Additional Information and Practical Guidelines

Pat Heffron

Pat is a qualified mountaineer, holding the Mountain Instructors Certificate and the European Mountain Leaders Award. He has over 30years experience of adventure leadership and is a qualified diver, skier, canoeist, rock climber and mountain biker. He is married with two sons, both of whom live and work in the USA. They are both married to Americans and live in Atlanta and Connetticut respectively.

GRADINGS:

The holidays are graded easy/Moderate/Difficult for walkers:

Easy holidays involve 3 to 5 hrs walks with moderate ascents.

Moderate walks are slightly longer but with ascents of up to 2000ft  on rougher tracks.

Difficult walks involve 5 to 8 hrs walks with ascents and descents occasionally of 2 to 3000ft.

All the holidays are within the capabilities of the average hill walker and age is NOT a problem. A 74yr gentleman did the Tour of Mont Blanc with me in 2000.

ACCOMMODATION

We have a comfortable, centrally heated guesthouse close to the village of Vinsobres, about 8km from Nyons. We provide both gite apartment and guesthouse type accommodation. The villa has a pool and the setting is one of lavender fields and vineyards. The hotels we use are all family run with ensuite bedrooms and excellent restaurants. They are normally 2 to 3 star and are highly recommended by past clients.

MEALS

Most of the time we arrange suppers in our local restaurants as the food is so good. Final details of meals are provided with the detailed instructions available for each holiday. Breakfasts are continental .. Wine is provided with all our own meals but not in restaurants.

TRANSPORT and ACCESS.

We are very conveniently situated for access by AIR..Marseille is 1hr30 from us. Nimes is about the same . NICE is 3hrs by autoroute.Dont forget we provide transfers depending on the holiday .    By TRAIN..We are 1 hr from Avignon TGV Station..direct London Avignon trains ..and 40 mins from Montelimar for the Secrets holidays...By ROAD..We are 40 mins from the A6/7 ..Paris/Lyon/Aix/Nice Autoroute..

There are now many cheap airlines flying to all three airports but do also look at BA flights as they can be cheaper if booked well in advance.

For your comfort we provide a  deluxe minibus with cold drinks dispenser. Plenty of luggage space.

INSURANCE

When arranging insurance yourselves please ensure that you are covered for all the activities involved.  Also ensure that for all mountain holidays including the Provence walking that you are covered for mountain rescue.

SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION

We do have self catering accommodation available at times throughout the year. We can also provide details of campsites if you prefer to camp and make use of our tailor made holiday packages.