The GR 965 Sur les Pas des Huguenots is a long-distance trek that literally retraces the history and footsteps of the exiled Huguenots, the Protestants who left southern France in the 17th century to find lands more favorable to their religion, after Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes.
Following in the footsteps of the Huguenots, the GR965 Sur les Pas des Huguenots route starts from Poët-Laval in the Drôme and continues as far as Bad Karlshafen in Germany. It crosses the Trièves from Col de Menée to Pont de Cognet, passing through Le Percy, Prébois and Mens. It takes in Trièves landscapes, including villages rich with heritage.
The Huguenots History
In 1598, France’s King Henri IV signed the Edict of Nantes, an act of tolerance that allowed Protestants freedom of worship, thus making room for a religious minority. In 1685, the King of France, Louis XIV, revoked this edict. Prohibitions and persecutions followed, leading to some 200,000 Protestant migrating to Switzerland, Germany, England and Holland, where Protestantism flourished. In the Dauphiné region, where Protestantism was strong, many left, notably for Switzerland and Germany.
In addition to hiking, the “Sur les Pas des Huguenots” initiative aims to highlight Protestant heritage. It also seeks to draw parallels between a historical subject and contemporary history, notably through the themes of exile and tolerance, to raise positive awareness of our European and global citizenship. This trail represents a true cultural itinerary that encourages reflection during the time out offered by hiking.
Trail Stages in the Trièves
The GR965 Sur les Pas des Huguenots traverses the Trièves in four stages : Les Nonières-Le Percy, Le Percy-Mens, Mens-Saint Jean d’Hérans and Saint Jean d’Hérans-La Mure. The association Sur les Pas des Huguenots website provides all the information you need to organise your itinerary
A Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre topoguide is also available.