The GR 42 is a spectacular 450 km long-haul path winding from the rugged heights of the Massif Central to the wild wetlands of the Camargue. Starting in Saint‑Étienne, an emblem of 19ᵉ-century industry, you immediately enter the Pilat Regional Nature Park, where oak and conifer forests, as well as alpine flora like arnica and martagon lilies, paint a vivid ecological tapestry.
As you descend, the trail shifts into the “balcons du Rhône”, offering dramatic vantage points over the Rhône valley, vineyards, historic villages like Tournon-sur-Rhône, and landmarks like Château de Crussol. Continuing south, the terrain transitions from verdant vineyards and orchards to the open expanse of Camargue wetlands, alive with bullocks, wild horses, and flamboyantly pink flamingos.
The trail culminates in Beaucaire, near the Mediterranean coast—having linked mountains, river valleys, historic towns and seaside landscapes all in one continuous, under-appreciated corridor.
For detailed trail info, see the excellent overview on GR‑Infos: https://www.gr-infos.com/gr42.htm.
