France — Europe — Explore Worldwide 2008/09 online holiday brochure

EUROPE FRANCE V�lo en Provence CYCLE GRADE B Ref CVP JFMAMJJASOND JFMA 8 DAYS FARMHOUSE/HOTELS CYCLING THROUGH THE BEST OF PROVENCE Seguret Dente Train From/To lle Cameret sur Montm s de Waterloo via Lille irail Aigues Gigondas ORANGE Vacqueras Caderouse Chateauneuf du Pape Wine tasting V�lo en Provence Ref CVP 40 ancient fountains can be found, then over the Durance river to the narrow streets of Noves and on to St Remy de Provence. Into the Carmargue From St Remy we ride as ever along our favoured minor back roads this time around the base of the Chaines des Alpilles where many orchards are planted. We can pause at the remarkable 2nd century Barbegal Mill and wander through the stunning Montmajour Abbey before we reach Arles, onetime home of Van Gogh. South of the town the Rhone delta forms the wild lands of the Camargue, famous for their pink flamingos, black bulls and wild horses and a fabulous ride takes us southwest through the wetlands to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer the perfect end to a week discovering the many different t faces of Provence. Rousillon/Brian Bestford CARPENTRAS Pernes Gordes Le Thor Rousillon Optional visit P R O V E N C E Avignon Optional visit R h� n Les Baux ST REMY DE L u b e r o n PROVENCE D ur a n ce Des e Fontvielle Alp ille FRANCE Wild uplands of Haute Provence ARLES s FRANCE C a m a r g u e Hiking in Provence TREKKING GRADE B Ref WP Etang de Vaccares Les Saintes Maries de la Mer Optional visit JFMAMJJASOND JFMA 8 DAYS HOTELS HAUTE PROVENCE Mediterranean Sea km 0 30 An energetic but rewarding one-week break to hike the wild mountains of Haute Provence in southern France. This beautiful and fertile region has inspired painters and gourmets alike; it also has some of the finest walking country in Europe. The terrain is varied and rugged a landscape of maquis, gorse and lavender. St Andr� & Castellane From Nice, we drive to the sleepy, valley town of St-Andr�-les-Alpes. Then begin our six-hour trek through forest to Castellane, a pre-Roman settlement dramatically set beneath a huge limestone outcrop known as Le Roc. Theres time to explore, or walk to the summit of Robion for panoramic all-round views. La Palud & the Gorges du Verdon We climb through woods and high valleys above the Verdon river, where the spectacular rock pinnacles of Cadi�res de Brandis tower above us. Then continue to the breezy, high grazing pastures of La Suech and the ruined castle of Rougon. We reach the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon and tackle the Gorges du Verdon: we traverse the most spectacular section before following a path to reach Gorges du Verdon Hiking in Provence Ref WP ST-ANDR�-LESALPES From\To Nice ALPES DE H A U T E P R O V E N C E Lac de Castillon MOUSTIERS- STE-MARIE Pottery town FRANCE CASTELLANE Chasteuil The Rock Brandis LA PALUDSUR-VERDON V e rd o n Point Sublime Mt Robion 1660m Lac de Ste-Croix Gorges du Verdon Grand Canyon of France km 0 8 Encompassing the evocative plains of the Camargue, the culturally rich area surrounding Roman Arles and the lush, rolling hills of the Luberon, our route takes us to the very heart of Provence. Cycling a daily average of 42kms we have plenty of time to explore the regions amazing heritage: the ancient bories (stone houses) of the Luberon, the magnificent Roman remains of Arles, the fine Romanesque abbeys of Montmajour and Senanque. Plus the more recent legacy of Van Gogh and other impressionist painters, many of whose works were inspired by the sensual countryside of Provence. Winelands of Provence We start our explorations from Roman Orange with a ride south to the celebrated vineyards of Chateuneuf du Pape, where there is time to enjoy a tasting of this famous wine. Returning via the rampart-encircled village of Caderouse you may decide to visit Oranges famous theatre and triumphal arch. Next we head through more vineyards towards Carpentras and an opportunity to take in Gigondas for outstanding views and a chance to enjoy its Grenache wines. The Luberon: Heart of Provence Our time in Carpentras gives several options. For those that would like a further ride we can recommend cycling east of town where Les Plus Belles Villages can be found quintessential Provence! From here its not far to Senanque to see the Cistercian abbey. Alternatively Avignon is close by, its famous bridge just one of many attractions. Leaving Carpentras we now head southeast through pretty Pernes le Fontaine, where more than FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Eurostar and train from London to Avignon via Lille and Lyon; transfer Orange. 2 Cycle Chateauneuf du Pape for included winetasting; return to Orange via Caderouse. 3 Head east via village of Cameret sur Aigues and vineyards to Seguret; short detour to Gigondas for views of limestone pinnacles. 4 Free in Carpentras; optional trip to Avignon or various optional cycle rides. 5 Cycle to St Remy en Provence via Pernes le Fontaine. 6 Continue to Arles via Alpilles; option to visit Barbegal Mill Montmajour Abbey. 7 Optional ride into the Carmargue to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer. 8 Transfer to Avignon; train to London via Lille. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts hotel; 7 breakfasts included. See insert p2. Bicycles: 21 speed hybrid bicycles complete with pannier, water-bottle holder, lock and map holder. Grade & Terrain: Graded B, moderate (with additional optional moderate to strenuous routes). We cycle along quiet country roads through quintessential Provencale scenery enjoying great food and wine along the way. The route is mainly undulating but with several hillier sections, thus you should be a regular cyclist to get the most from the tour. We cover approx. 164km over 4 days, averaging around 42km per day, however a further 80km (over 2 days) are possible. You can ride independently or with group members. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader/driver to assist, advise and co-ordinate. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. Br�che Imbert and negotiate the craggy walls of the gorge. Exploring Moustiers We ascend to a high ridge at the Signal de lOurbes (1216m) from where we can look back to the Gorges du Verdon the Grand Canyon of France. The spectacular setting encourages us to linger and we spend the day hiking old Roman roads. There are great views of Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Valensole Plateau, famous as a lavender growing area. We then descend to the small pottery town of Moustiers-Ste-Marie (1006m). FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Nice; drive St-Andr�-lesAlpes. 2 Walk through forests to Castellane (6-7hrs). 3 In Castellane; walk to summit of Robion, 1660m (6hrs). 4 Hike to La Palud-sur-Verdon via Point Sublime (6-7hrs). 5 Walk through magnificent Gorges du Verdon (7-8hrs). 6 Walk to Moustiers-Ste-Marie (9-10hrs). 7 Optional explorations on foot; optional walk above Moustiers. 8 Drive Nice, fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 6nts hotel, 1nt gite; 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 2 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/On foot/Taxis. Comment: This short, hotel-based walking trip is graded moderate. Trails are usually rocky and there are some challenging ascents and descents (up to about 900m per day) but the rewards are spectacular. Luggage is transported between hotels, so you can walk unencumbered. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus locally organised luggage transfers and driver. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. Navigating the vineyards Trek length and gradients 1700m 1500m 1300m 1100m 900m 700m 500m Day 2 18km 6-7hrs Castellane Castellane La Palud sur Verdon Pointe Sublime Day 3 11km 6hrs Day 4 15.5km 6-7hrs Day 5 10.5km 7-8hrs Day 6 16.5km 9-10hrs For information, inspiration and latest tour availability visit www.explore.co.uk 21

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