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Provence – Summits and Secrets
This self-guided holiday is a keen mountain walkers dream, with moderate to strenuous summits of 3000 to 6000 feet. It also provides the best overall view of all that makes Provence what it is…
For E600 per person based in our Gite, you can explore the mountains of Provence, an unspoilt corner famous for its ancient hilltop villages, wine, lavender, fruit, truffles, herbs and olives. Centrally based, each 5 to 6 hour daily walk combines moderate to strenuous ascents up to 700m and numerous summits up to 2000m, with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, plus a chance to see, smell and taste the ingredients that make Provence so special – from European vultures, eagles, deer, chamois, wild boar, wines, cheeses, olives and traditional Provencal fare. The paths are rocky underfoot at times, so good footwear is essential. Includes walks, tours, bed, breakfast, some picnic lunches and
2 evening meals. |
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| Provence mountain scenes |
2012 DATES (Saturday PM to Saturday AM - 7 nights accommodation and 6 days of activities) 10 - 17
March; 7 – 14 April;
8 to 15 Sept Other dates available on request (minimum of 4).
E600 self-guided, per person is based on 2 to 4 clients in our Gite,
or for larger groups of 5 to 10 from E720 in our guesthouse in Valreas. Single supplement E175. TRANSFERS from Nimes and Avignon regional airports and Avignon TGV Station is by prior arrangement. If you are using Marseille airport there is a regular direct rail link to Avignon.
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Provence mountain scene
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Accommodation and meals: Our comfortable self-contained Provencal styled Gite in Vinsobres is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields, and provides privacy for 4 adults, each with their own bathroom facilities, plus a full size kitchen, large lounge with satellite TV, DVD, books and games. The large private swimming pool amongst the beautiful garden setting is refreshing and relaxing at anytime, but especially after the days’ activities! A ‘welcome basket’, continental breakfast and some evening meals are provided. Larger groups will enjoy the delightful guesthouse in Valreas, run by an Anglo-French couple, Mike and Chantal. Bedrooms have ensuites, and there is a comfortable lounge with TV. It is only 5 minutes walk into the town for that evening drink, or the local weekly market. Their pool is set in a lovely garden, and meals are taken on the terrace. Chantal is an expert Provencal cook, so look forward to some very appetizing meals with wine included. Itinerary OVERVIEW We can also help with accommodation if you wish to extend your stay.
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Day 1 Saturday. Meet your hosts at our Gite or guesthouse in time for tea at 5pm. After a welcoming drink there is plenty of time to settle in before your evening meal. |
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Day 2 Sunday. This morning we begin around 9am for a walk on the Dentelles de Montmirail, home to dramatic needles and ridges, pine forest and vineyards of the famous Gigondas wine. Our walk starts at a high Col with views of the dramatic spires of the Dentelles. After a short climb the rocky path follows the base of the rock face through oak, scented pines and masses of wild thyme. During this phase, if you wish, you can also scramble to the summit of the Turks Lookout. Our path then emerges to reveal outstanding views over the Rhone Valley and across to the Ardeche. A gentle path then leads to our picnic spot with views over the Massif and looking to the ‘giant of Provence’, Mont Ventoux at 1900m. Throughout this holiday the famous Mont Ventoux is ever present. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, it has unique plants and ecosytem. Ferocious winds have scoured the summit area leaving stark white limestone scree or rock fields. But also an intimidating area when the Mistral wind blows, often up to 100km per hour. After lunch we descend through masses of flowering broom into a delightful forest, the home of many wild boar. Waiting in the valley is our vehicle, to take us to Gigondas for a drink and possibly a degustation, before driving back to Valreas via the very attractive fortified Provencal village of Seguret. Seguret's name is derived from the latin 'securitas', or secure. The area around the fountain is a must for artists. Distance 7km/5hrs with stops. |
