From the Aubrac highlands to the Languedoc garrigue, the Chemin de Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert This is a legendary route, prized for centuries. A former transhumance path, a trade route in antiquity, and a “Way of the Cross” dotted with crosses since the Middle Ages, it offers a true immersion in history. This 300 km journey, starting in Aumont-Aubrac in Lozère and ending in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert in Hérault, invites you to discover a rich architectural heritage and exceptional natural landscapes. An adventure to savor, one step at a time, in the heart of a fascinating region.
Originally, the Way of Saint Guilhem served as a transhumance route for sheep flocks. Later, it became known as the “great Aubrac drovers’ road,” linking the Montpellier hinterland to the volcanic plateau of Aubrac.
From the early Middle Ages, this route was used by travelers. The ruins of Notre-Dame-du-Bonheur, a former hospice founded in 1002 near Mont Aigoual, bear witness to this.
The story of William of Orange, a valiant knight of Emperor Charlemagne, ends at Gellone Abbey after a retreat devoted to devotion. Canonized as Saint Guilhem, he attracts many pilgrims thanks to the relic of the True Cross kept at Gellone. Pilgrims descending the Via Podiensis from Santiago de Compostela would arrive in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert before continuing their journey to Rome or Santiago de Compostela.
Today, the Way of Saint-Guilhem lies almost entirely within the area designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Mediterranean agropastoralism, offering hikers a rich experience combining heritage, history, and landscapes.
From Aumont-Aubrac to
Nasbinals | 26.7 km
Nasbinals in Saint-Chely-d’Aubrac | 17km
Saint-Chely d’Aubrac at the Rajas refuge | 18km
Rajas Refuge at Col de Trébatut | 11km
Col de Trébatut to La Canourgue | 16km
La Canourgue in Sainte Enimie | 28 km
Saint Enimie au Buffre | 15km
Buffre in Meyrueis | 15km
Meyrueis in L’Espérou | 18km
L’Espérou in Vigan | 19km
Vigan in Navacelles | 24km
Navacelles in Saint-Guilhem | 25 km
This route is the main route. Variants exist in the western part: Croix de la Rode/La Canourgue, La Canourgue/Meyrueis, St Maurice de Navacelles/St Guilhem
Le topo-guide (Réf. 4834) est l’outil incontournable pour organiser votre randonnée sur le Chemin de Saint-Guilhem. Il détaille les itinéraires, les étapes et les points d’intérêt le long du parcours. Vous pouvez le trouver à la vente dans nos trois bureaux de tourisme.
Pour compléter vos préparatifs, le site de l’Association des Amis du Chemin de Saint-Guilhem est très complet. Il propose des conseils pratiques, des cartes, des informations sur l’hébergement, ainsi que des recommandations pour vivre pleinement votre randonnée.
Some sections of the Way of Saint Guilhem do not offer shops for food and drink. Here are the main resupply points:
Aumont-Aubrac: 1 grocery store, 2 bakeries, 2 butchers, 1 cheese shop, 2 delicatessens, 1 24/7 vending machine.
Nasbinals: 2 grocery stores open 7 days a week, 1 bakery, pharmacy, bookstore, cafes, and restaurants.
Saint-Chély d’Aubrac: 1 grocery store/bakery.
Further south, you will find shops in Saint-Germain du Teil, La Canourgue, Sainte-Enimie, etc.
For hiking equipment, visit the Aubrac Rando store in Aumont-Aubrac or Astro Marché in Nasbinals.
May and September are the most pleasant months for hiking. Temperatures are mild and nature is lush and green. However, keep in mind that May is also the busiest month! Summer remains a good time for hiking, with cool, sunny days on the plateau, but it can get much hotter in the south!
On the other hand, winter is not recommended. Snow and strong winds, known as "la burle," can make hiking dangerous, especially at higher altitudes. Furthermore, snowfall is frequent, sometimes even in spring, and can disorient hikers.
Remember: regardless of the season, above 1,000 meters, nights remain cool, and days in southern Lozère and the Hérault region can be very hot in summer.
In Aumont-Aubrac:
Parking above the SNCF train station: long-term, free, unsupervised
Municipal campsite: garage closed from the beginning of May to the end of September, €2.25/night – Tel: +33 6 86 68 84 16
Aubrac Auto Passion Garage: paid, supervised parking – Tel: +33 4 66 94 09 14
GERVAIS L&D Garage: paid, supervised parking – Tel: +33 4 66 42 80 17
In Nasbinals:
Parking at the medical center (unpaved section)
Several water fountains and restrooms are available along the route:
Aumont-Aubrac: Fountain at the Tourist Office and public restrooms (to the left of the town hall bar, in the public garden, below the church).
Nasbinals: Public restrooms in Place du Foirail.
Other water fountains on the GR: La Chaze-de-Peyre (restrooms), Lasbros (water fountain), Finieyrols (restrooms), Rieutort d’Aubrac (fountain and restrooms), Montgros (restrooms)...
Bivouacking (pitching your tent for a single night, from sunset to sunrise) is permitted on the Aubrac plateau under certain conditions. This differs from wild camping, which lasts several days and is prohibited on the GR (long-distance hiking trail). For peace of mind, contact the town halls of the villages you will be passing through to find out about any regulations concerning bivouacking, or pitch your tent at one of the campsites in the Aubrac!
Rules to follow:
Do not bivouac in forests, woods, protected sites, or parks.
Avoid camping within 200 meters of a drinking water source and within 500 meters of a historical monument.
Ask the landowner for permission if you are on private property. No motorized vehicles are allowed to access your bivouac site.
Be discreet and respect the environment: use lightweight tents, take all your trash with you, and leave the site clean.
Bed bugs can infest some accommodations along the major hiking trails. A little vigilance and a few simple steps are all it takes to enjoy your hike with peace of mind. To minimize the risks:
Use a natural repellent, such as Clako Bed Bugs, available at our tourist offices in Aumont-Aubrac and Nasbinals. In case of infestation, 4H or 10H Chrono tablets are also available to eliminate the pests.
Avoid placing your bag on the bed.
Follow the protocols implemented by the accommodation providers.
Once home, wash your belongings at over 60°C or freeze them for several days to eliminate any risk.
Some sections of the trail are closed to bicycles and animals, particularly between the hamlet of Pascalet (Nasbinals) and the Royal Aubrac.
A 5 km detour by road has been established by municipal decree, as the GR65 crosses private property in this area.
Tip: Consult the guidebook and plan for this detour to avoid any inconvenience during your hike.
The hostels in Aubrac offer a warm welcome, comfort, and meals made with local produce, all in the heart of unspoiled landscapes. Often located along major hiking trails, they provide ideal stops for rest and sharing a convivial moment. During peak season (May and August), be sure to book in advance to guarantee your place.