DAY 1
D included
After meeting at Montpellier airport in the afternoon, we have a 2.5 hr private transfer by road up into the hills of the Cévennes National Park. Once settled into the comfortable rooms of our 4-star hotel, a glass of Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise precedes a candle-lit dinner in the elegant dining room of this 12th century Chateau.
DAY 2
B, L, D included
Easy paths lead us across the Causse Noir to the huge ‘chaos’ rock formations of Les Roquesaltes and the impressive Corniches du Rajol, with fine views over the Gorge of the Dourbie. In the far distance, we can see the world famous bridge at Millasu, designed by Norman Foster. After picnicking amongst the rock formations, we visit the nearby 11th century Priory of Saint Jean de Balmes, the village of La Roujarie and a toit citerne, an ingenious construction to collect and stock rainwater in the arid environment of the Causses.
DAY 3
B, L, D included
We set off for an easy day’s walking exploring the rock formations of Nîmes-le-Vieux, set in a particularly wild corner of the Causse Méjean. Our walk allows us to understand how closely interwoven the agricultural practices are with the landscape and how important traditional methods of agriculture are for biodiversity. Our walk will lead us to the village of Le Veygalier, where we have lunch in an excellent ferme auberge. In the afternoon, we continue to explore these extraordinary landscapes, with a gentle walk and perhaps even a post-lunch siesta in a shady spot …
DAY 4
B, L, D included
Today’s walk offers a change of atmosphere. We leave the limestone of the Grands Causses to explore a wild landscape of granite and schist in the Southern Cévennes. We begin at 1200 m, following small paths through stunning beach woods interspersed with numerous mountain streams, waterfalls and breath-taking views. This rugged terrain is home to the mouflon, a primitive breed of wild sheep that thrives here. On the way back to our hotel, we will visit the summit of Mont Aiguoal. At 1567 m, this is the second highest point of the Cévennes, with views that, on a clear day, stretch from the Alps to the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea.
DAY 5
B, L, D included
We take a day off from walking in order to experience two other aspects of the landscape. We begin with a visit to the stunning caves of ‘La Grotte Rose’ in Dargilan set on the cliffs of the Causse Noir. In the afternoon, we gently descend the Tarn Gorge by boat. These two activities will give us a fascinating insight into the diversity of this limestone landscape, seeing the fabulous underground world beneath the plateau and exploring the gorges from the bottom as well as the top: an enchanting day that will allow us to rest our walking legs mid-week. In the evening, we go out for dinner to a renowned local restaurant.
DAY 6
B, L, D included
Today we drive into the mountains to meet a transhumant shepherd and his flock. Between the middle of June and the beginning of September, the transhumant shepherds escape the Mediterranean heat of the plain for the cooler temperatures and plentiful grass of the mountains. By nature solitary and reserved, such meetings with shepherds are rare. We will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn all about this ancestral way of life. A riverside picnic and glorious walking complete this magical mountain day.
DAY 7
B, L, D included
In addition to seeing some of the most spectacular rock formations of the region, today’s walk offers excellent viewing opportunities for vultures. The gorges of the Tarn and Jonte are amongst the rare sites in France to be inhabited by all four species of European vulture (Griffon, Black, Egyptian and the Bearded, or Lammergeier). Cliffside paths allow us to discover why this habitat is so ideal for these impressive birds. The day also provides an opportunity to learn a little of the geology that lies behind this extraordinary landscape. A memorable farewell dinner is complemented by fine French regional wines.
DAY 8
B included
Our visit to the Cévennes concludes with a private transfer to the airport for afternoon flights home.
The above itinerary may be adapted according to group fitness and local weather conditions; the final choice of walks and activities, based on group security, rests with the tour leader.