GR®653 Via Tolosana - Way of Arles

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

The GR653, one of the four major historical routes to Santiago de Compostela, is inextricably linked to medieval pilgrimage, but also to cultural exchanges between the Mediterranean and Atlantic worlds. The trail is a veritable open-air museum, home to treasures such as the Abbey of Saint-Gilles, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse, and the cloister of Moissac. The path begins in the Camargue plains, crosses the vineyards of Languedoc and the forested massifs of Haut-Languedoc before reaching the hills of Gascony. Nature here is wild and unspoiled, offering an immersion in the natural parks of Haut-Languedoc and the Pyrenees. The final crossing of the Somport Pass, gateway to Spain, marks the majestic and mineral culmination of this journey, where Mediterranean flora gives way to high-altitude pastures and snow-capped peaks.

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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

01/06/27

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

06/03/29

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.