With autumn here and the temperatures finally warming up, we can officially declare that the daytime hiking season is officially back! I'm taking you on my one-day adventure on the GR42 to share my experience and give you some tips.
The GR42 is a long-distance hiking trail that runs from Saint-Etienne (in the Loire) to Grau-du-Roi! In total, it covers no less than 452 kilometers, taking around 22 days / 21 nights. Wanting a day of adventure, and living in Avignon, I looked into the section 16, which connects Roquemaure to Villeneuve lez Avignon !
Traveling along section 16, you will pass through the towns of Roquemaure, Sauveterre, Pujaut then Villeneuve lez Avignon through 18km of villages, rocky mountains and Mediterranean vegetation. A treat!
Need more inspiration? Don't hesitate to check out our recommendations for hiking or cycling tours !
Before leaving
How to get to Roquemaure?
To reach Roquemaure from Avignon, you have two options:
Stop at the stop “Roquemaure center".
If you want to save a few kilometers, stop at the stop instead.Caderache“, you will avoid going through the village.
Be careful, check the timetables carefully before leaving because even if there are several buses, they do not pass very regularly.
How to find your way on the GR?
As with every GR, you will find the red and white basilage ! On this section, it is very well signposted and you can easily find your way without needing anything else. A reminder for those who have forgotten:
Alternatively, you can download an application such as VisioRando or download the GPX track and import it into an application such as GPX Viewer.
Eating and drinking on the GR
During this day, you will not enter the villages directly, except at the beginning in Roquemaure and at the end in Villeneuve. So plan enough water for your day and something to eat. If you leave on a Tuesday, you will have the chance to see the Roquemaure market, otherwise you will find several bakeries and supermarkets there (but check the opening hours beforehand).
My experience on the GR42
After a 20-minute bus ride, I finally arrive in Roquemaure! I take a quick trip to the bakery and then I go in search of the first red and white flag. Once I spot it, that's it, Here I am, off on an adventure more than 4 hours of walking!
The beginning of this hike begins gently in the alleys of Roquemaure, where orchards and vineyards follow one another. Being in autumn, the leaves of the vines begin to provide themselves with their red colors and it's simply sublime!
After about 40 minutes of walking, we see the rocky massif through which we will pass. We enter a forest and then begin our ascent! This will be the only big climb of the day, with a very reasonable elevation gain up to the "Roc Trouca".
Then, a few meters further, through stony paths, I come across the famous local goats and here I am finally arrived at the Rock Found (pierced rock in Occitan). Try to avoid the goats by going around them, you never know. From up there, you can admire superb views of the Rhône Valley, Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail! It's an ideal place if you want to stop, provided the mistral isn't too strong.
I then continue on my way towards Sauveterre, still surrounded by vines and I come across the Saint-Vérédème chapel, which is also lined with them! Then, we follow a road until PujautThe asphalt isn't my favorite part, but the landscapes of red vines and small yellow flowers give this section a bit of pep!
Finally, you will arrive in a completely different landscape once you have passed Pujaut, after the post office path: a forest but here it is at the typical Mediterranean vegetation ! Pine trees, scrubland, and even an olive grove are all yours! Personally, I love it!
Then you only have a few kilometers left to reach the last stage: Villeneuve lez Avignon ! But not least! Indeed, Villeneuve is a very, very large city. You will quickly reach Villeneuve from Pujaut, along a large road, but you will then have to cross the entire city to reach its heart. If you want to cut it short, you will easily find bus 5 which will take you to Avignon. However, we strongly advise you to continue to the center of Villeneuve, because it is a city that has a crazy charm, magnificent monuments, restaurants and bars to relax at the end of the day!
For the most die-hard among you, you can even return to Avignon on foot, passing by the Philippe le Bel Tower, then the Daladier Bridge! Dare you?
Our opinion on the GR42
Unsurprisingly, we loved the experience! It allows us to escape just a few kilometers from home and to pass through very diverse and varied landscapes. You still need to be at least a little sporty to cover 18km in one day, but it is still doable (it should be avoided for very small children, unless you want to carry them the whole way).
Autumn and spring are the ideal seasons because the weather is good enough to go for a walk, without having to suffer from the summer heat (in any case, we would always advise you not to hike in the middle of summer in the area because of the scorching temperatures).
Fat a favorite for Roc Trouca (and her goats) and the little one Mediterranean forest in Pujaut, with its magical olive grove!
If you try the experience, don't hesitate to share it with us by tagging us on our social networks ! Looking for a two-day adventure? Why not take a look at our micro-adventures ?
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