High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2016 High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2017 | Page 52

Tour of Ardeche: Rustic Trails
Independent Walking

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ur 7 day walking tour in central Ardeche
explores a rugged mountainous landscape
where wild heather-clad ridges are interspersed
with narrow valleys where rustic hamlets cling to
terraced hillsides. Our trail takes you off the beaten track away from the Ardeche tourist hotspots.
You’ll start and finish in the historic hilltop town
of Aubenas before following a dramatic circular
tour which becomes higher and more remote with
each passing day as you head into the Tanargue
with ridges offering vast panoramic views. The
valleys are as magical as the mountains are wild
with historic bridges and chateaux, cliff-lined
rivers and terraces of orchards and vines.

Walks: day-by-day
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome at your first guest house in Aubenas.
Day 2: Aubenas - Antraigues sur Volane
A fairly long first day passing through a number of rustic hamlets before crossing the
Sandron Valley and climbing to the Volcan de Craux and its chateau. You’ll end the day at
Antraigues sur Volane perched on a ridge between 2 valleys. 18km, +600m

♦ A great circular trail far from the crowds
♦ Rugged Ardeche with spectacular ridges
offering vast panoramic views

Day 3: Antraigues sur Volane - Chirols
Today your trail heads west through forest to reach the tiny hamlet of Juvinas before
turning south. You’ll then climb over open hilltops with great views before descending
through forest to reach Chirols overlooking the Fontauliere River. 17km, +900 m

Day 4: Chirols - Jaujac
A great day which first crosses a hillside to reach the Ardeche River squeezed between
steep slopes and rocky bluffs. On the far side is the thermal spa of Neyrac les Bains. You
then have 2 choices. The first hugs the valley slopes above the river Lignon to reach the
pretty village of Jaujac, the river hemmed in by volcanic rocks. The second climbs to
Rocher de Ladenne, at over 1000m with fabulous views. 17 or 20km, + 450m or 950m

♦ Historic villages clinging to terraced
valleys

♦ Beautiful rivers where you can bathe
♦ Rustic guest houses & great hospitality

Day 5: La Souche - Valgorge
Transfer & then climb steeply through a wild landscape of ravines to reach an open ridgeline where you have the chance to climb Mont Aigu at 1316m with vast panoramic views
towards the Alps and of the surrounding Tanargue mountains. You’ll then follow a trail
along the ridgeline rising slowly until it’s time to descend to Valgorge. 17km, +900m

Day 6: Valgorge - La Roche
Climb through forest to reach another beautiful heather-clad ridgeline and cross several
summits above 1000m. Follow the tour of Tanargue on a good trail before descending to
La Roche, perched above the Baume River. Your guest house has a patio with great views
and a sauna & pool to help you unwind tired muscles. 16km, +550m

Day 7: La Roche - Haute Maurelle
Today’s trail crosses the Baume Valley and climbs to the isolated summit of Tour de Brison
for great panoramic views. Then a mix of chestnut forests and terraced valley slopes bring
you to the hill-top village of Montreal and then the medieval village of Largentiere clinging
to the valleys slopes with its remarkable chateau. 23km, +850m

At a Glance
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Price:
Grade:
Profile:
Dates:

Day 8: Haute Maurelle - Ailhon
Head north through the hamlet of Chassiers with its remarkable gothic church and medieval chapel. A lower level walk over smaller hills through forest, vines, terraced orchards &
historic hamlets brings you to the pretty hamlet of Ailhon & then transfer to Aubenas.
16km, +650m

Day 9: Departure - Holiday ends after breakfast

Price p/p
Walking
Profile

7 days independent walking moving between guest houses. The
days average 6 hours walking with an average of 17km and +700m
per day. The Ardeche is rugged and mountainous - the paths are
generally good, although some sections can be rocky and reasonably steep. You should be reasonably fit and happy walking on paths
in hilly areas.

Holiday
Profile

8 nights: 7 days independent walking moving between guest
houses. Starts every day of the week (subject to availability)
between April and October, except for July & August.

What’s
included
What’s not
included

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See Price List or Web Site for details

See Price List

April, May, June,
Sept, Oct

Accommodation
8 nights in very comfortable
small guest houses & hotels with
charm & character. Warm
welcome and great local cuisine.
Example: L’Angelot charming
B&B with lovely rooms in renovated chestnut farm close to
village of Antraigues.

8 nights' full board accommodation (except 3 evening meals & one
lunch). Full walking notes and maps, transport of luggage between
guest houses.
Travel to Auben as, France; 3 evening meals, some drinks, one
lunch, any excursions or entrance fees, travel insurance

Book now on [phone] or visit

www.highpointholidays.co.uk