France ~ Follow the Shepherds Trails in the Cevennes and Grands Causses

After meeting at Montpellier airport in the morning, we have a 2.5 hr private transfer by road up into the hills of the Cévennes National Park, pausing for lunch en route. 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.

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 Millau, 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.

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 will lead us to the village of Le Veygalier, where we will have lunch in an excellent ferme auberge. The owners of the auberge are also sheep farmers, from whom we learn about the long history of pastoralism on the causses, how this has shaped the landscape that we see today and how important traditional methods of agriculture are for biodiversity.

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.

A day off from walking today in order to experience two other aspects of the landscape. We begin with a visit to the stunning caves of ‘La Grotte Rose’ of Dargilan set on the cliffs of the Causse Noir. In the afternoon, we will 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.

Our principal aim today is to discover an exceptional site for Lady’s Slipper Orchids, high on the cliffs of the Tarn Gorge. An easy walk of approximately 2 km will allow us to reach the site and, on the way, we will deepen our experience of the other flower and orchid species present. After the morning’s walk, we will drive for lunch and a degustation de fromage or cheese-tasting in the caussenard village of Hyelzas. In the afternoon, there is the option to continue exploring the Causse Méjean on foot or to visit the charming rural museum.

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 one of 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.

Our visit to the Cévennes concludes with a private transfer to the airport for late morning 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.

Please note that the single room supplement is imposed by the hotels and not by Kudu Travel. If you are willing to share but no other suitable guest books on the trip, we regret that the supplement will be payable. We shall endeavour to obtain double rooms for single occupancy, whenever possible.

• Accommodation for Days 1 through 8, on a twin shared basis
• Meals with wine at dinner and restaurant lunches, as listed in the daily notation
• Land transportation in a private vehicle as described, except during free periods
• Entrance and sightseeing fees, as described in the itinerary
• Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff (appreciation for your Kudu tour guides is at your discretion)

• Flights to and from Montpellier
• Trip cancellation, medical or other insurance
• Immunisations, prescriptions or other medical requirements

• Passport, visa and health documentation
• Personal expenses such as laundry, alcohol besides wine with group meals, free time activities, etc.
• Transport and transfer of excess baggage
• French departure tax, if any

On Kudu trips, you will only need money for postcards, presents to take home, the odd G & T or an irresistible ice cream. Festival and opera tickets, museum and gallery entrances, National Park fees, all meals (with a very few exceptions specified in individual itineraries), wine with lunch and dinner, access to specialist books carried by the guides, gratuities for porters and hotel and restaurant staff, boat rides, train trips, internal flights, wine tastings, 4WDs with drivers, the services of skilled local guides and trackers etc are ALL INCLUDED in the cost of your holiday. 

We are confident that, like previous very satisfied guests, you will discover that our tours give you excellent value for money.

• 7 nights in a charming 4-star hotel, a 12th century Chateau with a pool, extensive grounds and a restaurant serving classic French cuisine

Visitors from the EU, USA, Australia and Canada currently require a valid passport, but not a visa, for entry to France. If you are a national of any other country, please check visa regulations with your nearest Embassy of France.

At present, there are no specific and compulsory health requirements for entry to France.
Residents of countries in the EU can claim free (emergency) medical treatment in France by presenting their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You may also wish to check the advice given to travellers by the Department of Health and the FCO.      

Insurance
It is essential, and a condition of booking, that you protect yourself with a suitable travel insurance policy as soon as you book a trip. Follow this link for a quote for a policy available to UK residents.

If you are already insured or a non-UK resident, please inform us of your policy at the time of booking.

Size of party
This trip will run with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 14 guests.