ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO

The Drome - Hilltop Villages 2008

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

£465.00 per person based on two people sharing (£475 in July/August). Single supplement: £95 (plus £45 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 and route instructions and maps, logistical back-up.

NOT INCLUDED

Transport to/from Mirmande, meals not mentioned above, drinks with meals, insurance. 

Departure dates 2008: Daily from April to end of October

To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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ITINERARY

 

ITINERARY

Moderately difficult overall. You do not need to be ultrafit but certainly able to walk between 9 and 20 kilometres per day and able to cope with a considerable number of hills.

Day 1: Around Mirmande

This first walk is certainly the simplest in the series. It makes for a nice warm-up and an good opportunity to get to know the hilltop village of Mirmande, with its own special atmosphere and lifestyle. Signposts out and back are minimal, a chance to get used to map-reading without tears.

Day 2: 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. 250m uphill.

Day 3: 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. 500m

Day 4: 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. 300m

Day 5: 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 signposting at the “La Plaine”, thanks to the activities of the popular “Drôme à cheval” riding club. 14 kms. 300m

Day 6: 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. 150m

Day 7: And another circuit around Bourdeaux

This 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. 450m

Day 8: Departure and transfer back to Mirmande.

DIFFICULTY OF WALK

Moderate

GROUP SIZE

1 or more

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HIGHLIGHTS

Magnificent views, excellent food.

If you have done this walk before we would like to hear of your personal highlights. Mail Us

WEATHER

Click here to view the weather forecast Link courtesy of uk met office

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ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATION

Excellent small comfortable hotels/guest houses (chambre d'hote) in double room with private facilities.
An example in Mirmande is at 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 whatever reason.

To book, contact worldwalks  at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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