De Saint-Étienne au Grau-du-Roi

The place

long distance hiking route in France

Why go

Gorges du Gardon. Pont du Gard (UNESCO). Costières du Gard vineyards. Camargue and pink flamingos. Grande-Motte beach.

A bit of history

Waymarked as part of the FFRP network to link the Massif Central to the Mediterranean, the route follows ancient transhumance and trading paths connecting inland livestock-raising regions to Mediterranean ports.

Getting there

Saint-Étienne: TGV station (Paris, 2h). Le Grau-du-Roi: accessible by bus from Nîmes (30 min) or by car.

Recommended gear

Lightweight hiking shoes. Sunscreen (Mediterranean sun). Plenty of water (dry garrigue scrubland).

Best season

September to June. July–August very hot on the southern sections. Spring is ideal (garrigue in bloom).