Walking France's essential Mediterranean lowland
Trails of the French Garrigue immerses you in the aromas and flavours of the undulating Mediterranean lowland. You literally smell that you are in the south of France and savour its magic from dawn to dusk - indulge four of your senses day-time, and your palate by night-time.
Walking France's garrigue thus sees you circling Mont Bouquet by day, and enjoying an AOC bouquet by night. It's the perfect light-hiking break available all-year-round, for you alone or accompanied by kindred spirits.
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Theme
Walking France's Garrigue is a delightful introduction to the life and times of one of southern France's most enduring of attractions: its Mediterranean lowland. It is a journey across undulating and picturesque terrain from Ales, at the foothills of the Cevennes mountains, to Moussac, a typical hill-top village along the Gardon Valley, half-way between 'Cevenol Ales' and Gallo-Roman Nimes.
Trails of the French Garrigue makes for one of those perfect short breaks that you dream of, and search Google for, every Monday morning. It is the perfect hiker-friendly walking break, ideal for lovers of light, bucolic hikes in picturesque, Mediterranean settings.
These moderate hikes can be walked throughout the Four Seasons, but are particularly attractive to those from Northern climes who seek sunshine, clear skies and low humidity levels in autumn and winter. Leave your crampons at home!
The terrain is undulating lowland, ideal for light walking holidays in France without muscle-wrenching ascents and knee-breaking descents. You rarely get above 200 metres and hike a series of hill-top villages stretched out along the Gardon Valley.
The history of The Garrigue is a fascinating one, with tales of medieval pilgrimages, religious conflict, war-time refuge and harsh economic cycles. It is an essentially human environment, and so perfect for short walks over long weekends either in your own perfect company, or perhaps with family and friends.
Further Information
c) Model short walking break: Trails of the French Garrigue
Day 1. Arrival in Alès.
Briefing in Alès, the gateway to The Cevennes and an interesting medium-size market town.
Night in Alès.
Day 2. Alès to Vezenobres. 8.5 miles-13 kms.
You follow the Gardon river before visiting St Hilaire en route to the Garrigue's finest medieval village.
Night in Vezenobres.
Day 3. Le Garrigue profond. 9.5 miles-14.5 kms.
A memorable circular walk to the site of a famous Camisard victory and the chance to visit two fine villages en route amidst vine, capitelles and cactus.
Second night in Vezenobres.
Day 4. Vezenobres to Moussac. 9.5 miles-14.5 kms.
The Gardon is extraordinarily wide at Ners with many a story to tell, and the fortified hamlet of Lascours has to be seen to be believed. The views over the Garrigue are splendid and the wine very much AOC.
Night near Moussac.
Day 5. End of your short hiking tour in France.
Au revoir et bonne retour.
d) Access
Your France hiking tour starts and finishes in Nimes. You are collected and returned to either Nimes airport ort SNCF station.
Access is also possible via Montpellier, Avignon or Marseille.
e) Accommodation - Trails of the French Garrigue
Three welcoming, comfortable and charming, family-run accommodations await you, incl. auberge, chambre d’hote and hotel.
You stay:
• One night in Ales
• Two nights in Vezenobres
• One night near Moussac
Your accommodation is:
An option to spend a night or two in a maison de village in a fortified hamlet also exists.
Note: this walking holiday in France is available all year round. Precise accommodation will vary according to season, but will be of the same standard.
f) What's included in Trails of the French Garrigue
Included
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4 nights B & B
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Collection and return to Nimes
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Luggage transfers and all transport integral to the programme
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Pre-tour briefing and post-tour de-briefing
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Cell-phone loan for non-Europeans if required, subject to availability
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Car parking in Ales for the duration of your walking tour where required*
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Hiking Insight Notes™ that empower & make orientation easy
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Themed vacation dossier
- Emergency telephone help-line service with local British backup.
Not included
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Remaining meals - packed lunches and dinners can be bought according to budet and taste en route - information is provided in your dossier annd at the pre-tour briefing.
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Personal expenses
- Travel, walking and personal insurance
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Single rooms – unless booking at single person rate
* Parking is at customer's risk.
g) Prices 2010: Trails of the French Garrigue
Price per person based on 2 persons sharing £420.00 or €465.00
room
Single person rate £685.00 or €760.00
Extra nights On Request