Provence Trails features France walking trails that allow you to get acquainted with one of the finest and least-visited parts of historic Provence. You will be thrilled by the walks and enthrawled by what you experience and learn en route.
Provence Trails helps you to explore the lower reaches of the Ceze Valley. We do not believe that there is a finer and more picturesque valley in France, and the gentle walking challenge encountered here is in stark contrast to the challenging ascents and descents that characterize the Valley’s upper reaches.
These Provençal France walking trails are the result of much passionate research into the exceptional land that lies snuggly between the valleys of the Ardeche and Ceze rivers that the local tourist board affectionately calls ‘Valcezard.’ If that poses a bit of a mouthful, this short walking holiday will leave you positively brimming with enjoyment.
Commencing on the banks of The Rhone, your relatively light and easy-going inn-to-inn walking tour finishes at the waters of La Venise Gardoise. Fine bucolic trails weave together some remarkable Provençal landscapes and geological features, with four fine villages and their associated history. Your comfortable and welcoming accommodation includes a night in a thirteen century Carthusian monastery, and you get to enjoy the culinary delights of Provence in a way that is tailored to the requirements of both your budget and diet.
Tour Summary
Arrival day in Pont St Esprit.Enjoy our self-guided urban ramble around the old town centre
(2* hotel in historic centre)
Day 1: Walk to Aigueze
Morning transfer to the Gorge, cliff-top hike and loop back to the perched village of Aigueze.
8 miles-12 kms, with longer option.
(Charming 1* hotel in village centre)
Day 2: Walk to La Chartreuse de Valbonne.
Hike to the Carthusian monastery, a classified Historic monument.
8 miles-12 kms
(On-site Hotel du Tourisme)
Day 3: Into the Valley of the Ceze
Walk to the hill-top village of Roque sur Ceze.
7.5 miles-10.5 kms.
(3* equivalent chambre d'hote)
Day 4: Walk to Goudargues.
8 miles-12 kms.
(chambre d'hote de charme)
Departure day.
Breakfast, followed by departure - optional transfer back to Pont St Esprit?
Tour Description
The Ardeche Gorge.
Morning transfer to the Gorge and a fine walk along a cliff-top trail followed by a loop that offers splendid views along the Ardeche gorge. You walk through the Garrigues and down to a fine vantage point on the gorge for lunch before returning back along a spectacular cliff-top trail to the marvelous vilage of Aigueze.
A Twelfth Century Architectural Jewel
The Forest of Valbonne is the main thoroughfare for the day, that culminates in an experience that you will always treasure - a night on the site of a 12th century Carthusian monastery. There's no TV, but you won't need it.
Into the Valley of the Ceze
You exit the bucolic trails of the Forest of Valbonne and arrive at the banks of the Ceze. The Sautadet ‘waterfalls’ will capture your attention for some time, before you cross the Martel bridge and enter 'La Roque'.
La Venise Gardoise
You hug the river before climbing towards Cornillon, its castle and fine vantage point above the picturesque valley. Then you descend and cross the Ceze en route to the tour's grande finalé: Goudargues and its central tree-lined canal, restaurants and bars. Time for a well-earned drink!
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