Coastal walking in France from your Mediterranean base at Grande Motte.
Key Facts
1. Theme
Arguably one of our healthiest walking tours in France is centred on Europe’s greenest coastal resort, La Grande Motte. It was constructed in the seventies with the good life in mind. This architectural gem is the ideal springboard for some coastal hiking in France. Explore the many splendours of The Petit Camargue and the coastal strip bordering the Golfe du Lion.
There is nowhere better for pumping sea air into your lungs and walking coastal path, river bank, canal and lagoon in search of some of the Region's fine wildlife: white horse, black bull and emblematic pink flamingo. Fine beaches, multi-sports facilities and excellent seafood restaurants abound, whilst your visit to Montpellier and Arles will reveal some of the most inspired architecture that man has gifted the Earth.
Le Grande Motte is endowed with some excellent sports facilities and opportunities: river and sea fishing; yachting, barging, rowing and power-boating; first class golf course and tennis facilities; indoor and outdoor aqua park and horse-riding. This list is not exhaustive and coaching opportunities are available if you fancy improving your skills or techniques in any of these sporting pursuits.
Now see our article on The Grande Motte.
See also our walking France holiday entitled Hiking in the Camargue.
Useful background information on Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer can be found here.
2. Model 7-night walking tour in France: Hiking Petite Camargue
Day 1. La Grande Motte.
Arrival at your hotel or apartment and get your barings vis-à-vis the town centre and esplanade.
Day 2. La Grande Motte. 10 kms-6.5 miles.
3-mile walk to acquaint you with the 70’s chic architecture and varied verdure of La Grande Motte, including the Marina. Afternoon options include a familiarisation walk around the western Couchant area or a drive to Aigues-Mortes and an urban hike around the medieval walled cité. There's also the option of visiting France's largest wine domaine and home of Vins des Sables.
Day 3. Vidroule and Lagoon
3-mile hike, or longer option, around coastal lagoon and along the banks of one of France’s most tempestuous rivers. After lunch here's the chance to visit Le Grau du Roi fishing port.
Day 4. Saintes Maries de la Mer. 8 kms-5 miles.
This walk takes you along beach and over dune, along canal, past lagoon and dyke and offers opportunities to see flamingos, grey herons, cormorants and gulls as well as fishermen and their catches of clams - and the chance of a dip. Later on, another 3.5 km/2 mile trail, taking around 2 hours to walk, crossing pastures, crops, marsh land and reed beds, with their bird life, which can be seen from an observation post.
Day 5. Les Portes du Vidourle. 6 kms-4 miles.
Hike along dreamy pathways, canal and across woodland, with only the occasional barge to break the song of the herons.
Day 6. Gallician. 10 kms-6.5 miles.
Immerse yourself in a taurine world of marshland and reed on the banks of two Rhône canals
Day 7. Montpellier. Various urban walk options from 5 miles-8kms.
Park up and ride the glorious tramway into the heartland of this Mediterranean masterpiece.
From the banks of the Lez, you walk through the Antigone: 50 hectares of classical Greco-Roman urban styling of monumental stature. You'll see the Arc de Triomphe and Peyrou gardens before making your way through the narrow lanes of the ‘Arab quarter’. A delightful introduction to one of the Mediterranean's best kept secrets.
Day 8. End of your hiking in France.
Au revoir et à bientôt.
Notes:
1. As part of our policy of continual review and improvement, we reserve the right to make alterations to our walking tours in France.
2. All of our hiking tours in France give you the option to use your own car at a discounted rate.
3. Accommodation
You stay in one hotel or studio apartment only on this tour. It's thus ideal for those seeking a single base from which to do your walking in France and exploration of the Petite Camargue, reducing driving to an absolute minimum.
For those prefering a self-catering option, the quoted price is based on a standard studio apartment, suitable for up to 3 adults or a couple with two young children sleeping in bunk beds.
4. What's Included
- 7 nights accommodation in a comfortable self-contained studio apartment suitable for two adults with two small children, or bed and breakfast in a comfortable 2-star hotel, with en suite facilities, private parking, out-door pool and all taxes;
- One week’s small car hire;
- Tailored walks to suit your needs and capacity;
- Walking France Insight Notes™ that make orientation simple;
- Themed vacation dossier;
- Comprehensive travel notes & logistical information;
- Cultural ‘What’s on’ information;
- Emergency telephone help-line service with British assistance.
Note: there is a returnable deposit of €400.00 required for the apartment option as security against any damage caused to the property during stays.
5. Prices 2009
A. Studio Apartment option: POA
B. 2-star hotel option
1 April to 30 September
- Price per person based on 2 persons sharing:
£540.00 or €620.00 or $795.00.
- Price per person without hire car:
£470.00 or €540.00 or $695.00.
- Single person rate:
£895.00 or €1040.00 or $1355.00
- Single person rate without hire car:
£755.00 or €880.00 or $1155.00.
1 October to 31 March
- Price per person based on 2 persons sharing:
£395.00 or €465.00 or $595.00.
- Price per person without hire car:
£325.00 or €385.00 or $495.00.
- Single person rate:
£625.00 or €695.00 or $945.00
- Single person rate without hire car:
£485.00 or €535.00 or $745.00.
Click to go to Booking and Costs
Thanks to Juan Perez for the use of the beautiful flamingo photo above.
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