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Pradelles (GR70 Chemin de Stevenson)

By Melinda Lusmore

Narrow lane leading to stone arch, Portail du Besset, in Pradelles France

The picturesque village of Pradelles is classified one of France’s ‘most beautiful villages’—in fact, it is the only ‘most beautiful village’ along the GR 70 Chemin de Stevenson.

Named for the Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson who made this journey on foot with his donkey Modestine in 1878, this 270-kilometre (169-mile) walk stretches from Le Puy-en-Velay to Alès in southern France.

(Published November 2020, last updated April 2022)

The village of Pradelles viewed from the approach along the GR 70

First views of Pradelles from the GR 70 Chemin de Stevenson

When Stevenson passed through more than a century ago, the village rated barely a mention in his journal—although I’m sure it was no less beautiful then!

He noted that he stopped here for lunch, but rejected his host’s suggestion to visit the Chapelle Notre-Dame, where a statue of the Madonna credited with performing many miracles graced the high altar.

After finishing his midday meal, Stevenson hurried on his way and made camp a few hours later in the woods beyond Langogne. 

Bright blue shutters and flowering plants adorn a stone house in Pradelles

Bright blue shutters and flowering plants adorn a stone house in Pradelles

Colourful flowers decorate a house and an arch covers the road leading out of Pradelles

Colourful flowers decorate a house on the road leading out of town

Since it is the only most beautiful village along the Chemin de Stevenson, Pradelles was a must-do overnight stay on my itinerary, and its charming stone houses and quaint alleys did not disappoint.  

As you arrive in the centre of the village, call in to the Tourist Office and ask for the map of the town with fifteen points of interest marked.

Stone water fountain near Place de la Halle, Pradelles, Chemin de Stevenson

Water fountain near Place de la Halle. (Fill your water bottle – water that is not safe to drink will always be marked ‘Eau non potable’.)

One of the highlights is le Portail du Besset (pictured in the top photo). This beautiful stone arch and iron gate was once the southern entrance to the village. It was here that access was granted (or denied) to merchants travelling north along the Chemin de Régordane—a major trade route which had linked Le Puy-en-Velay to the south coast of France since the ninth century.

Parish church with tall bell tower in Pradelles built from pale stone blocks

The imposing parish church in the heart of the village is a relatively modern addition. Constructed in the early twentieth century, it replaced a much smaller church which could no longer contain the growing population of almost 2,000 villagers.

Inside, the white walls and graceful columns provide a backdrop of light and grandeur; an ideal space to sit and admire the beautiful stained-glass windows. 

The interior of the parish church with gleaming white marble walls and columns

The interior of the parish church

View across the village and the roof of the church to countryside between Pradelles and Langogne

View from the window of Hôtel le Ponant, across the roof of the church to Lac de Naussac near Langogne

Chapelle Notre-Dame was built in the early 1500s to house a statue of the Virgin Mary that had been unearthed during construction work on a wall of the adjoining hospital. In 1586 a raging fire devastated this corner of Pradelles, and only the chapel emerged unscathed.

Stone houses flank a narrow lane. The domed roof of Chapelle Notre-Dame, crowned by a statue of the Virgin Mary, is visible above the rooftops

A statue of the Virgin Mary towers above the houses on the lane leading to Chapelle Notre-Dame

Two years later, when the English attacked during the Wars of Religion, the townspeople were victorious and the Madonna’s status as divine protector of the village was firmly established. In gratitude for her bestowed blessings, the chapel was replaced with a larger version in 1609.

Café Relais Randonneurs decorated with orange and lime green tables and chairs set on a small terrace under a sheltered awning

Café Relais Randonneurs welcomes visitors (and donkeys) to Gîte le Passage on the Chemin de Stevenson

FAST FACTS

Which long-distance walk in France visits Pradelles? Chemin de Stevenson 

Where is Pradelles, France?  Find it on Google maps

Pradelles is located 63.6 kilometres (39.8 miles) along the Chemin de Stevenson – a three-day walk from the starting point of Le Puy-en-Velay.

Click through to find my suggested itinerary for this fourteen-day walk

If you prefer to set your own agenda, I share the steps I take to plan my itinerary on any long-distance walk (using the Chemin de Stevenson as a case study)

A daily bus service (Lozère Département, Line 282) connects Pradelles with Le Puy-en-Velay, Landos and Langogne.

Pradelles is the only ‘most beautiful village’ found along the Chemin de Stevenson, but you’ll visit many others along long-distance walks in France. Find them all here.

Tourist Office in Pradelles 

You’ll find the Tourist Office on Place de la Halle. Opening hours are listed here.

A map of the village with fifteen points of interest marked can be accessed from the website—Brochure Pays Cayres Pradelles. It is in French and difficult to read online—ask for a paper copy at the Tourist Office.

Accommodation in Pradelles 

There is a wide range of options for an overnight stay in Pradelles. I can personally recommend Hôtel le Ponant, although it has changed management (and name) since my stay in 2016.

According to their website, it was at Auberge Cadenette, on the main road as you enter the village, (now a gîte and listed below) that Stevenson ate his midday meal before hurrying on to Langogne.

Options for accommodation include –

Hotel
Hôtel le Ponant 

Chambres d’hôtes 
Aux Légendes 
Terre d’Acceuil

Gîtes 
Gîte le Stevenson 
Gîte d’Étape Brasserie du Musée  
Gîte le Passage  
Village Vacances la Valette  
Gîte du Besset  
Gîte la Mère Cadenette  

Campground  
Le Rocher de Grelet  

How to book accommodation in French

Where to eat in Pradelles 

There are several cafés and a bakery in Place de la Halle. Hôtel le Ponant also serves a delicious dinner.

For more practical supplies, you’ll find a grocery store nearby in Place du Foirail.

Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters  

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About The Author – Melinda Lusmore

Hi! I’m Melinda, the walker behind I Love Walking in France. Nothing makes me happier than wandering through the picturesque villages and glorious countryside in rural France, and helping others to do the same. Whether you’re looking for practical tips or a little inspiration for your own long-distance walk, you’ll find everything you need right here. This website contains no sponsored posts or affiliate links. If I recommend a product, service or somewhere to stay, it’s because I’ve used it, loved it—and I think you will too!

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Are you dreaming of a walk through the picturesque villages and glorious countryside of rural France and don’t know where to start?

Download your FREE guide now!

3 Steps to the Perfect Long-distance Walk

Your details stay here - no walking EVER! It's a promise!

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