Hike the Camisard Rebellion and essential Protestant Heritage
Hike France's Huguenots Trails is a unique, self-guided drive-hike tour on the theme of the 18th century War of Religion that engulfed the whole of western Provence and eastern Languedoc. Your hikes in France are light and enjoyable in themselves, whilst the theme empowers you learn about this regretable period in French history lest we forget.
Fact File:
- A self-guided trip, with moderate hikes
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A drive-hike tour, in your car or your hire car, starting in Alès
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Seven nights, with six days of hikes in France, and arrivals any day, all year round.
a) Theme
Hike France's Huguenots Trails is one of our key heritage walking holidays in France. It is a fascinating opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the Protestants who fought a short and bloody war for 'religious freedom' in and around The Cevennes at the beginning of the 18th Century.
Three centuries ago, The Cevennes was the location for the world’s first guerilla war and resulting mass clearings akin to ethnic cleansing. Whilst entrepreneurial Protestants were forced to remain, the repression led to a mass exodus that took the industrious Huguenots to Northern Europe and the New World in search of peace, prosperity and freedom of thought.
The fight for religious freedom from the centralising tendencies of the French Catholic State pitted the Royalist ‘Black Dragons’ of Louis XIV against the 'rebel' Camisards of Jean Cavalier. For some, the scars and memories still remain and continue to mark life in the Cevennes and Nimes' garrigue today.
These historical hikes in France take you to the main locations, monuments, sanctuaries and vestiges, enabling you to learn about the principal events and personalities of the 'Camisard War' that made news all over Europe three hundred years ago.
b) Further Information
- This hiking tour in France in the Cevennes is also available as:
Protestant uprising in the Cevennes & The Cevennes: a Labyrinth of Hills.
c) Model Programme: Hike France's Huguenots Trails
Day 1. Alès.
Arrival and hotel check-in to the Protestant stronghold in the Cevennes foothills.
Night in Alès.
Day 2. The Jouany Trail. 5 miles-8 kms, with longer option.
Short drive to Genolhac, and walk the town of Jouany, home and resting place of the Camisard Chief for The High Cevennes. Then hike a memorable Camisard trail, and two villages with many a tale of religious persecution to tell, before visiting the imposing Portes Castle.
Night near Portes Castle.
Day 3. War Breaks Out. 7 miles-10.5 kms.
The Abbot of Chaïla was assassinated at Pont de Monvert on July 24, 1702, marking the beginning of the war. Visit the location after a stimulating walk over hill, through vale and charming hamlet.
Night in Pont de Monvert.
Day 4. The Battle of Chompdomergue. Options from 2.5 miles-4 kms.
Walk the battlefield, where Jean Cavalier, future leader of the Camisards, won his spurs and visit a village that was cleared of its inhabitants even before battle commenced.
Night in Collet de Deze.
Day 5. La Piéce de Résistance. 8 miles-12 kms with shorter options.
A fine walk through Camisard Country culminates in a visit to one the key heritage sites of Cevennes culture - Mas-Soubeyran or Le Musée du Désert, home to ‘Roland’, leader of the Camisards.
Night near Anduze.
Day 6. Sauve Falls. 6.5 miles–10kms
On 27 December 1702, the Protestants took the town of Sauve. When you witness its size, you will start to understand the magnitude of the conflict. A fine short and scenic hike round its hinterland is also included.
Second night near Anduze.
Day 7. The Fight for Martignargues. 9.5 miles–15 kms, with shorter option.
On 14 March 1704, The Camisards won a crushing victory here over the crème de la crème of Royal troops. This visit is just part of a splendid walk that takes in part of the medieval Regordane Way as well as the hill-perched Vezenobre, the regional home of the fig.
Night in Vezenobres.
Day 8. The Conflict Ends.
And so does a memorable walking holiday in France! Return to railway station or airport. Au revoir et à bientôt!
d) Access
To enjoy this hiking trip, and if arriving by plane or train, the easiest and most convenient access is via Avignon, Montpellier or Nimes airport or TGV railway stations.
Marseille is an alternative..
If bringing your own car, the A7 to Nimes is the best entry route.
Note: this programme is available as one of our group walking holidays in France and a self-guided trek, each with its own all-inclusive transport solution.
e) Accommodation
You stay:
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One night in Ales
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One night near Portes/Genholac
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One night in Pont de Montvert
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One night in Collet de Deze
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Two nights near Anduze
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One night in Vezenobres.
Your accommodation is:
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Five 2-star character hotels, three with outdoor swimming pools
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One comfortable 1-star character hotel
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All are family-run, with en-suite facilities.
f) What's included in Hike France's Huguenots Trails
Included
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7 nights B & B in six different family-run, character hotels
- Tour briefing on arrival & departure
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Hiking Insight Notes™ that empower & make orientation easy
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Themed vacation dossier
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Comprehensive travel notes & logistical information;
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Emergency telephone help-line service with local British backup
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Loan of mobile phone where required - subject to availability
Not included
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Remaining meals
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Car hire, insurance or gas/petrol
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Personal expenses
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Travel and entrances to optional cultural visits and sightseeing programme
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Travel, walking and personal insurance
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Single rooms – unless booking at single person rate
g) Prices 2010: walking holidays in France - France's Huguenots Trails
Price per person based on 2 persons sharing: £575.00 or €640.00 or $965.00
Single person rate: POA