ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL
INFO
The Tarn and Jonte Gorges 2008
An unforgettable walk in a region of grandiose landscapes where the contrast between the rocky and arid landscape of the Causses, with its wild aspect of ochre vertical cliffs, and deep green valleys where the cycle of life is constantly changing, is striking. This is a magnificent itinerary, France in the raw, against a backdrop of wonderful scenery. Stay in small, simple but comfortable hotels which will offer you a superb welcome. And, of course, each day, your luggage is moved for you.
PRICE
£445.00 per person. Single supplement : £85.00.
INCLUDED
5 days walking,
accommodation for 6 nights in small comfortable hotels/guest houses (chambre d'hote) in double room with private facilities,
6 breakfasts, 6 dinners (drinks not included),
boat ride on the Tarn with the boatmen of la Malè ne,
transport of luggage between overnight stops,
transfers as mentioned in the programme and route instructions and maps.
NOT INCLUDED
Ttransport to/from Le Rozier, meals not mentioned above, drinks with meals, insurance.
Departure dates 2008: April to end of October
To book
email:
walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353
ITINERARY
Day 1:
ARRIVE LE ROZIER
Arrival at Le Rozier at the confluence of the Tarn and the Jonte, dominated by the imposing Rocher de Capluc at the foot of the escarpment of the great Causses of Sauveterre, of Causse Noir and of Causse Méjean.
Day 2:
LE ROZIER - LE COURBY
The banks of the Jonte. A majestic and spectacular walk through the land of the Yellow Vultures, ('les vautours fauves') giants of the air which with their exceptional wingspan will cruise above you and accompany your steps. Plenty to discover today, including Two Canyons Pass at the foot of the Rock of Franc Bouteille, the Balcon du Vertige (the Vertiginous Balcony), the Pas du Loup (Wolf's Step) and many others. The views are magnificent and worth all the effort. Overnight on the Causse at Le Courby.
11 kms/7 miles
Day 3:
LE COURBY - MEYRUEIS
Walk via the village of Hielzas, which offers an insight into the daily life of the farmers of the Causse or the Aven Armand, a magnificent stalactitic cave, discovered in 1897, with stalagmites up to 30 metres (99 feet) in height - one of the great caves of Europe open to visitors. Arrive Meyrueis agreeably located at the confluence of the Bétuzon, the Brèze and the Jonte, in the folds of the Causse Noir, the Causse Méjean and the Aigoual.
16 kms/10 miles
Day 4:
MEYRUEIS - STE. ENIMIE
A short transfer to the start of the walk. Cross the causse Mejean to reach Ste. Enimie, the centre for the Gorges du Tarn, a medieval town located at one of the narrowest points of the canyon.
12 kms/7.5 miles
Day 5:
STE. ENIMIE - LES VIGNES
Head for La Malene, the focal point of the Gorges du Tarn and of the Causses de Sauveterre and du Méjean. This is the village of the gorge boatsmen. Water borne you will see some spectacular sights as a boatman will show you the flora and fauna on the river banks, the extraordinary crags and rock formations, and caves that can be seen only from the river. Finally, come to the village of Les Vignes, from where there are fine views of the Cirque des Baumes.
20 kms/12.5 miles
Day 6:
LES VIGNES - LE ROZIER (11 km)
A charming path along the River Tarn, at the heart of the gorges. Following a course between bank and cliff, the route will take you along a corridor between the causses, bristling with bizare rock formations. (Or, if you prefer, you can hire a canoe and drift down to Le Rozier!)
11 kms/7.5 miles
Day 7:
DEPARTUREBreakfast and departure.
DIFFICULTY OF WALK
Moderately difficult overall. Not necessary to be ultrafit but able to walk the distances specified and to cope with several hills
GROUP SIZE
2 or more
If you have done this walk before we would like to hear of your personal highlights.
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ACCOMMODATION
Small comfortable hotels/guest houses (chambre d'hote) in double room with private facilities
GETTING THERE
The route begins in Le Rozier
The nearest international airports areToulouse (wide choice of carriers) and Rodez (Ryanair).
Go to the French Railways (SNCF) website in order to find timetables for MILLAU, the nearest station to Le Rozier (the first stop on the walk). The website is at
www.voyages-sncf.com where you can click on the small Union Jack (UK national flag) icon for an English version. Taxi from the train station to the first hotel will cost approx. Euro 35.
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