Meeting with Michel Portalez

The Cévennes and the Causses are also ideal destinations for longer hikes. The GR 60®, which connects the Aubrac plateau to Languedoc, passing through Mont Aigoual and the Hérault valley, is one of the many wonderful adventures. These are beautiful journeys that unfold at a leisurely pace, revealing the most unique features of the region at the rhythm of walking. We met Michel Portalez, a volunteer trail marker with the French Hiking Federation in the Gard department.

How did you become a trail marker?

I've been hiking a lot since I was young, and I've walked the various routes to Santiago de Compostela eight times. I've done a lot of hiking in the Pyrenees and Corsica.
Upon retiring in 2012, I decided to contribute and become a trail marker. I completed the training and initially marked the Ranc de Banes, then the GR 60®. Since I'm originally from Pont d'Hérault, I mark the entire section of this trail up to Mandagout.

What are the specific features of the GR 60®?

The first distinctive feature of the GR® is a drovers' road that I knew as a child, where I used to see herds passing by. It has a truly historical aspect and is of crucial importance in relation to the theme of agropastoralism in the Causses and Cévennes.
Moreover, the path is still used for transhumance. What is interesting is that this path can connect two routes of the Way of St. James, because there is the Arles route which passes through Montpellier, and the Le Puy route which passes through the Aubrac.
Another distinctive feature of this GR® is the diversity of its landscapes: the gorges, the Cévennes valleys, the views of the Causses, the passage to Aigoual, through the forests… Because it crosses, of course, a large part of the Cévennes National Park.

What were your favorite spots along the route?

I have many favorite spots. First, in the Hérault region, there's Pic Saint Loup, of course, and then the Thaurac plateau. In the Gard region, there's this fabulous panorama of La Toureille, and the tomb of André Chamson and his wife Lucie Mazauric, even though it's not officially on the route but 50 meters away.

The panoramic views from the Aigoual weather station and the Hort de Dieu arboretum are prime locations for long-distance hiking. Furthermore, it's reasonable to assume that the GR 60® trail played a role in the reforestation of Aigoual, as Georges Fabres and Charles Flahault used to hike from Montpellier to Aigoual in their time.

Any tips on how to practice it?

The most important advice I can give you is to have the route map to plan your trip and calculate your stages. On some sections, it's difficult to find accommodation. Some local hosts can be accommodating and will pick you up near the trail and drop you off the next day; don't hesitate to ask.

There's a difficult section on this trail: from Col des Vieilles to Cap de Coste. It's very steep; it's the toughest part I know. In any case, don't set off on a GR® trail without having planned your trip.

Don't hesitate to contact the local branches of the French Hiking Federation or the Tourist Offices; they will always be able to offer helpful advice. The Cévennes National Park also provides excellent advice for hikers and informs you about the rules to follow within its core area.