How long is Le versant nord de l'Aigoual?

Le versant nord de l'Aigoual is 35.9 km (22.3 mi) long as a full loop. Most walkers complete it in about 2 days, not counting stops.

How long does Le versant nord de l'Aigoual take?

Allow around 9 hr 58 min of moving time. Add a further 30 to 60 minutes for breaks, photographs and lunch.

Can you bring dogs on Le versant nord de l'Aigoual?

Dog access is not formally recorded for this route. Local rules usually allow dogs on a lead, but check signage at the trailhead before you commit to the walk.

Is Le versant nord de l'Aigoual suitable for children?

It is a stretch for younger children. At 35.9 km with 1,239 m (4,065 ft) of ascent, it suits teenagers and confident young walkers rather than a family stroll.

Is Le versant nord de l'Aigoual a loop?

Yes. The route is circular, so you return to your starting point without repeating any section.

Is Le versant nord de l'Aigoual inside Parc national des Cévennes (cœur)?

Yes. The route lies within Parc national des Cévennes (cœur), so park rules on camping, fires and dogs apply along its full length.

Le versant nord de l'Aigoual

ExpertParc national des Cévennes (cœur) · Occitania · France

GPX

Distance: 35.9 km (22.3 mi)
Elevation gain: 1,239 m (4,065 ft)
Typical time: 9 hr 58 min
Difficulty: Expert
Route type: Loop
Highest point: Not recorded

About Le versant nord de l'Aigoual

Le versant nord de l'Aigoual is a 35.9 km hiking route in Parc national des Cévennes (cœur). It climbs roughly 1,239 m (4,065 ft) along the way. Most people take around 2 days at a comfortable pace, plus stops. This is a committing route for experienced hikers only, with serious ascent and long stretches far from help.

The route is built around its viewpoint, which does most of the work for a relatively small effort. The woodland changes character with the seasons, at its best when the canopy turns. The top is the whole point, and on a clear day the panorama justifies every metre of climbing.

It is a 35.9 km loop, so you finish where you started and never repeat a section. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections.

In short, Le versant nord de l'Aigoual suits experienced mountain walkers who are comfortable with exposure, navigation and long descents. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Expert35.9 km1,239 m

Numbered marks every 5 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

The route in detail

The loop is usually walked clockwise from the main trailhead. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. The upper section is where the route earns its reputation, and it is also where weather changes fastest. The return leg is the reverse of the outward journey, which makes it easy to judge remaining time.

Highlights

Inside Parc national des Cévennes (cœur)
Mountain
Summit push
Forest
Panoramic viewpoint
Circular route, no backtracking
Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent

Know before you go

Best season: April to October
Waymarked: Not consistently
Surface: Mixed natural surface
Dogs: Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access: Not accessible
Entrance fee: No fee recorded
Camping: Follow park rules
Drinking water: Carry your own
Toilets: Not recorded
Mobile coverage: Generally usable
Parking: Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency: 112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery: 100/100
Adventure: 96/100
Difficulty: 100/100
Accessibility: 13/100
Family: 0/100
Dogs: 55/100

Tips from the trail

Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
Break the route into stages and decide your turnaround time before you set off.
Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in France are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
Weatherproof jacket
At least 1.5 litres of water
Trekking poles for the descent
Offline map and compass
Head torch and spare battery
Extra warm layer
Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
Real food, not just snacks

Photography

Shoot the first hour after sunrise from the higher ground: the low angle picks out every ridge and the valleys still hold mist. Because it is a loop, the light changes direction as you go, so save some memory for the back half. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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