As you walk through the Thonas valley

Starting from Saint-Germain-de-Calberte, in the heart of the Cévennes, this walk allows you to explore part of the Thonas Valley and, in particular, the charming hamlet of Bernadou.

Details

n°37863825

Creation:
07 Aug 2023

Last update:
25 Aug 2023

Last review:
13 Nov 2025

Activity: Walking
Distance: 6.79 mi
Average duration: 4h 35
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 1,693 ft
Descent: - 1,673 ft
Highest point: 2,110 ft
Lowest point: 978 ft

Country: France
Areas: Cévennes, Massif central
City: Saint-Germain-de-Calberte (48370)
Start/End: N 44.21818° / E 3.808917°
IGN map(s): Ref. 2740ET
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Description of the walk

Parking is available on the square by the Saint-Germain-de-Calberte War Memorial.

(S/E) Walk up the road through the village, with your back to the church. Follow the red and white markings of^{the GR®} 70 Chemin de Stevenson until you reach a crossroads.

(1) Leave the^GR® 70 and take the road on the right to the hamlet of Le Rouvier.

(2) Just after Le Rouvier, take the road on the left and follow it until you reach a junction with a path on the left, further down.

(3) Follow the path (more or less marked) to the D13 road.

(4) Cross it carefully and head straight on towards Valcalde. The road is tarmac at first, then the track narrows. Walk down to the hamlet of Bernadou.

(5) Cross the hamlet via the bridge and take in the scenery. Head back up the opposite slope to reach a crossroads.

(6) Turn left and follow the track, then the road, which descends into the valley to the hamlet of Combe Courte.

(7) Leave the road and take the path on the left uphill to reach the hamlet of Blancarel.

(8) Take the path on the left, climb up to the D13 road and follow it to the right for about a hundred metres. You will then rejoin the^GR® 70 Chemin de Stevenson.

(9) Turn left onto it and you will then reach the original crossroads.

(1) Retrace your steps along the route you took on the way there to return to the car park at the Saint-Germain-de-Calberte War Memorial (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,614 ft - Saint-Germain-de-Calberte Town Hall
1 : mi 0.68 - alt. 1,827 ft - Crossroads at the end of the circular loop
2 : mi 1.07 - alt. 2,054 ft - The hamlet of Le Rouvier
3 : mi 1.26 - alt. 2,106 ft - Crossroads
4 : mi 1.7 - alt. 1,906 ft - Crossing the CD13
5 : mi 2.77 - alt. 1,093 ft - The hamlet of Bernadou - Le Gardon
6 : mi 3.12 - alt. 1,198 ft - Crossroads
7 : mi 5 - alt. 1,024 ft - Blancarel Path
8 : mi 5.34 - alt. 1,240 ft - The mimosas of Blancarel
9 : mi 5.83 - alt. 1,791 ft - GR70 junction
S/E : mi 6.79 - alt. 1,614 ft - Saint-Germain-de-Calberte Town Hall

Notes

There is a water point on the route at the entrance to the Bernadou Bridge (:5).
To be on the safe side, it is best to bring enough water to last the whole walk.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5

Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5

Route interest
5 / 5

fanette28

13 Nov 2025 at 17:59 3600

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Two hikers, native to the Cévennes: a very beautiful hike, autumn being the best time to visit the flamboyant Cévennes, deep in the Cévennes!
However, it was difficult to follow the route at the following points:
Map, marker 3: markings faded, path leading down to the right barely visible.
Absolutely no markings for landmarks 4 to 8 on the map.
In particular, marker 7, which is essential (starting point opposite the green letterbox).

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User 26706668

23 Jul 2025 at 22:49 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Favourite route. The section between 3 and 4 is just too beautiful.
The descent is very pleasant and offers a beautiful panorama.
The highlight is the stream below, which is so beautiful with its old bridge (there wasn't much water in July, but it's still magnificent).
The view between 6 and 8 is also very beautiful.
However, the final climb is... cardio... I'm an occasional walker.

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contemplatif

05 Apr 2024 at 14:01 7200 • Edited: 05 Apr 2024 at 14:02 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A stunning part of the Cévennes. We extended the route by setting off from the Négase bridge (just past St Etienne Vallée Française) and returning via the Moulin de Croisance, making a total of almost 17 km. The hamlet of Bernadou is magnificent, with its old bridge and picturesque houses along the river...
Thank you for this lovely idea for a walk.

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