GR3, Source and Gorges of the Loire

No need to go to the other side of the world to get away from it all: the GR 3 Source and gorges of the Loire guarantees great adventures to live in harmony with nature, just 1h15 from Lyon!
From source to Mount Gerbier de Rush in Ardèche, the path crosses the Haute-Loire passing by the Puy-en-Velay and joined Saint-Just Saint-Rambert north of Lake Grangent. The Loire here is wild and young: a tumultuous river with steep approaches alternate with passages in wide plains and calm and soothing expanses.

Back to basics guaranteed by walking along the GR 3 "Source and gorges of the Loire", the oldest GR route in France!

All the information to prepare your GR

From Lyon or Saint-Etienne, get on a train with your bag on your back and access the GR when you get off at the station. You plan to hike on the GR 3 or schedule a few stages: nothing could be simpler!

gr3-source-gorges-de-la-loire — GR 3 source & gorges of the Loire
Jeremy Mazet

Practical Guide

From 2 to 12 days of hiking
GR 3 and 302
White and red signage
From Mont-gerbier and Jonc to Saint-Just Saint-Rambert
Marking right bank / left bank of the river
Stages accessible and possible by train, stations in Saint-Etienne, Aurec-sur-Loire, Bas-Monistrol, Pont de Lignon, Retournac, Puy-en-Velay.
Topoguide available in bookstores, in our Tourist Offices and on sale here.
Application "Hiking in Haute-Loire” is free to download and accompanies you along your journey.

Check train schedules

Favorable period from April to October!

Spring and autumn are very pleasant and green seasons. Summer can be difficult due to the heat, indeed, some sections are quite low in altitude and the high temperatures do not facilitate hiking.

Luggage transport

The mail box, the essential service for traveling light: transporting luggage, returning travellers! Get in touch to find out about all the possibilities on the GR 3!

The Mailbox

Selected moments along the way

OTIMVR

Château de Rochebaron

Live a real immersion in the heart of the remains of a castle in Haute-Loire, 1 hour from Lyon and 30 minutes from Saint-Etienne. A place of preservation of heritage and natural species, timeless, reveals all its secrets...

Michel.Durand

Le Plateau de la Madeleine

A magnificent view awaits you at the top of the Madeleine plateau. A breathtaking view of the Loire Valley, Meygal, Mont Mouchet, the Cévennes, the Alps….

OTIMVR

Parc de la biodiversité

The biodiversity park is one of the emblematic sites of the natural heritage of Haute-Loire. The site is on old gravel pits, occupied by ponds along the river. It is the place of life and nesting of many birds.

LOIRE SEMENE

Passerelles du Saut du Chien

From the Aurec-sur-Loire leisure centre, walk along the banks of the Loire for about 2km to the Saut du Chien rock, then take the now famous footbridge over the river! This simple, uneven route is accessible to everyone.

Joint Syndicate for the Development of the Loire Gorges

Château d’Essalois, Centre d’Interprétation des Gorges de la Loire

Standing on a rocky outcrop, the castle offers a 360° panorama. Hiking trails allow you to explore the site. Inside, discover the Interpretation Center of the Gorges de la Loire, an educational space on the heritage of this site

Saint-Etienne Tourism & Conventions

Maison de la Réserve naturelle régionale des Gorges de la Loire

In Saint-Étienne there are “greens” and “le vert” and here, it's much more than a color! They cultivate an art of living in harmony with the surrounding nature. Need proof? Head to the Gorges de la Loire Nature Reserve.

Luc Olivier / Haute-Loire Tourist Office

Le Puy-en-Velay, Patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO

Located in the south-east of the Massif Central, the starting point of the "Via Podiensis" to Santiago de Compostela, Puy en Velay is above all an exceptional site. Preserved from the ravages of time, the city has many surprises in store for visitors.

Frederique Gramayze

Le Mont Gerbier de Jonc

The Loire has its cradle at the foot of this astonishing natural belvedere 1551 m high. The ascent will allow you, after 30 minutes of climbing, to admire a 360° panorama. On a clear day, you will be able to see the whiteness of Mont Blanc.