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GR®42 Rhone Balconies
From St Etienne (Loire) to Le Grau-du-Roi (Gard)
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The history of the GR®42 is closely linked to that of the Rhône, a major river that has shaped the landscapes and civilizations throughout its course. Used since antiquity for trade and transport, the Rhône has fostered a rich culture around it. The trail passes through picturesque villages and historic towns. In Saint-Étienne, hikers can admire the 19th-century industrial architecture and museums dedicated to art and industry. Following the Rhône, one can discover classified sites, such as the medieval city of Tournon-sur-Rhône. The flora along the GR®42 is incredibly diverse. Starting from Saint-Étienne, the hike begins in a mountainous environment, dominated by oak and conifer forests. Hikers may spot wild boars, deer, and a multitude of songbirds. As the kilometers pass, the landscape evolves into vineyards and orchards, particularly in the Rhône Valley, where lavender, olive, and fig plantations can be found. Approaching the Camargue, the landscapes change dramatically, revealing wetlands rich in biodiversity where aquatic plant species like reeds and bulrushes thrive. Near the rivers, fish, crayfish, and other aquatic creatures abound. As one gets closer to Grau-du-Roi, the biodiversity increases with the presence of pink flamingos, Camargue bulls, and wild horses. The marshes and lagoons of the Camargue provide a vital habitat for many migratory species.
Google Maps - Google Earth
Distance: 453km, Elevation maximum: 1297m, Elevation minimum: 1m, Elevation gain uphill: 9753m
IGN Maps: Massif du Pilat St-etienne St-Chamond PNR du Pilat (2933ET). St-Etienne (2933O).
Bourg-Argental Col de la Republique PNR du Pilat (2934ET). Satillieu (2935E). Le Chambon-sur-Lignon St-Agrve (2935OT). Tournon-sur-Rhone (3035O). St-Peray (3036O). Villeneuve-De-Berg - 2938E. Gorges de l'Ardeche Bourg-Saint-Andeol Vallon-Pont-D'Arc - 2939OT. Valence Corniche de l'Eyrieux - 3036OT. La Voulte-Sur-Rhone - 3037O. Montelimar - 3038O. Bagnols-Sur-Ceze Pont-Saint-Esprit Forets de Valbonne et de Mejannes - 2940OT. Uzes - Remoulins - Pont du Gard - 2941OT. Nîmes Beaucaire - 2942OT. Orange Massif d'Uchaux - 3040OT. Avignon Chateauneuf-Du-Pape - 3041OT. Tarascon Saint-Remy-De-Provence Chaîne des Alpilles - 3042OT.
Lemps: Le Château de Lemps - Guest House, Isabelle du Trémolet de Lacheisserie, 06 80 06 95 89, Email
This 19th-century building, surrounded by an 11-hectare park, is a haven of peace. We offer comfortable guest rooms (double rooms and large rooms for 5/6 people) as well as a dining table featuring a family-style cuisine rooted in our local traditions. Whether you're a hiker or a curious traveler, we will be delighted to welcome you under our centenary trees for a moment of relaxation. |
    
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Saint Gilles: A haven of peace at the stables, Ms. Koehler Morgane, 07 83 49 48 19, Email, Airbnb, Facebook
A peaceful stop in a new studio, nestled in the heart of a private stable. A warm and secure cocoon, ideal for pilgrims, riders, cyclists, or hikers with a donkey. Secure parking. Horse and donkey welcome upon request (paddock or box). Meals delivered: tagines, couscous, salads, or French dishes. 1 to 2 sleeping arrangements – equipped kitchen – spacious shower – relaxation area. Caring welcome by Morgane, rider, psychoanalyst, and attentive host. |
    
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Registration
Accommodation or business owner on or near a GR®, you can appear on GR-INFOS
For your registration, you can send me by email (papadimitriou4@gmail.com): your address and phone number, your website (Facebook page), a brief description with 5 beautiful photos of your establishment.
Registration price : 50€/2 years or 100€/5 years per GR® or GRP®. Renewable. |
Nearby paths:
Around Uchaux Massif (Vaucluse)
GR®4 From Atlantic to Mediterranean
GR®6 From Gironde to Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
GR®7 From Vosges to Pyrenees
GR®65 Via Gebennensis
GR®69 La Routo
GR®420 Around Haut-Vivarais (Ardeche)
GR®422 On the path of Charles IX
GR®429 From Dieu-Grace Pass (Drome) to Viviers (Ardeche)
GR®430 Saint Regis trail (Haute-Loire, Ardeche)
GR®653 Arles way - Via Tolosana
GR®653D Via Domitia
GR®700 Regordane way
It is advisable to follow the beacons all along your hike and to bring you the FFRandonnee topo-guide. You
will also find information on MonGR.fr.
GR®, PR®, GRP®, and the corresponding signs of markings (white / red, yellow and yellow / red) are trademarks of the French
Federation of Hiking. They may not be reproduced without permission. The French Federation of Hiking, state-approved, includes organizations that create and maintain hiking routes on GR®, PR® and
GRP®. It publishes guides these topo hiking routes. With your donations, support the actions of the thousands of volunteer markers of the FFRandonnee.
GR-Infos.com is an editorial partner of MonGR.fr.
Former holiday hotel with a garden along the Allier, L'Etoile Guest House is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent between Lozere, Ardeche, and the Cevennes in the mountains of Southern France. At the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson Path, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane Way, GR®470 Allier River springs and gorges, GRP® Cevenol, Ardechoise Mountains, Margeride. Numerous loop trails for hiking and one-day biking excursions. Ideal for a relaxing and hiking getaway.
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