| Day 3 Monday. Today is a mountain day, with a superb Alp views and a summit ridge walk up the Mielandre at 1351 metres. It begins with a 30 minute drive, deep into the mountains of northern Provence, the home of chamois, wild boar, deer, European vultures and a variety of eagles. The walk starts from a high Col and leads up through shady forest to a traverse path overlooking the mountain and valley farms. After a short, rocky step the path contours around and up to a grassy mountain slope with stunning views north to the Vercors and west towards the Massif Central. On reaching the summit ridge a broad grassy slope leads to the real summit with steep drops to the north. The spectacular snow covered Alps offer a photographic panorama during our picnic lunch break. Our return decent follows a maze of little paths on the other side of the mountain with more breathtaking views of this divine area. Distance 12km/6hrs with stops. . Day 4 Tuesday. The ridge walk today begins at small historical and photogenic village of Buis les Baronnies, centre for herb production in the region, so we pass many of the Provencal plants, while wandering up through small orchards and olive groves to a sheltered spot on the ridge that contains St Julian Cliffs. Dropping our rucksacks near these rocks, those who wish to, can ascend to the top of the crag via a series of chimneys and cracks. All very easy. Enjoy the superb views over the medieval town of Buis. Continuing, we head along the ridge leading to our picnic lunch spot with stunning views of the Ventoux Massif. After lunch our descent takes us through attractive forest with many signs of wild boar that inhabit the area. We even enjoy a short break at an old chapel before heading back to the base of St Julian and our vehicle. As the sunsets the St Julian rocks glow a dramatic orange and red. Back in Buis there is time to explore the 12th Century colonnaded shops and a cool drink before returning to our accommodation. Distance 12km, 400m ascent/6hrs with stops. |
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Day 5 Wednesday. Today’s mountain walk up Cougoir at 1214m, is pleasant and varied, passing through forest onto a scenic rocky ridge leading to a sharp summit. Initially, the walk is steep, but once we hit the traverse path to the Col leading to the summit, it is much easier. Many deer are seen here too. The open rocky, but easy ridge leads to a delightful summit. After reaching this real pointed summit, with drops all round, our path then continues across to a sheltered grassy dell where lunch can be fully enjoyed. The descent contours the base of the mountain via a myriad of shepherd and mule tracks back to our starting point. On the way home we stop in Nyons, for a stroll through the town, including visits to the local family run olive mill and lavender and herb distillery. Distance 15km, 400m ascent/6hrs with stops.
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Day 6 Thursday. Today begins with a leisurely morning at the colourful and tasty Nyons Markets. Here you can buy your Provencal presents, taste the fresh fruit, olives, pate and meats. Sit under the plain trees with a cold drink and watch the world go by, or relax in one of the many surrounding cafes and view the true Provence life. But don’t forget to buy your own picnic today at the markets! Our afternoon begins with a 30 minute drive takes us to a totally different part of Provence, the Gorge de St May, with its rugged cliffs, dramatic gorges and a plateau covered in lavender and thyme. The superb cliffs are also home to a colony of European Vultures. These dramatic birds with a 3-metre wingspan soar and swoop directly in front of our 'ringside' cliff top seats. A plateau among the lavender fields, and the outstanding views of the surrounding mountains, make a fabulous setting for our picnic lunch table. Distance 5kms/3.5hrs with stops. |
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Day 7 Friday. Today we climb the peak d’resistance, Mont Ventoux at 1900m, the giant of the Provence, covering a great chunk of northern Provence. It hums with wildlife, chamois, boar, deer, mouflon, eagles and snakes, although much of it is elusive! Don’t worry too much, we rarely see the latter. Our walk begins in a hidden valley crammed with cherry and apricot orchards near Beaumont du Ventoux. The varied path wends its way up through deciduous forest, Provencal pine and then suddenly enters Alpine forest and meadows, covered in wild flowers during spring. Here we enjoy our picnic lunch, lying on the soft grass under the shade of old pines, with the summit of Mont Ventoux looming far above us, stark, windswept and glowing in the sun. After lunch, it’ll be almost another 2 hours on the meandering mountain path before we reach the summit. The path follows the shoulder of the mountain, providing continuous panoramic views of the whole Alps. From the summit we will also view all the mountains we have been on this week. Our descent is easy, and within an hour we will back at the local ski slope where our vehicle will be waiting. A truly fascinating and awe-inspiring day. Suitably tired, you are then driven back to your accommodation for a good rest by the pool, before tonight enjoying aperitifs and a special farewell meal. Distance 12kms, 900m ascent/6hrs with stops.
Day 8 Saturday. This morning we bid farewell by 9am. If applicable transfers to Avignon or Nime airports, or Avignon TGV Station are arranged.
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Day 8. Depart after breakfast for Avignon/Marseille/Nimes.
For bookings or enquiries phone us on 0033 475 276 829 or mobile 0033 678 554 023 Email: Francetrek@aol.com www.Francetrek.com
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