Epilogue. St. Jean-du- Gard to Ales by bus

We decided not to walk the 28Km or so of the epilogue since we had heard that it was a tough walk, we had laundry to do and enjoyed some relaxing time in the charming town of St. Jean -du-Gard before catching the 5 pm bus to Ales.

Stage 11. la Fregeyre to St-Jean-du-Gard ~ 22.23 Km

This morning we left the Mountain Paradise of Dominique and Alain, with guided instructions on getting to St-Eteinne Vallee-Francaise, 5 Km Alain says, of course this turned out to be 7.5 Km, we are in agreement that the French kilometer is a bit longer than the metric kilometer :-) . never the less we made it down the mountain having to use some navigation skills in the absence of the red &white GR way marks we have become so used to.

walking down the mountain we came across some young deer that scampered away as we got close.




The path down the mountain was bordered by masses of butterfly bushes, naturally attraction  lots of butterflies, Butterfly Spice would have loved it. There were some bright periwinkle ones that never stood still for a photo but I managed to snap a silver washed fritillary male.

Stage 10. Cassagna to Le Pont de Burgen ~21km

The GPS went a little crazy today, so estimating 21km, we went a way off piste to find the gite and we’re then driven another 2.5km up the mountain to stay in “Paradise”, how lucky are we to spend time in one of those 500 year old stone houses built into the side of the mountain with all the mod cons, except Wi-Fi and washing machine, but a spectacular  vegetable garden and orchard!  The proprietor, Alain is full of interesting stories, having run a gite and walking tours for 39 years.

Oh yes the walk! A relatively easy climb out of Cassagna, strolling along an ancient path with stone walls and terraces. Chestnut groves, fig trees and even kiwis as we crossed the divide into the Medetereanen region.

Dinner was a salad with heirloom tomatoes, basil on top of a layer of aubergines. Followed by pork cooked in white wine with bean s

Stage 9: Florac to Gare de Cassagnas

Today is supposed to be shorter and easy. Quelques averses.. on s’arrete A un petit chalet tenu par un couple fabuleux: il vient de Vendome, elle tricote et s’avere Être une “copine” online de Petra, via  Instagram. Ils ont plein de projets et vivent la vie dont ils rêvaient!!

Nous arrivons Gare de Cassagnas qui est le seul gîte a des kilomètres à la ronde. Donc on retrouve plein de randonneurs rencontrés à des étapes différentes. On organise un tournoi de pétanque, gagné haut la main par vôtre fidèle serviteur. Mais oui, mais oui: vous êtes autant surpris que moi! Car qui aurait pu prédire que j’excelle Dans les Sports de l’extreme !! 😉

Stage 8: Le Pont de Monvert - Florac

Stage 8: de loin la plus longue et la plus difficile étape du trajet, mais la plus belle avec des paysages magnifiques!!

La montée à partir du Pont de Monvert à été superbe avec toutes ces grilles à ouvrir d’un champ à l’autre. Puis les sous-bois et une montée de 5 km non-stop avec des pentes de 7.1 %. A killer!!

Mais le jeu en valait la chandelle car la vue au sommet était superbe. Marche sur la crête pendant 5 km. On a rencontré ces 3 sportives montées sur ressort qui marchaient en sandales... puis descente sur les Gorges du Tarn, cueillette de mûres en chemin pour s’arreter Un peu entre 2 cailloux!!

Nous arrivons à Florac, exténués, contents de notre performance. Mais c’est Lundi et j’avais oublié que tous les magasins sont fermés et la ville est comme morte! Nous changerons d’hotel car le Centre d!Accueil des Cévennes est sordide.

Nous passons la soirée avec Pascal, un randonneur solitaire, rencontré quelques jours auparavant qui campe quand nous dormons au chaud dans les gîtes d’hôte. Au menu: saucisse locale avec de l’aliguot: un vrai bonheur après cette longue et chaude journée!!!

Stage 9. Florac to Cassagnas 19.5km

A wonderfully easy stroll today, mostly in a valley following the Mimente river, a nice contrast to yesterday. The day began with a luxurious breakfast at the Grand hotel du parc, we even cooked our own eggs. Then it was a stroll through Florac, stocking up on supplies, namely pate, sausage, ham and bread for lunch. 

We imagined seeing faces in the rock formations as we climbed out of the valley.

And maybe even a poodle.

Stage 8. Le Pont-de-montvert to Florac 31.25km

So far the longest hiking day, almost 10 hours through mountains, the views kept us going. The cafe Redine made us sandwiches after some negotiations the evening before, since once again there were no cafes or shops en route today.

Leaving montvert meant a steep climb of course! We saw 7 hikers behind us who all eventually passed us. Three French ladies even took a nap at the top and we came into town soon after them.

The views today were spectacular. I wish I could say that made up for the grueling day of hiking. Lots of up and up and then more up. There was a lovely stretch in the forest where the trail was lined with white birch trees. Then it was down and down and a steep down to town. Lovely evening in town. Stayed in a hotel tonight. We met a fellow hiker and joined him for dinner. He found a great local restaurant. The food was so delicious.