Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival – Welcome, pick up from Toulouse or Rodez airports

Day 2

Day 2: Visit St Antonin Noble Val nestled at the opening of the Aveyron Gorge, this beautiful medieval town was the backdrop to the film ‘Charlotte Gray`. We take time to visit the Sunday market before walking up the escarpment and following a path across the Causse or limestone plateau. 12kms 300m climb

Day 3

Day 3: Walk from Le Claouzet to Cordes sur Ciel, widely considered the finest fortified town in France. We follow an old Drovers path above the Cerou Valley, and then climb into the old town to explore the narrow winding streets and see the beautiful gothic and renaissance buildings, which are incredibly well preserved. 14km 360m climb

Day 4

Day 4: Our walk today starts from Puycelsi, a hilltop town which has maintained a strategic highpoint from prehistoric times, there are both bronze age and Roman remains in the area. The walk drops into the forest of Gresigne which is the largest forest in the Tarn and the greatest oak forest in the South of France. Our walk passes through a conservation orchard, a Roman road and the hunting forests of King François I. 16km 350m climb

Day 5

Day 5: Rest day and a chance to visit the beautiful city of Albi on the banks of the river Tarn. The city is home to Saint Cecile Cathedral, the largest brick built building in the world. There is also the chance to visit the Toulouse Lautrec museum which houses over 1000 of his works or just stroll by the river and relax in one of the numerous cafés and bars.

Day 6

Day 6: We head north into the Aveyron and start our walk from Najac another hilltop town over looking the river probably our most demanding walk through the Vallée de la Jouyre passing classic architecture of the region including old mills and pigeonniers. 19kms 690m climb

Day 7

Day 7: We follow the ancient Route of the Monks, across the chalky plateau, home to much of the Gaillac wine region, as this is the time of the vendage or grape harvest there should be plenty of activity in the area and there will be the chance to visit one of the local domaines to sample the local produce! 16kms 120m climb

Day 8

Day 8: Departure for airports, if time allows we stop off in Cordes market giving you the chance to pick up a few delicacies to take home with you.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Full board

Exclusions -

Lunches of day of arrival and departure

Extras -

undreds of medieval towns known as Bastides are scattered throughout the Midi-Pyrenees. From high on rocky hilltops, villages such as Puycelsi, Penne and Cordes have kept watch over the surrounding countryside for centuries. Our walking holiday will allow you to explore several of these towns as well as discover the three rivers, the Tarn, Aveyron and Viaur that cut through the countryside giving it a distinctive character of deep rocky gorges, steep wooded valleys and high sunny plateaux.
The walking is mixed allowing walkers of moderate ability to enjoy the ever changing views and landscapes and see the beautiful array of wildlife and flowers, the area is particularly well known for it beautiful spring orchids thanks to the limestone and chalky nature of the land. The Autumn brings the deer to the forest at Gresigne as well as wild boar and a fantastic array of birds of prey.
Walking
The walking is mixed allowing walkers of moderate ability to enjoy the ever changing views and landscapes and see the beautiful array of wildlife and flowers. Some moderate ascents up and down gorges and hills. Most walks are well within the moderate grade. The walks can be varied to the fitness of the group. Paths are generally good, although they can be rough in places.
Accommodation
Le Claouzet is a traditional "Bastide" farmhouse built in the 17th Century. It has recently been renovated to provide the character of an old property with exposed beams and stonework whilst providing the comforts for modern holiday accommodation. Originally built to repel marauding armies it now offers a warm and friendly welcome! All the bedrooms have en suite bathrooms with both a bath and shower in each. A sunny courtyard offers a number of relaxing areas for eating, enjoying a drink before dinner or perhaps a game of boules. Swimming pool.
Your hosts, David and Siân, reserve you a special welcome. As ex-pats who enjoy the French traditions, they’ll serve you great authentic French dishes