    |
19km hike in La Bastide-Puylaurent
|
    |
Take the train from La Bastide Saint Laurent les Bains station, located 300 meters from L'Étoile, to Belvezet (SNCF schedules). Return by following the GR7 trail for the entire route. Traverse the small village of Les Chazeaux and ascend towards the plateau of Le Moure de la Gardille, reaching an elevation of 1,504 meters, where the sources of the Chassezac and the Allier rivers emerge. The path crosses the Moures des Coufours and des Estombes, then passes over the Pont des Taillades. The GR7 then joins the GR70, the Stevenson Path. Pass through the ravine and the woods of Chambounet and La Mourade, then descend into the Allier valley towards La Bastide, offering a spectacular view of the Ardèche mountains and the Notre Dame des Neiges Abbey in the distance.
4km / 11km / 11,2km / 14km / 15,5km / 16,3km / 19km / 21,5km / 23,2km / 24km
Google Maps - Google Earth - GPX
Distance: 19 km Maximum altitude: 1,485 m Minimum altitude: 1,020 m Total elevation gain: 371 m
IGN Maps: La Bastide-Puylaurent (2738E) Le Bleymard (2738O) Largentière La Bastide-Puylaurent Vivarais Cévenol (2838OT)
Print the hike 
Belvezet is a small French commune located in the Lozère department, in the Occitanie region, on the Causse de Montbel. With a population of 81 inhabitants in 2017, its economy is mainly based on agriculture, particularly cattle, sheep and goat farming, as well as tourism, attracted by the region's picturesque landscapes. The commune is rich in biodiversity, home to a variety of animals such as deer, wild boar and vultures, as well as a diverse flora. Belvezet is distinguished by its preserved natural environment and its magnificent landscapes, including causses and snow-capped peaks. Its history dates back to the Gallo-Roman era, marked by notable events such as the Wars of Religion and the Resistance during the Second World War. Belvezet train station, which connects Mende to La Bastide-Puylaurent, is a unique means of transport in France, allowing visitors to travel with their bikes. The Causse de Montbel, known as the "roof of France", plays a major hydrographic role, its waters flowing towards several major French rivers. The town is also a starting point for various excursions, notably towards the source of the Allier and the Moure de la Gardille.
The Moure de la Gardille, a peak culminating at 1503 metres, is home to the source of the Allier. Despite the river's fame, its origin remains unknown to the general public, unlike the famous Gerbier de Jonc, the source of the Loire. Attracted by the mystery, we set off in search of this source. After an arduous hike, we came across a tiny trickle of water, hidden under a stone cairn. However, the exact location and the presence of a commemorative plaque are the subject of much controversy. Our quest leads us to meet local residents, including the mayor, who enlighten us on the history of the discovery of the source. Unfortunately, the plaque seems to have disappeared. After another hike, we find a sign indicating the path to the sources, but it leads us to a dam, which does not correspond to the highest source. Disappointed but not discouraged, we understand that the source of the Allier is a wild and difficult to access place, where water springs from multiple places. Our adventure will have allowed us to discover a magnificent landscape and to better understand the importance of this river in the French natural heritage. The sources of the Chassezac and those of the Allier, located on the Moure de la Gardille, feed separate watersheds. The Chassezac joins the Ardèche then the Rhône, while the Allier flows into the Loire and the Atlantic, illustrating the complexity of the hydrographic network. The Chassezac, emblematic river of the Ardèche, rises on the western slopes of the Moure de la Gardille, a 1503 meter peak in the Margeride mountains. Nestled in a preserved natural environment, its springs are surrounded by forests, moors and meadows, home to a rich fauna and flora, including protected species.
The GR®7 is a long-distance hiking trail that extends from the Vosges to the Pyrenees, following the watershed between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. It crosses a wide variety of landscapes, including national parks, hills, ancient massifs and distinct terroirs. The route begins at Ballon d'Alsace, in the Vosges, and passes through emblematic sites such as Remiremont, Epinal, Vittel and Dijon, before entering Burgundy and skirting the vineyards of the Hautes Côtes de Beaune. The next section, between Mâcon and Castelnaudary, crosses the Massif Central, passing through regional natural parks and mountains such as Mézenc and Mont Lozère. Hikers discover varied landscapes, picturesque villages and a rich cultural heritage. The final stage, through the Catalan Pyrenees Natural Park and Cathar country, finally leads to Andorra, marking the end of this exceptional 1,000 km journey through France.
Former resort hotel with a garden on the banks of the Allier River, L'Etoile Guesthouse is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent, between Lozère, Ardèche, and the Cevennes in the mountains of southern France. At the crossroads of the GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson Trail, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane Way (St Gilles), GR®470 Sources and Gorges of the Allier, GRP® Cevenol, Montagne Ardechoise, Margeride, and many day loop hikes. Ideal for a relaxing and hiking stay.
Copyright©etoile.fr