Hiking in Provence [1] |
Ask us about our Hiking in Provence, Hikes in Provence: Enlightened Traveller |
|
Hiking in Provence between Ardeche and the remarkable Cèze valley.
Hiking in Provence is a combination of fine and gentle hikes in Provence across undulating Mediterranean lowland, with superior accommodation. You get to know and love the eastern reaches of the Ardeche Gorge and the lower reaches of the beautiful Ceze Valley.
Fact File:
-
Self-guided, light-hiking [rated 1]
-
4-night tour, starting in Pont-Saint-Esprit and ending in La Roque sur Ceze
-
Arrivals any day, April to end-September
-
Superior quality accommodation.
Please click through the headings below or simply scroll on down the page.
g) Prices
a) Theme
Hiking in Provence finds you enjoying the delights of the magnificent Ardeche Gorge and the picturesque Ceze valley. Enjoy light hiking along bucolic trails, with plenty to discover in between.
Hiking in Provence starts off in Pont St Esprit, at the confluence of The Rhone and the Ardeche rivers. You move westwards to discover the fruits of the famous gorge before discovering what lies in between - the fabulous forest of Valbonne and the district they call Valcezard in western Provence. Little known and explored by outsiders, it is much loved by the local cognoscenti, and that includes ourselves. The villages are either huddled in the bottom of the valley or perched on the top of sun-parched limestone hills and gorges. Either way, you make their acquaintance as part of the ensemble of fascinating insights you gain into the life and character of one of Provence's finest and most understated valleys.
b) Further Information
For other light hiking options in Provence, see:
c) Model Programme: Hiking in Provence
Day 1. Pont-Saint-Esprit.
Arrival at your starting point: "La Porte de la Provence," situated in the north of Le Gard, on the banks of The Rhône and the edge of Provence and Ardèche.
First night in Pont-Saint-Esprit.
Day 2 The Ardeche Gorge. [7.5 miles-11 kms, approx. 4 hrs, +140 ms -85 ms, with optional 3 hr extension down into the gorge itself, at 5 miles-8 kms, +200 ms -200 ms].
You start your week hiking The GR4 as it wends its way along the left bank of the Ardeche and up to the remarkable village of Aigueze, as if hewn out of the sides of the gorge itself. Night in Aigueze.
Day 3 The Forest of Valbonne. [8 miles-13 kms, approx. 4 hrs, +240 ms -125 ms]
A charming bucolic hike as you meander through the Valbonne forest en route to the impressive site of the Carthusian monastery. Enjoy its majestic aura, take the free tour of the site, and perhaps a short botanical walk around its perimeter. Night at La Chartreuse.
Day 5 The Sautadet Falls. [8.5 miles-13.5 kms, approx. 4 hrs, +100 ms -235 ms]
You discover the fascinating Sautadet ‘waterfalls’ en route to the imposing hilltop village of Roque. ‘Flaneur’ through its ‘ruelles’ and imbibe its rich ambiance. Night in Roque-sur-Ceze.
Day 5. End of a memorable hiking tour in Provence
Breakfast and departure - can we arrange a taxi for you?
 
d) Access 
Pont-Saint-Esprit is located within easy striking distance of Avignon, with Nimes your next best option.
You can arrive by TGV train and bus, or we can collect you from Avignon or Nimes.
e) Accommodation
The standard of accommodations in this short walking tour has been selected to provide the optimum mix of character and comfort. You stay in the following places:
-
One night in Pont-Saint-Esprit
-
One night in Augueze
-
One night on the historic site of the Chartreuse de Valbonne
-
One night in La Roque sur Ceze
The standard of your accommodations is as follows:
• one 3-star hotel,
• one two-star residence
• hotel de tourisme on the classified and protected Chartreuse de Valbonne site, and
• one fine 3-star equivalent chambres d'hotes.
f) What's included
Included
-
4 nights B & B, plus hotel taxes
-
Luggage transfers integral to the programme
- Hiking Insight Notes™ that empower & make orientation easy
-
1:25,000 scale maps and themed vacation dossier
-
Entrance to the Chartreuse de Valbonne site
- Emergency telephone help-line service with local British backup
-
Loan of mobile phone where required - subject to availability.
Not included
g) Prices 2010: Hiking in Provence
Price per person based on 2 persons £325.00 or €360.00
sharing double room
Single person rate: On demand
|
|
|