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Secret Provence: Les Baronnies
Guided Walking

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ur unique guided walking holiday in northern Provence explores
a remarkably beautiful area known as Les Baronnies. This is a
secret and unspoilt corner of France where the Alps meet the
Provence with beautiful historic villages clinging to rocky mountain
sides decorated in purple lavender flowers.
Sheltered by the mountains, its privileged position and distinct
climate give the region a remarkable light that draws you into its
rugged and beautiful landscapes. It’s also a region where wild
Thyme, Lavender, herbs and pine produce a wonderfully scented
landscape. There are a large number of well preserved fortified
medieval villages clinging to steep hillsides established by barons in
the 11th century. Their towers, walls and alleyways altered by a
succession of historic events that have marked the region.
The double influence of the Alps and the Mediterranean has created
an exceptionally rich fauna and flora and the region has been designated a Natural Regional Park.

Walks: day-by-day
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome, pick up from Lyon and drive to Provence
Day 2: Montbrun les Bains
Our day's walk starts and finishes at Montbrun les Bains, a beautiful historic village
perched on the hillside (classed as one of the prettiest villages in France). Our walk will
explore this fascinating village before doing a short circuit contouring around the
surrounding hills through forest and lavender fields. 10km +/-240m

Day 3: Aulan Castle & rugged ravines
Walk from Aulan, a pretty 12th century castle at the head of a pretty gorge. Our walk
follows a picturesque valley through mixed woodland to reach a desert of rocky ravines.
We then contour to the small perched village of le Poêt en Percip before gradually
climbing to reach a ridge with great panoramic views. Descent to B&B. 15km +/-530m

Day 4: Barons of Mévoullion
From our B&B we’ll traverse lavender fields before circling the remarkable table top
mountain which was once the site of the fortress of the local barons in medieval times.
Great views to the east before traversing under the Montagne de Buc with great views
of Mont Ventoux. 17km, +/-280m

Day 5: Buis les Baronnies & Nyons

♦ Unspoilt landscapes, quiet trails and var-

ied walking through scented lavender
fields, olive groves, wild scrub and forests

♦ Sleepy historic perched villages
♦ A favourable climate - 300 days of
sunshine per year

♦ Visiting the historic towns of Buis les

Baronnies with its Provençal market and
Nyons with its narrow historic streets

♦ Great local cuisine, beautiful guest
houses

Our rest day will take in visits to the historic centres of Buis les Baronnies for its
provence market, and Nyons, where you'll be able to visit its historic streets and its
roman bridge. Possibility of visiting olive mill. Our day will finish with a wine tasting visit
of the local Cote de Baronnies in the Eygues Valley.

Day 6: Lavender country
Our walk today starts from Sault on the plateau d'Albion, traversing woodland before
arriving at the beautiful perched village of Aurel. After visiting the villages narrow
streets, our route takes us to the edge of the plateau for great views of the rugged
mountains to the north. The walk traverses lavender fields and woods as it winds its
way past the tiny hamlet of St Trinit before returning to Sault. Drive to a Lavender farm
to find out all about its production. 15km, +/-250m

Day 7: High Baronnies
A wonderful walk from Col du Perty up to the summit of Chamousse which at over
1500m provides exceptional views over the Baronnies and east towards the Alps.
Discover alpine pastures and vertiginous cliffs. 12km, +/-380m

At a Glance
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Price:

See Price List

Grade:
Profile:
Dates: April, May, June, Sept, Oct

Day 8: Departure - Transfer to Lyon after breakfast

Price P/P
Dates
Walking
Profile

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April to June, Sept to Oct
6 guided day walks. Walking on this holiday is mixed with moderate
ascents and descents. Average distances are about 15km with
about 300m of ascent. Most walks are well within the grade,
although due to the nature of the landscape some small sections
can be relatively steep and stony. The steep terrain means it’s
unwise to do this holiday if you suffer from vertigo.

Holiday
Profile

7 nights: 6 days guided walks staying in two high quality
guest houses

What’s
Included

7 nights full board accommodation including wine with evening
meal (except one evening meal). Transfer from Lyon and to the
walks, 6 guided walks

What’s not
included

Accommodation

See Price List or Web Site for details

Two charming 3 star equivalent guest houses. They are
exquisite traditional properties offering an authentic and
very comfortable stay. Peaceful locations, with swimming
pools where the welcome is warm and the food excellent.
Example: Maison de Marguerite is a wonderful stone
property near Montbrun les Bains.
Great hospitality.

Lunches on arrival & departure days, one evening meal, any
excursions or entrance fees, travel insurance

Book now on [phone] or visit

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