Accommodation
Independent Walking
Historic Hill-top Villages of Drome Provencale
T his unique walking holiday traverses the Drome
Provencale from north to south, exploring varied and beautiful landscapes linked by several stunning historic perched villages. Starting in Crest in the Drome Valley you’ ll pass through scented lavender fields, secluded woods, vines of the Cote du Rhone and finally the olive groves of Nyons in the Baronnies. This is a region of quiet picturesque hills nestled between the Alps to the north and the Provence to the south, where your undulating trail has superb views of the surrounding mountains. Your delightful guest houses, five of which have swimming pools, mean you can relax and indulge yourself after your day’ s walking.
Price p / p See Price List or Web Site for details Extra night can be added at Poet Laval
Dates * 1 April- 6 July & 24 August- 31 October.
Walking Profile
Holiday Profile
Walks: day-by-day
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome at your first guest house in Crest. Explore this pretty town, home of the highest dungeon tower in France.
Day 2: Crest- Saou
Your first day climbs away from the Drome Valley, exploring rich woodland and undulating farmland. You’ ll then traverse underneath the craggy tops of Roche Colombe before entering the pretty village of Saou at the spectacular and narrow entrance to the Saou Valley, an enclosed gorge, overlooked by towering limestone cliffs. 20km + 650m
Day 3: Saou- Bourdeaux
Moderate option passes through the pretty villages of Francillon and Poet Celard. After a climb through picturesque farmland, descend to the beautiful perched village of Bourdeaux surrounded by lavender fields. Challenging option climbs steeply to reach the summit of Grand Pomerolle for amazing views of the Saou gorge. A ridge walk brings you to Porte de Barry from where it’ s a beautiful descent to Bourdeaux, as lavender fields start to appear. Mod: 17km, + 400m, Mod / chall: 22km, + 950m.
Day 4: Bourdeaux- Poet Laval
Explore the perched village of Bourdeaux, before making a detour to its Chateau ruins. The trail undulates through a patchwork of forest and lavender fields, with great panoramic views, before reaching the historic village Dieulefit, famous for its pottery. Your day ends at the magnificent historic village of Poet Laval, one of the prettiest in France. 19km, + 650m Option of extra day in Poet Laval with rest day or extra walk + 18km, + 600m
Days 5: Poet Laval- Taulignan
Today’ s walk climbs a pretty ridge with great views back towards Poet Laval to reach the summit of Mont Rochas which at about 900m provides wonderful views in all directions. You’ ll then descend through forest before emerging onto the vine and lavender covered slopes which surround the beautiful village of Taulignan. 18km + 590 m
Day 6: Taulignan- Venterol
Explore the medieval walled village of Taulignan. After, you’ ll traverse slopes between steep forested hills above and vine covered slopes below. Explore the small perched villages of Pegue and Rousset-les-Vignes before reaching your beautiful guest house located on a vineyard on a historic fortified farm. Wine tasting. 20km, + 340m
Day 7: Venterol- Nyons
Explore the historic perched village of Venterol before traversing valley slopes, as vines give way to the famous olive groves of Nyons. A more challenging option is available climbing onto the Montagne des Vaux to follow its ridge top with wonderful panoramic views. Your holiday ends at the historic town of Nyons, which has a Mediterranean feel and is bathed in the smell of lavender. Mod: 11km, + 140m, Mod / chall: 17km, + 500m
Day 8: Departure Holiday ends after breakfast
6 days independent walking moving between guest houses. This holiday is suitable for most walkers of an average fitness( with a minimum of preparation). You should be used to walking on a variety of paths. The landscapes are hilly rather than mountainous with the exception of more challenging options. At upper end of moderate grade— average day is 18km with 500m ascent, more for challenging options.
7 nights: 6 days independent walking moving between guest houses. Starts every day of the week subject to availability. Option of extra night at Poet Laval.
♦ A unique linear trail through a beautiful landscape of rolling hills
♦ Relatively quiet part of France with many stunning perched, historic villages
♦ A multitude of landscapes & vegetation with lavender, vines, olives & forest
♦ A warm and sunny climate
♦ Delightful guest houses full of character, five with swimming pools
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT Price:
At a Glance
Grade:
Profile:
See Price List
Dates: * April, May, June, Sept, Oct
Accommodation
7 nights accommodation in delightful, quality guest houses, in historic properties which have been beautifully renovated, five with swimming pools. Charm and originality. Great hospitality and fine local cuisine. Example: Domaine Provensol is a beautiful 16th century property on an organic vineyard overlooking vines & olives. or
Independent Walking
Included
7 nights ' accommodation. All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 evening meals, walking notes and maps, luggage transport between guest houses.
What’ s not included
Travel to Crest & from Nyons, France; lunches on arrival & departure days plus 1 other, 3 evening meals, entrance fees, travel insurance
contact @ highpointholidays. co. uk
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