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21,5km hike in La Bastide-Puylaurent |
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Cross the center of the village and, after the butcher shop, take the small road that climbs to the right. You are on the GR7, GR70, GR72 trails, and the GRP Le Cévenol, which share the same route up to the Abbey of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges and La Felgère. Then take the track on the right toward Croix de Pal. Descend via the path opposite, leading to the Tower of Saint-Laurent-les-Bains. Ignore the path on the right that goes back down to the village and continue straight toward Les Grazières and Les Goutaillous, which overlook Saint-Laurent. After 2 kilometers, turn left, then left again after 500 meters. Follow this path for about 3.3 kilometers to Coulet de Pécoyol. Then continue on the path ahead for 1.1 kilometers until you join the GR70, which will lead you to the summit of Espervelouze, then into the Serres valley and the hamlet of Rogleton. Cross the D906, then cross the bridge over the Allier River. Take the path on the left that runs along the railway. After crossing the Fraisse stream, pass under the railway through the tunnel, then turn left back to La Bastide-Puylaurent.
4km / 11km / 11,2km / 14km / 15,5km / 16,3km / 19km / 21,5km / 23,2km / 24km
Google Maps - Google Earth - GPX
Distance: 21.5 km Maximum altitude: 1,284 m Minimum altitude: 967 m Total elevation gain: 682 m
IGN Maps: La Bastide-Puylaurent (2738E), Largentière La Bastide-Puylaurent Vivarais Cévenol (2838OT)
The Tower of Saint-Laurent-les-Bains is an ancient watchtower located in the picturesque village of Saint-Laurent-les-Bains in Ardèche. Overlooking the village, it offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings. The exact date of the tower's construction remains unknown, but it could date back to the Carolingian era (8th-9th centuries). Coins dating from the time of Charlemagne have been discovered nearby, suggesting its existence at least since the 10th century. The tower served both as a refuge and an observatory. It was likely used to monitor the area and communicate with other towers using smoke or light signals. The tower is about 17 meters high and 5 meters wide, with walls 1.5 meters thick at the base. Square in shape, each face corresponds to a cardinal point, which also allowed it to be used as a sundial.
The Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges, located in Saint-Laurent-les-Bains-Laval-d’Aurelle in Ardèche, is a place of peace and spirituality. Founded in 1850 by Trappist monks from the Abbey of Aiguebelle, the abbey was a center of spiritual life and manual labor for over 170 years. These monks sought a place of solitude and prayer, and they found the ideal setting for their monastic life in the Ardèche mountains.
In 2022, due to a decline in the number of monks, the community was replaced by Cistercian nuns from the Abbey of Boulaur. These sisters continue the tradition of prayer and hospitality, thus maintaining the continuity of monastic life in this place. The abbey is situated at an altitude of 1,100 meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The gardens of the abbey, carefully maintained by the sisters, are a haven of peace where visitors can stroll and meditate. The natural environment around the abbey is rich in biodiversity, with forests, meadows, and rivers that add to the serenity of the place.
Monastic life at the abbey is rhythmically marked by religious services, which are open to the public. The sisters dedicate themselves to prayer, manual work, and welcoming visitors. They also produce artisanal products, such as jams, herbal teas, and skincare items, which are sold to support the community. The abbey offers the possibility of spiritual retreats, allowing visitors to recharge in a peaceful and spiritual setting. Retreats can last a few days and include participation in services, times of meditation, and walks in nature.
The abbey has hosted notable personalities, including the famous Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson. In 1878, Stevenson stayed at the abbey during his journey through the Cévennes, which he recounted in his book "Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes". In 1890, Charles de Foucauld joined the Trappists and stayed at the Abbey of Notre-Dame des Neiges. This stay was a crucial step in his spiritual journey. At the abbey, he discovered the rigor of monastic life and deepened his relationship with God. However, his quest for an even more austere and solitary life led him to leave the abbey to become a hermit.
