Hiking Provence-Gard [L]

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1. Theme
2. 7-night hiking tour programme
3. Accommodation
4. What's Included
5. Prices 2010
6. Booking

Hiking Provence-Gard is one of our most popular walking tours in France. It optimises light, self-guided hiking and independent travel in and around the lower reaches of the beautiful Ceze Valley.

Hiking Provence-Gard is simply the best way to enjoy the delights of this most picturesque of valleys.The sixteen villages that compose the commune of 'Valcezard' are either huddled in the bottom of the valley or perched on the top of steep-sided hills. During your walks, you gain fascinating insights into these villages, the character of the Ceze Valley and Ardeche Gorge.

The tour culminates in the exploration of Uzes, the region’s most enigmatic town, and its hinterland as few others see it. No hiking tour in Provence is complete without a hike across and around France’s most magnificent aquaduct – The Roman Pont du Gard. Yours tour is complete!

See our article on rambling in Provence-Gard

Day 1. Montclus.

Arrival and hotel check-in at this 'castled' village. Both are classified as historical monuments. Early arrivals can enjoy the pool, a 90-minute walk to one of the winding Valley’s greatest vantage points or do a spot of fishing or lavender appreciating.
Night near Montclus.

Day 2. The Venice of Provence. 5.5 miles-9 kms.

You climb to a fortified village with ramparts, feudal castle and twelfth century chapel, and outstanding views over the lower Ceze Valley. Then descend once again into the wonderful aromas of the Garrigue towards the enchanting 'Venice of Provence.'
Second night near Montclus.

Day 3. Roque sur Ceze. 4 miles-7 kms

You enjoy a bucolic hike in the hinterland of another fine hilltop village, before crossing the twelfth century Martel bridge and visiting some imposing waterfalls.
Night in Roque sur Ceze.

Day 4. Chartreuse de Valbone. 5 miles-8kms

Day 5. Gorge de l’Ardeche. 7 miles-11 kms.

Enjoy the marvels of this cliff-top experience with some unforgettable panoramic views.
Second night near St Martin d'Ardeche.

Day 6. Uzes and its Gorge. 10 miles-15kms.

Before you enjoy wending your way around the narrow streets and alleyways of this multi-faceted town, here is the chance to see it as very few others do. A delightful tour of the gorge that will reveal the source that fed the Pont du Gard, two castles, a bee farm and some memorable views of Uzes.
Night in Uzes.

Day 7. Pont du Gard. 11.5 miles-17 kms, with shorter version at 7.5 miles-11kms.

Commence the day at a tenth-century medieval village and walk the panorama that culminates in Pont du Gard and the Gardon Gorge. Then its up the hill to one of the prettiest Gard villages with its gourmet hotel and restaurant (much loved by Gerrard Depardieu) and a visit to perhaps the loveliest cemetery in Le Midi - a view that’s almost worth dying for!
Second night in Uzes.

Day 8. End of your hiking programme.

Au revoir et à bientôt.

3. Accommodations

The accommodation in this tour is of an exceptionally-high standard. You stay in four hotels/chambres d'hotes of real character. Your walking then starts and finishes from your hotel, or after a short drive in your car, for greater convenience.

These are your four overnight stops and the nights you stay in each one:
1. Montclus area - two nights;
2. Roque sur Ceze - one night;
3. near St Martin d'Ardeche - two nights;
3. Uzes - two nights.

4. What's Included

• 7 nights B & B in '3-star-standard' accommodations and local hotel taxes - leaving you free to purchase your meals according to your personal preferences and budget:
  relevant information is available in your dossier;
• Tailored walks to suit your needs and capacity;

• Walking Insight Notes™ that make orientation simple;
• Themed holiday dossier;
• Comprehensive travel notes & logistical information;
• Emergency telephone help-line service delivered by British nationals.

Click to go to Booking