The circuit begins not far from the Rhône Valley and plunges into the pre-Alps of Provence, going from one hilltop village to the next.
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.
Daily stages 9 – 21 kilometres/5.5 – 13 miles, 3 – 5 hours walking
Total daily uphill from 100 to 500 metres
Altitudes from 400 to 700 metres
Price:
£955 per person (1st April – 15th May & 16th September – 31st October)
£975 per person (16th May – 15th September)
Prices based on two people sharing a room.
Single supplement: £285 (+ £110 if travelling alone)
Included:
• 1 night in B&B (room and breakfast) and 5 nights half-board (dinner, room and breakfast)
• Guest houses with 3 “épis” and 3* hotels
• Safrantours application to guide you along the trails
• Logistical and technical support
• Return transfer organized to Mirmande or Montélimar
• Baggage transfer
Not Included:
• Dinner on day 1
• Beverage and extra
• If you travel with your dog, extra fee to be paid on the spot
• Round trip transfer from your home to the first accommodation
• Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
• Extra cost for twin room: £40
Departure Dates:
Daily from 1 April to October 31
Day 1 : Arrival in Mirmande
You will start your journey in the Drôme region in Mirmande. Considered as one of the most beautiful villages in France, this very first hilltop village welcome you in its picturesque narrow streets and charming stone houses. While silkworm breeding contributed to the village’s fame in the 19th century, it is now fruit production that contributes to its economic vitality. You will enjoy the landscapes dotted with orchards.
Dinner not included and overnight stay in a 3* hotel.
Day 2 : From Mirmande to Marsanne (11 km with total uphill 500 meters. Duration about 3hrs40)
Now you’re getting well away from the tumult of the Rhône Valley. The path rises progressively. You climb gently along a path off the beaten track until you reach the top of the Marsanne
forest. And as you make your way down the other side you are truly entering the hinterland at the foot of the Pre-Alps of the Drôme.
Dinner and overnight stay in a charming 2* hotel restaurant in the heart of the historic village.
Day 3 : From Saoû to Bourdeaux (14 km with total uphill of 400 metres. Duration around 4hrs00)
You start this walk from the village of Saoû, where you will be dropped off by taxi. The village, with its idyllic charm, is nestled in a quiet valley. Take some time to sit in the café beneath the plane trees or buy your picnic lunch from the small local grocery shop before beginning your walk through the hills and meadows that lead you to Bourdeaux. Enjoy even more stunning views of the Vercors along the way, and of Europe’s highest perched syncline (a concave geological fold): the Saoû forest.
Dinner and overnight in a charming guest house in the heart of Bourdeaux.
Day 4 : Around Bourdeaux to le Poët-Celard (13,5 km with total uphill 450 metres. Duration about 4hrs00)
Following in the footsteps of the Huguenots, you’ll start your walk in the rolling valley, not far from the banks of the Roubion river. Then the slope gradually rises, alternating between forest and meadows. Your efforts will be rewarded as you reach Le Poët-Célard, an ancient, perched village dominated by its castle. Take your time to wander through the narrow splendid streets. On the way back down, you will admire the magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The magic of this escapade is right in front of you.
Dinner and overnight in a charming guest house in the heart of Bourdeaux.
Day 5 : From Bourdeaux to Le Poët-Laval (19 km with total uphill 630 m. Around 6hrs30)
Step back in time as you walk through the old village of Bourdeaux. A series of footpaths and forest trails lead you to the Col de Boutière pass. The GR9 trail guides you along the slopes of the ‘Montagne des Ventes’ before switching to the Drôme Provençale and reaching the charming village of Dieulefit. You will then proceed towards Poët-Laval, one of the most beautiful villages in France, where you will take a historic road through the Vitrouillères forest.
Dinner and overnight stay in a 3* hotel in the heart of the magnificent village of Poët-Laval.
Day 6 : Around Le Poët Laval (8,2 km with total uphill 630 m. Duration about 3hrs00)
A path edged with Mediterranean scrubland and scented with marjoram and thyme leads up to the Poët mountain. From there you can climb up to the ‘Trou du Furet’, a geological wonder offering magnificent view of the perched village of Eyzahut. In the meadows where wild horses roam, let yourself be gently carried away by the soft ridges that line the cliffs. The descent continues through the forest as you head back to the medieval village of Poët-Laval.
Dinner and overnight in a 3-star hotel in the heart of the hilltop village of Poët Laval.
Day 7 : Departure
Your hike in the Drôme ends in this splendid setting. After breakfast, a taxi will take you to Mirmande to pick up your vehicle or to Montélimar railways station.
Getting there:
You will be taken to the railway station by Taxi at the end of your holiday.
Hotels
Night 1: www.hotelmirmande.fr or www.lacapitelle.com
Night 2: http://www.les-aubergistes.fr
Night 3 & 4: Chambres d’hôtes la Tulipe Sauvage or Chambres d’hôtes les Nuits du Taris
Night 5 & 6: https://www.hotel-les-hospitaliers.com/
