ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION and ADDITIONAL INFOFRANCE 2012 – QUERCY
Quercy Blanc – Between the Lot and the Garonne
A SINGLE BASE WALKING HOLIDAY
This is a one-centre walking holiday (you will need a car or may hire a bike) at a fine hotel, the Château de l'Hoste, in this beautiful corner of France noted for its food and wine. Pleasant walking and delicious French cuisine...the ideal combination to enjoy local culture and tradition. Or you can rent a bike and wander France's quiet country roads at your ease. The region between the Lot and Garonne rivers is called “Quercy Blanc” because of it’s white limestone – gentle hills, sunflower fields, wine domains, medieval villages, manor houses and castles, and fortified farms with the pigeon towers characteristic of this part of France.
PRICE
£595 per person based on two people sharing in a classic room. Single supplement: £350
£745 per person based on two people sharing in a superior room. Single supplement £500
INCLUDED
- Use of IGN Road maps and roadbook/route instructions
- 7 nights on half-board (breakfast and table d'hote dinner) at the Château de L’Hoste*** in a classic or superior room
- Welcome Drink
- Entry fee to the museum of Foie Gras
NOT INCLUDED
- Lunches
- Drinks with the HB meals
- Personal expenses
- Transportation
Departure dates: April to end of October
To book email:
info@worldwalks.com T: (44)
PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival at the Château de l'Hoste Hotel.
Day 2: The first walk is directly from the hotel, across farmland and along a charming valley between two lakes and over an oak-covered hill. Beautiful view over the rolling countryside and the castle situated above the medieval village of Penne d’Agenais. 12 kms/7.5 miles. 3 hrs. approx.
Day 3: Starting from the village of St-Maurin, you will see the remains of the huge abbey, and a market place dating back to 1625 as well as the fortified Domaine of Ferrussac. 18 kms/11.25 miles. 4.5 hrs.
Day 4: Fantastic view from the castle of Fumel over the Lot valley. The hike will lead you across oak and chestnut forests, whilst a visit to the fairy-tale castle of Bonaguil is worthwhile.
14 kms/8.75 miles. 4 hrs.
Day 5: From the medieval village of Penne d’Agenais our way will cross and follow a portion of the pilgrim way of Saint Jacques de Compostelle. Walk along the hillside above the Lot river and through oak forest to the castle of Noillac.
15 kms/9.4 miles. 3.5 hrs
Day 6: From the Bastide village of Frespech, follow the path towards Beauville, enjoying fine views along the way; a visit to the museum of “Foie gras” in Frespech is included. 20 kms/12.5 miles. 4.5 to 5 hrs
Day 7: From Lauzerte, known as one of the most beautiful villages in France, today's walk again criss-crosses parts of the pilgrim way of Saint Jacques de Compostelle. 11 kms/7 miles. 3 hrs
Day 8: Departure
DIFFICULTY OF WALK
Stages of 11 to 20 kms (7.5 to 12.5 miles), rolling countryside with low hills - not challenging but requiring reasonable physical fitness.
Number of participants: minimum of 1
Comfortable hotel with pool and excellent food. Interesting walks in a lovely part of France, taking you through beautiful villages.
If you have done this walk before, we would like to hear of your personal highlights.
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ACCOMMODATION
This 17th century château has been converted into a charming hotel***, surrounded by a park of 5 hectares filled with ancient trees. The courtyard is surrounded by a stone bastion. The 35 rooms are on two floors, decorated in a chic country style. All rooms have a view on the park. The rooms on the first floor are in a mansard, with wooden beams. The restaurant serves innovative south-western cuisine. Meals are served outside in the courtyard, or terrace in the summer, or beside the fire in winter. There is also an outdoor swimming pool with solarium available on site. Mountain bikes can be rented.
GETTING THERE
The hotel is located in Aquitaine south-west France, midway between Cahors and Agen.
81km/50 miles to Bergerac international airport
39km/25 miles to Agen airport (internal flights from Paris Orly).
147km/92 miles to Toulouse airport
TRAIN: TGV from Paris to AGEN, approximately 4 hours.
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, sunblock, a water bottle, plastic picnic boxes (for 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:
info@worldwalks.comT: (44)