In Bonnevaux, discoveries range from a challenging circular hike to Cévenol hamlet architecture and the Romanesque Church of Saint Théodorit. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between these different highlights: the hiking routes each have their own character, while the church and villages appeal to cultural interests in architecture and local character.
Hiking: Circular Trail, Hamlet Route and High Plateau
“Les drailles perdues” is listed as a difficult 11.6-kilometre circular hike. Both the ascent and descent are 575 metres; the route starts and ends in Bonnevaux. The views described along the way include Mont Lozère, the Monts du Vivarais, the Rhône Valley and Mont Ventoux. This gives you specific points of reference when weighing the distance and elevation gain against your plans for the day. Route conditions and measurements may change; check the latest description before setting out.
To access “Les drailles perdues,” there is a car park at the entrance to Bonnevaux on the route de la Devèze. As parking arrangements can change, it is a good idea to check the information again before your hike. One section of the route runs from La Garde de Dieu to the Menhir de Cessenades. This is a distinct waypoint on the tour; the route description explicitly links these two places.
Other hiking options highlight different aspects of the area. The “Hameaux de Bonnevaux” route passes through the village to the Croix de Nojaret, then continues through typical Cévenol villages and hamlets away from motorised traffic. The first stage of the GR® de Pays Haute Vallée de la Cèze crosses the Bonnevaux plateau at an elevation of more than 900 metres. These descriptions have different focuses: the “Les drailles perdues” circular hike comes with a stated difficulty and elevation gain, while the Hameaux route focuses on villages and hamlets.
Hamlets and Architecture
Nojaret is a hamlet in Bonnevaux. Its Cévenol architecture includes stone houses, courtyards and outbuildings, as well as a fountain, a livestock watering trough and a béal. These details give the hamlet a distinctive architectural character and add an interest in the built environment to the hiking options. The hamlet route and Nojaret are described as separate topics: the “Hameaux de Bonnevaux” route leads to the Croix de Nojaret, while the architectural features are associated with Nojaret.
The landscape is also one of Bonnevaux’s defining features: its fauna and flora are preserved, and chestnut groves cover most of the commune. Together with its hamlets and church, this offers several ways to explore the destination, without suggesting that every hike tells the same story about its landscape or architecture. Those exploring the region primarily on foot can use the stated route details as a guide; visitors interested in architecture will find specific features at Nojaret and the church.
Church and Cultural Programme
The Church of Saint Théodorit is a Romanesque building dating from the 11th century. Its nave is made of schist, and its pillars are sandstone. Eleven carved heads adorn the exterior, alongside a comb-style bell tower. The church’s style, materials and exterior details make it a clearly defined destination: those interested in Romanesque architecture will find information about both its construction and striking features on the outside.
The programme of L’Été de Bonnevaux also brings together several art forms. For 2026, the Petit théâtre de pierre at Col du Péras is listed as a venue; the programme includes music, theatre, clowning and singing. Check the programme again for future editions. This keeps cultural planning tied to the relevant edition, rather than assuming that one year’s programme will carry over to future events.
Planning Your Stay
If you are looking for a hotel in Bonnevaux, you can start by deciding which of the destination’s described attractions you want to shape your stay: a challenging circular hike with stated elevation figures, routes through villages and hamlets, or architecture and culture. When planning hikes, the stated route details and current route information are the key points of reference; for the cultural programme, check the relevant edition.
Discover more destinations: Conqueyrac, La Rouvière, Deaux, Caissargues, Lirac, Mandagout, Clarensac, La Roque-Sur-Cèze.
For the regional travel overview: Gard.
