Hi all -

I’m very excited to take a trip abroad to France in the early fall to hike the GR70, also known as Stevenson’s Trail. I will be doing the first 75 miles (starting at the northern terminus in Le Puy) over a week with family through an “adventure touring” company that will arrange accommodations in towns and transport our town items - so we just have to tote a day pack between stops. However, I intend to complete the remaining 70 or so miles to the southern terminus (St Jean du Gard near Alès) in ultralight dirtbag fashion and then reconvene with the group a handful of days later in Paris. The trail in the southern section looks to be beautiful and winds through at least one national park (Cévennes) interspersed with towns. I assume that food and water won’t be an issue at all.

So a couple questions for anyone who has hiked the GR70 before, or any other routes through France:

1. My understanding is that the legality of wild camping in France exists in a bit of a grey area, and as a foreigner with only a basic command of French, I would like to avoid getting into any tight spots. What’s the best practice?

2. What is the best way to get back to Paris from the southern end?

3. Any other thoughts or things to be aware of?

Merci beaucoup!