The Urban Trail V (GR®670) stretches for 427 km, linking Saint-Flour in the Auvergne region to Avignon in the Vaucluse. This historic route can be hiked in about twenty days and offers breathtaking scenery. The trail begins near the Eiffel viaduct at Garabit, then crosses the impressive Bès gorges to reach Fournels. It follows the paths of the Aubrac plateau to Nasbinals, reaches the Rajas refuge at the foot of Mailhebiau, runs alongside the Lot valley, crosses the Causses and Cévennes mountains, and then heads towards the Provençal garrigue. The trail ends by reaching the Rhône River and the famous papal city of Avignon, following the Gardon valley. This route is ideal for hikers wishing to combine heritage, nature, and adventure through central and southern France.
The Urban V Trail retraces the life of Guillaume Grimoard, who became Pope Urban V. Born in 1310 in Grizac and died in 1370 in Avignon, he was the sixth Avignon Pope and the 200th Pope of the Catholic Church (1362-1370).
Like his predecessors, he hailed from the Occitan-speaking region, specifically the Gévaudan. This trail, officially designated a GR (long-distance hiking trail) in June 2014, connects several iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites: the routes to Santiago de Compostela, the Causses and Cévennes, the Pont du Gard, and the architectural ensemble of Avignon – the Palace of the Popes and the Saint-Bénézet Bridge. It allows hikers to discover a route rich in history, heritage, and spectacular landscapes, all while following in the footsteps of Urban V.
Practical advice
The guidebook (Ref. 670) is the essential resource for planning your hike on the Urbain V Trail (GR 670). It details the routes, stages, and points of interest along the way, which spans more than 21 days, following in the footsteps of the "Blessed" Pope Urban V. You can purchase it at our three tourist offices. The Urbain V Association website is very comprehensive, with a very useful interactive map for planning your itinerary and accommodations.
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 is still good 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 summers in the south of France can be very hot.
Yes! Several specialized companies offer luggage transport along the GR trail. You can have your bag transported to your chosen stop. Practical tip: We highly recommend booking your stops in advance to guarantee service availability.
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.
The gîtes d’étape (hostels) of the Aubrac region 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), remember to book in advance to guarantee your place.