GR®653 Via Tolosana - Way of Arles

From Arles (Bouches-du-Rhone) to Somport Pass (Pyrenees-Atlantiques)

Arles is a city rich in history that was an important Roman center. Its monuments, such as the amphitheater and the ancient theater, bear witness to a glorious past. The Via Tolosana crosses historic towns like Saint-Gilles and Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, offering a glimpse into the medieval heritage of the region. Architectural and historical treasures, from Romanesque churches to medieval castles, allow hikers to delve into the rich history of the area. The landscapes along the GR®653 are highly diverse, ranging from the agricultural plains of the Bouches-du-Rhône to the hills and mountains of the Pyrenees. The trail winds through picturesque vineyards and sunflower fields. Hikers can admire gorges and rivers, such as the Orb and the Agout. The landscape transforms, featuring oak forests, lush meadows, and mountain ridges rising on the horizon. The Pyrenean region offers grand panoramas, where snow-capped peaks contrast with verdant valleys.

Google Maps - Google Earth

GR653 Via Tolosana - Way of Arles 2

GR653 Via Tolosana - Way of Arles 3

Distance: 807km, Elevation maximum: 1632m, Elevation minimum: 1m, Elevation gain uphill: 13688m
IGN Maps: Clermont-l'Herault (2643E). Montpellier Palavas-les-Flots (2743ET). Aigues-Mortes la Grande-Motte (2843OT). Arles PNR de Camargue (2943ET). St-Gilles Vauvert (2943O). Lamalou-les-Bains l'Espinouse le Caroux PNR du Haut Languedoc (2543OT). St-Guilhem-le-Desert Cirque de Navacelles (2642ET). Lodeve Bedarieux Lac de Salagou (2643OT). Castres Puylaurens Lautrec (2243E). Castres le Sidobre PNR du Haut-Languedoc (2343ET). Montagne Noire Ouest Revel Labruguiere PNR du Haut-Languedoc (2344OT). Monts de Lacaune la Salvetat-sur-Agout PNR du Haut Languedoc (2443ET). Toulouse (2143O). Villefranche-de-Lauragais (2144E). Ramonville-St-Agne (2144O). Mazeres (2145E). Revel St-Felix-Lauragais (2244O). Castelnaudary (2245O). Auch (1843E). Auch (1843O). Cadours (1943E). Gimont (1943O). l'Isle-Jourdain (Gers) (2043O). Pau (1545E). Lembeye (1644E). Pau Est / Morlaas (1645O). Montesquiou (1743E). Mielan (1744E). Vic-en-Bigorre (1744O). Pau (1545E). Lembeye (1644E). Mourenx (1545O). Oloron-Ste-Marie Vallee d'Aspe (1546OT). Ossau Vallee d'Aspe PN des Pyrenees (1547OT).

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.

Haven of peace at the stables in Saint Gilles 1

Haven of peace at the stables in Saint Gilles 2

Haven of peace at the stables in Saint Gilles 3

Haven of peace at the stables in Saint Gilles 4

Haven of peace at the stables in Saint Gilles 5

Saint Christaud: La Grange de Garac Guest house, Isabelle and David Baume, 06 79 21 75 40, 05 62 09 37 50, Email
Simplicity, conviviality, listening and exchange. Personalized room combining stone and wood with its private bathroom and toilet and you will appreciate the freshness of our rooms in summer. Breakfast on the terrace facing the century-old cedars of the castle park with a view of the Pyrenees mountain range. Table d'hôte by reservation with seasonal products.

Saint Christaud: La Grange de Garac Guest house 1

Saint Christaud: La Grange de Garac Guest house 2

Saint Christaud: La Grange de Garac Guest house 3

Saint Christaud: La Grange de Garac Guest house 4

Saint Christaud: La Grange de Garac Guest house 5

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.

GR653 Via Tolosana - Way of Arles 10 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.

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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.