From Saint-Etienne to Grau-du-Roi, the GR42 is a majestic long-distance hiking trail that winds through the picturesque balconies of the Rhône. In total, it's 450 km of hiking that will take you to unexpected corners of France. A wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature and discover corners of paradise, step by step!
On the technical side, count on approximately 22 steps, each corresponding to between 3 and 8 hours of walking. During these 30 stages, you will pass through the Pilat Regional Nature Park, the balconies of the Rhône and its views of the vineyards and the Alps, the Ardèche, the Côte du Rhône, Avignon, Arles, the Camargue then the shores of the Mediterranean at Grau-du-Roi.
On the territory of the Grand Avignon, the GR42 will take you across the Gard side of the territory, from Roquemaure to Saze, in sublime scenery of vineyards and scrubland !
From Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres to Villeneuve lez Avignon
- Day 1: 19,5 km / D+283m / 4h30
You will start your day in St Laurent des Arbres, a very pretty town in the Gard and set off to follow the GR markers, towards the Grand Avignon with as entrance door: Roquemaure !
The commune of Roquemaure
Here the vines surround the city and the alleys of the old center are dotted with vestiges whose history is often linked to that of wine.
Roquemaure is one of the 4 towns of the famous Lirac appellation. Take advantage of your visit to the area to discover the vineyards and taste in the local cellars and estates!
For the picnic break, you must make a stop (and a small detour that is worth it) on theMiémart Island !
This preserved space, in the immediate vicinity of the old town, will offer you a natural and relaxing setting, ideal for your break.
Another option: the Auberge de Miémart, for fresh and hearty lunches.
Sauveterre
After a few hours of walking, you will then arrive in the respective municipalities of SauveterreAnd then Pujaut, by the Caderache massif. The relief crossed is home to typically Mediterranean vegetation composed of Aleppo pines and holm oaks. You will be able to see a perforated rock called the “Rock Trouca”, carved out by erosion. It allows you to admire the view as if in a frame, and you often come across goats in the middle of somersaults.
Pujaut
You will then follow a long asphalt road which, fortunately for our eyes, is lined with vineyards and sublime houses. After a while: back in nature! You will enter a sublime forest with Mediterranean vegetation typical of the area! You will even see an olive grove.
At the end of the day, you will have arrived at Villeneuve lez Avignon, where the accommodation offer is varied and the Provençal atmosphere reigns supreme! We advise you to visit one of the many restaurants in Villeneuve, on the terrace or not depending on the season!
De Villeneuve lez Avignon to Aramon
- Day 2: 13,5 km / D+377m / 5h30
Before starting the day of walking, we advise you to discover the emblematic monuments of Villeneuve lez Avignon like: the Fort St-Andre Gardens of the Abbey of Saint-André or Philip the Fair Tower ?
Each of these monuments offers a breathtaking view of Avignon, its famous Palais des Papes and the Saint-Bénézet bridge (more commonly known as the Avignon bridge) as well as the Alpilles, the Luberon, Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail.
You will then continue your walk towards Angles and its old hilltop village, where you will not fail to go for a walk on its plateau, where its orientation table is located.
Then you will go through Rochefort-du-Gard et Saze.
The GR42 only crosses vineyards and scrubland, with shaded areas for well-deserved breaks!
But we can only advise you to make small detours to discover its villages, among the most beautiful in the Grand Avignon, to discover their sublime views, their restaurants, their winemakers and other producers!
You will end your day around aramon, a town with an extremely well-preserved heritage (42th-century mansions, picturesque streets, and a castle that belonged to Diane de Poitiers). As you can see, it's a pleasant stopover on the GRXNUMX route.
A tasting stop?
The cellars and estates closest to the route
After a day of walking, here is the opportunity to take the time to taste a little of the terroir of this region famous for its wines.
Where to sleep?
Accommodations
Here are all accommodation near the GR42 that you may encounter on your way.
How to get here
Coming to Avignon by train
In the area, TER trains serve the stations of Avignon, Bagnols sur Cèze and Beaucaire.
To get to Bagnols-sur-Cèze from Beaucaire, it takes about 1 to 1 hours (note that the connection time in Avignon can increase the journey time). Check the train times carefully before your trip so you don't miss the last one of the day!
Coming to Avignon by bus
To reach the chosen departure/arrival stage, you can take the liO bus lines:
- Line 151 serves Nîmes, Beaucaire, Aramon and Avignon.
- Line 122 serves Bagnols-sur-Ceze, Roquemaure, Villeneuve lez Avignon and Avignon.
- Line 123 serves Bagnols-sur-Ceze, Saint Laurent des Arbres, Villeneuve lez Avignon and Avignon.
Available resources
The topoguide “GR 42 – From Pilat to the Mediterranean” is in online sales from Gard Tourisme, in bookstores and from the French Hiking Federation.
Need a guide?
When embarking on a journey like this, it's best to be well-accompanied! Here's a list of guides who can share your journey.
go on an adventure
Great hikes
Want more? Here are some suggestions for multi-day trips, on foot or by bike, to explore this region of Provence in depth.
In conclusion, the GR42 hiking trail in France is more than just tourism; it's a real adventure, with the balconies of the Rhône connecting the Ardèche to the Mediterranean, offering breathtaking views of varied landscapes. This route will delight hiking enthusiasts, from Pilat to Saint-Étienne, via the Gard and the Loire, so get your hiking logs and other IGN maps ready. Consult the reviews and other topographical guides to prepare your trek and complete your travel journals, ensuring a safe and enriching crossing of each trail and valley. For more information to enrich your experience, other trails and hikes, with their breathtaking panoramas, await you on our website, so take a look!