panoramic viewpoints above the valleys. Passing several small hamlets, the route offers glimpses of rural life before reaching Barre-des-Cévennes, a picturesque medieval village set atop a ridge and known for its market square.
Descend sharply from Barre-des-Cévennes, crossing chestnut groves and running streams. The trail then climbs again through airy ridge-lines and open country. Arrive in the village of Saint-Germain-de-Calberte, another historic settlement with classic Cévennes architecture and excellent views.
The final leg leads through rolling foothills and more densely forested paths before a gradual return toward Florac. The route features a variety of scenery, from riverside trails to views of distant peaks, finishing the loop at the starting point and providing a rewarding sense of completion.