ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFOThe Drôme - Hilltop Villages 2010
A self-guided walk in Provence less-travelled
The circuit begins not far from the Rhône Valley and plunges into the pre-Alps of Provence, going from one hilltop village (“village perché”) to the next. A small guide for each parish helps you understand their similarities and their differences.
Conviviality and a warm welcome are the strong points of this journey, which gives you a somewhat different view of the region. Guests often eat at a family table, and may learn a thing or two about the recipes made using local produce.
PRICE£575.00 per person based on two people sharing (£610 in July/August). Single supplement: £135 (plus £65 if travelling alone).
INCLUDED
Accommodation for 7 nights in small comfortable hotels/guest houses (chambre d'hote) in double room with private facilities, 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners (drinks not included), transport of luggage between overnight stops, transfers as mentioned in the programme, route instructions and maps, and logistical back-up.
Also included - transfer to Mirmande from Reys de Saulce on Day 1 for those arriving by bus or train; and to Mirmande (for those who arrived by car) or Montélimar (for those who arrived by train or bus) on Day 8.
NOT INCLUDED
Transport to/from home, meals not mentioned above, drinks with meals, insurance.
DEPARTURE DATES: Daily from 1 April to October 31
To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) 
(0)1242 254353
Moderately difficult overall. You do not need to be ultrafit but certainly able to walk between 9 and 21 kilometres per day and able to cope with a considerable number of hills.
Day 1: Arrive Mirmande
Day 2: Around Mirmande
This first walk is certainly the simplest in the series. It makes for a nice warm-up and a good opportunity to get to know the hilltop village of Mirmande, with its own special atmosphere and lifestyle.
Day 3: From Mirmande to Marsanne
A walk which takes us away from the tumult of the Rhône Valley. Little by little we gain altitude. Progressively, the noise of the busy plain recedes behind us as we approach the heights of the forest of Marsanne. And when we slip down the other side, we enter the hinterland of the pre-Alps of the Drôme department.
9 kms/5.6 miles. 250m up/down.
Day 4: From Marsanne to Auriples
Wonderful views from the plain of Montélimar to the cliffs of the Vercors with the mountains of the southern Drôme between. No less than four hilltop villages may be seen: Marsanne, La Roche sur Grane, Autichamp and Auriples le Péage.
11 kms/6.9 miles. 500m
Day 5: Around Auriples
No major difficulties with this walk, which meanders in the shade of the trees. There are broad views of the region and you can even see the distant French Alps from a number of places. High spot of the day is the visit to Autichamp, perched on its hilltop. 21 kms/13.1 miles. 300m
Day 6: From Auriples to Bourdeaux
A varied itinerary through quite unspoilt countryside. The agriculture and animal husbandry of the Bourdeaux farmlands complete the picture. Very good sign-posting at the “La Plaine”, thanks to the activities ofthe popular “Drôme à cheval” riding club. 14 kms/8.75 miles. 300m
Day 7: Around Bourdeaux
Away from it all in a surprisingly unspoilt natural setting with pretty streams to one side and soaring cliffs to the other. The numerous viewpoints are your reward for labouring up a number of fairly steep slopes…9 kms/5.6 miles. 150m
The alternative is the potted protestant stroll…which reminds us of the historical importance in the area of the protestant church through the visible traces of its past and present. Well indicated, the itinerary offers fine views of the “pays de Bourdeaux”. 17 kms/10.6 miles. 450m
Day 8: Departure and transfer back to Mirmande.
DIFFICULTY OF WALK
Moderate
GROUP SIZE
1 or more
Charming villages, wonderful views, undiscovered Provence, great food.
If you have done this walk before, we would like to hear your personal highlights. Mail Us
ACCOMMODATION
Excellent small comfortable hotels/guest houses (chambre d'hote) in double room with private facilities.
An example in Mirmande is at http://www.mirmande-fougeres.com/
GETTING THERE
Train to Montelimar, then bus to Saulce-sur-Rhone (les Reys)
Nearest airport is Lyon
WHAT TO TAKE:
Comfortable, well aerated clothes in keeping with the season. Always bring a pullover, good walking boots (already worn-in) and several pairs of cotton or wool socks. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), rainwear, a sun-hat, sun glasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic boxes (for transporting your lunches), first-aid kit, camera and film, torch/flashlight.
INSURANCE
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
To book, contact worldwalks at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353