Short break France - Garrigue Trails [L]

Tour Highlights

Key Facts

• Four-night stay, with arrivals any day, all year round.
• Self-guided, light [L] walking and rambling.
• All-inclusive transport tour, commencing in Alès and finishing in Nimes;
• Easy access to Alès from Nimes via The Cevenol train in 40 minutes.
• Independent walking, full and discreet support.

Please click the headings below or scroll down.

1. Theme
2. Model 4-night tour: Garrigue Trails
3. Accommodation
4. What's Included
5. Prices 2010
6. Booking

1. Theme

Garrigue Trails is a short break that is suitable for all hikers and an ideal family-walking break. You are immersed in the aromas and flavours of the Mediterranean Garrigue, and you can literally smell that you are in the south of France - vines, olives, figs, camomile, thyme...

There's plenty to see as well as imbibe on the perfect walking experience for lovers of gentle bucolic trails, Mediterranean food and the landscape from whence it comes.

The main benefits of walking in the Garrigue are manifold:
Firstly, the climate is conducive to all-year-round hiking, especially in autumn and winter. So whilst the rest of Europe has its skis and snow boots on, you can walk the long and fine, sunshine-drenched autumn and winter afternoons in relatively-light clothing.

Secondly, the terrain is undulating lowland, perfect for hikers who enjoy a good walk without the excesses of ascents and descents.

Thirdly, the history of The Garrigue never seizes to fascinate, with many a tale of medieval meanderings, religious conflict, war-time grief and agricultural and environmental activity. It is an intensely human and inhabited environment, in contrast to some of the more remote adjoining areas. It thus offers you easy access and the perfect opportunity to enjoy a long weekend, or perhaps a short walking break, with the whole family or friends.

For hikers who enjoy bucolic walks alongside vines and through olive groves, whilst remaining intimately attached to civilization, Garrigue Trails is perfect for you.

Background Reading

• Read our article on The Garrigue
• See Marcel Germain's account of Walking the Garrigue in Autumn
• For a 7-night walking tour in France of the same theme, see
  Trekking the Garrigue
  
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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. 10 miles-15 kms, with longer or shorter options.

You follow the Gardon river before visiting St Hilaire en route to the Garrigue's finest medieval village.
Night in Vezenobres.

Day 3. Vezenobres to Moussac. 9.5 miles-14.5 kms, with longer or shorter options.

You continue your Gardon trek through an extraordinary village and a fortified hamlet that has to be seen to be believed. The views over the Garrigue are splendid and the wine very much AOC.
Night near Moussac.

Day 4. Moussac to Russan. 11.5 miles-17 kms, with longer or shorter options.

Day 5. End of your short walking tour.

These are your four overnight stops:
1. Alès; 2. Vezenobres; 3. Moussac area; Nimes.

Note: this is one of our walking tours in France that is available all year round. Precise accommodation will vary according to season, but will be of the same standard.

• 4 nights B & B, leaving you free to purchase your meals according to your personal preferences and budget - relevant information is available in your dossier and opportunities abound for both dinner and lunch;
• Pre-tour and post-tour briefing;

• All travel and luggage transfers that are integral to the programme, including transfer to Nimes at the tour's end;
• Walking Insight Notes™ that make orientation simple;
• Themed vacation dossier;
• Emergency telephone help-line service with local British backup;
• All local hotel taxes;

Click to go to Booking