High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2016 High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2017 | Page 48

Guided & Independent

Historic Villages & Valleys of the Tarn

H

undreds of medieval villages known as Bastides are scattered
throughout the Tarn. From high on rocky hilltops, villages

such as Puycelsi, Penne and Cordes have kept watch over the
surrounding countryside for centuries. Our centre-based walking
holiday in the Tarn will allow you to explore several of these
historic settlements as well as discover the rivers which cut
through the countryside giving it a distinctive character of deep
rocky gorges, steep wooded valleys and high sunny plateaux.
This holiday is available as both a guided and self-guided trip.
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 its beautiful orchids thanks to the limestone and
chalky nature of the land.

Walks: day-by-day

Day 1: Arrival – Welcome, pick up from Toulouse or Rodez airports for
guided and from Gaillac station for self-guided holiday
Day 2: St Antonin Noble Val
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

Day 3: Cordes sur Ciel
Walk around Cordes sur Ciel, widely considered the finest fortified town in France.
Climb into the old town to explore the narrow winding streets and see the beautiful
gothic and renaissance buildings, which are incredibly well preserved. 15km +360m

Day 4: Puycelci & Forest of Gresigne
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 southern France. Our walk passes through a conservation orchard, a Roman ro ad and the hunting forests of King François I. 16km +350m

♦ Spectacular and varied walking in
warm sunshine

♦ Stunning medieval hilltop towns, plus a
host of historic and cultural delights

♦ Steep hidden gorges and sweeping
plateaux with great wildlife

♦ Wonderful guest houses with
welcoming hosts

Day 5: Albi
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: Vineyards, sunflowers & chateaux
A lovely walk from the pretty village of Cahuzac sur Vere taking in the Gaillac vines,
wonderful sunflower fields and historic chateaux such as Mauriac. 17kms +370m

Day 7: Najac & Aveyron
Take the train north to Najac. Climb to its historic centre which is spread out along the
top of a ridge, topped by its castle. Afterwards, follow a section of St James’ Way over
hills and then along the Aveyron valley to reach Laguepie. 15kms +320m

Other walks
Your walking guide (self-guided) will contain a selection of walks in addition to the
above which will also take in GR trails, and the villages of Castlenau and Penne. The
choice is greater if you have your own car.

At a Glance
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Price:

See Price List

Grade:
Profile:
Dates: April — Oct

Day 8: Departure for airports or station, if time allows stop off in Cordes market.

Price p/p
Date

See Price List or Web Site for details. Self Guided has price
option for bringing your own vehicle.
April - October

Walking
Profile

6 days guided or self-guided day walks. The walking is mixed allowing
walkers of moderate ability to enjoy the ever changing views and landscapes. Some moderate ascents up and down gorges and hills totalling
350m in a day. Most walks average 5 hrs walking. The walks can be
varied to the fitness of the group on the guided holiday. Choice of walks
on self-guided dependent on whether you have own transport. Price
includes transfers to walks. Options to extend walks on self guided
holiday. Paths are generally good, although occasionally rough and
steep.

Holiday Profile

7 nights: 6 days walking based in two guest houses on guided holiday and one guest house on self-guided holiday

What’s
included

7 nights full board accommodation (except for 2 evening meals).
Pick-up from Toulouse or Rodez airports on guided holiday & Gaillac
station on self-guided, all transport for the week, 6 day’s guided
walking or walking notes and maps

What’s not
included

48

Accommodation
You’ll stay in 2 beautiful guest
houses conveniently located for
your walks. They are 3 star
equivalent, in historic properties
offering an authentic and very
comfortable stay in B&B style
guest houses. The welcome is
warm and generous and the local
cuisine and wine is first rate. (One
guest house on self-guided
version.)

Travel to pick up points, lunches on arrival & departure days, 2
evening meals, any entrance fees, travel insurance

Book now on [phone] or visit

www.highpointholidays.co.uk