The Larzac tour is undoubtedly one of France's most beautiful hikes. It offers several days' walking through wild Mediterranean landscapes and small villages in Occitanie. Here we give you the itinerary for the Tour du Larzac, plus tips for a successful tour.
What is the Tour du Larzac?
The Tour du Larzac is a French long-distance hiking trail. It is also known as the GR® 71D. The Tour du Larzac itinerary forms a loop that allows you to explore the eastern slopes of the Larzac plateau. It covers 112 km, with a cumulative vertical drop of 2,850 m. The Causse du Larzac is a typical Aveyron plateau of limestone rock and sparse vegetation.
Detailed Larzac tour itinerary
The Tour du Larzac itinerary is usually divided into six stages, which we present below. Although you can start the tour wherever you like, most hikers start in Millau.
Stage 1: Millau to Montredon
- Distance: 24.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 840 m
The stage from the starting point in Millau to Montredon is both steep and long, so it's considered a difficult hike- the only one on this route. You'll need to walk for around 8 hours. You can also choose to complete this stage over two days, sleeping in tents.
For this stage, leave Millau to the south, climb up to the Pas d'Estrech cross and continue on to Potensac. Continue to Saint-Martin du Larzac, then to Montredon.
Stage 2: Montredon to Nant
- Distance: 14.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 230 m
You'll walk across the Larzac plateau with the Cévennes National Park in your sights, and down to the Dourbie gorges. This river has formed a beautiful canyon, in the hollow of which lies Nant. To complete this stage, head south out of Montredon, then left out of the village. Follow the road to Ferme des Homs, then walk to Ferme de Baylet. Then turn left to Causse des Cuns, cross the wood, descend into the Valongue ravine and finally head for the village of Nant. This is the shortest stage, taking an average of 3 hours 45 minutes. However, it's full of heritage and interesting stops, so it can take a full day.
Stage 3: Nant to Couvertoirade
- Distance: 17 km
- Difference in altitude: 510 m
Continue along the paths of the Tour du Larzac itinerary to reach one of Aveyron's most beautiful villages: la Couvertoirade. This is a fortified medieval village developed by the Templar order. To complete this stage, leave Nant to the south, and walk in this direction until you reach the junction with the D7. Just before crossing the road, turn right for about 1 km, then left again towards Baraque Froide, and continue towards Couvertoirade. Allow around 5 hrs 15 min for this medium-level stage.
Stage 4: Couvertoirade to Cavalerie
- Distance: 25.3 km
- Difference in altitude: 375 m
This is a medium-level stage, as it is fairly extensive, but with a relatively small ascent. Once again, you'll reach one of France's most beautiful villages: La Cavalerie. Between the two villages, you'll cross the vast expanses of pastureland typical of this Tour du Larzac itinerary. Leave La Couvertoirade to the west and walk to La Salvetat. Continue on to La Blaquèrerie, then La Jasse, L'Hospitalet-du-Larzac, La Crémade and finally La Cavalerie. Allow around 6 hrs 30 min.
Stage 5: Cavalerie to Saint-Geniez-de-Bertrand
- Distance: 20.9 km
- Difference in altitude: 240 m
This medium-level stage is mostly downhill, in the heart of the almost desert-like Larzac landscape. Leave the fortified Occitan village on the route des Mazes and walk to the Bouissan farm, then to the Beaumescure farm, which you pass to the right. Continue to Saint-Geniez-de-Bertrand. Allow around 5 hrs 30 min.
Stage 6: Saint-Geniez-de-Bertrand to Millau
- Distance: 16.2 km
- Difference in altitude: 640 m
Complete the loop by walking along the magnificent Larzac ledges to Millau. Simply leave the village to the northeast and continue until you reach the freeway, which you follow briefly to the left until you pass it and reach Bel Air. Continue north-west until you reach the road, where you turn left to Millau.
Tips for preparing your hike
Below you'll find all the tips you need for a successful Tour du Larzac itinerary.
Equipment
The Larzac plateau has almost no trees, but rather sparse vegetation. As a result, you'll almost always be exposed to wind and sun. Plan your equipment accordingly, and take along a windbreaker, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. And don't forget your garbage bag to reduce your ecological footprint.
The season
Spring and autumn are the best times to complete the Tour du Larzac itinerary, as both periods offer a moderate climate and trails that are still relatively uncrowded.
Sleeping on the Tour du Larzac itinerary
The Tour du Larzac itinerary is dotted with numerous gîtes, hotels and campsites. You'll have no trouble finding a place to sleep, but it's a good idea to book in advance, to give yourself the peace of mind of knowing where you'll be sleeping that evening. Bivouacs are also tolerated.
How many days does the Larzac tour take?
It takes 6 days to complete the Tour du Larzac following the traditional stages. However, some hikers do it in 5 to 8 days.
How difficult is the tour?
Five of the six stages of the Tour du Larzac route are of medium difficulty, the other being difficult. Overall, the GR® 71D is considered to be of medium difficulty. However, its long distance requires a certain amount of endurance, and walking for 6 days in a row requires a certain amount of training.
For more hiking itineraries in France, see also our article on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela and our article on the best hiking destinations.
