Hiking Provence-Gard

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1. Theme
2. Model 7-night tour: Hiking Provence-Gard
3. Accommodation
4. What's Included
5. Prices 2009
6. Booking

One of our most popular walking tours in France, Hiking Provence-Gard optimises light self-guided hiking and independent travel in and around the lower reaches of the beautiful Ceze Valley.

There is simply no better way to enjoy the delights of this most picturesque of valleys.The sixteen villages that compose the commune of 'Valcezard' are either huddled in the bottom of the valley or perched on the top of steep-sided hills. Whilst walking in France, you gain fascinating insights into these villages, the character of the Ceze Valley and Ardeche Gorge.

Hiking Provence-Gard culminates in the exploration of Uzes, the region’s most enigmatic town, and its hinterland like few others see it. No hiking tours in Provence are complete without a hike to France’s most magnificent aquaduct – The Roman Pont du Gard. Yours is complete.

See our article on rambling in Provence-Gard

For an inn-to-inn walking tour of the same theme, see Walking tour in Provence

Day 1. Montclus.

Arrival and hotel check-in at this 'castled' village. Both are classified as historical monuments. Early arrivals can enjoy the pool, a 90-minute walk to one of the winding Valley’s greatest vantage points or do a spot of fishing or lavender appreciating.
Night near Montclus.

Day 2. The Venice of Provence. 5.5 miles-9 kms.

You climb to a fortified village with ramparts, feudal castle and twelfth century chapel, and outstanding views over the lower Ceze Valley. Then descend once again into the wonderful aromas of the Garrigue towards the enchanting 'Venice of Provence.'
Second night near Montclus.

Day 3. Le Roque. 4 miles-7 kms

From another hilltop village, you cross the twelfth century Martel bridge and tread carefully past some imposing waterfalls. After lunch there is a chance to learn more about the natural riches of the Garrigue via a short botanical walk near La Chartreuse de Valbonne: 2 miles-3 kms.
Night near St Martin d'Ardeche.

Day 4. St Julien. 5 miles-8kms

Day 5. Gorge de l’Ardeche. 7 miles-11 kms.

Enjoy the marvels of this cliff-top experience with some unforgetable panoramic views.
Night in Uzes.

Day 6. Uzes and its Gorge. 10 miles-15kms.

Before you enjoy wending your way around the narrow streets and alleyways of this multi-faceted town, here is the chance to see it as very few others do. A delightful tour of the gorge that will reveal the source that fed the Pont du Gard, two castles, a bee farm and some memorable views of Uzes.
Second night in Uzes.

Day 7. Pont du Gard. 11.5 miles-17 kms, with shorter version at 7.5 miles-11kms.

Commence the day at a tenth-century medieval village and walk the panorama that culminates in Pont du Gard and the Gardon Gorge. Then its up the hill to one of the prettiest Gard villages with its gourmet hotel and restaurant (much loved by Gerrard Depardieu) and a visit to perhaps the loveliest cemetery in Le Midi - a view that’s almost worth dying for!
Third night in Uzes.

Day 8. End of your hiking in Provence programme.

Au revoir et à bientôt.

Notes:
1. As part of our policy of continual review and improvement, we reserve the right to make alterations to our walking tours.
2. All of our hiking tours in France give you the option to use your own car at a discounted rate.

3. Accommodations

As hiking tours in Provence go, the accommodations in this package are of an exceptionally-high standard. You stay in three hotels/chambres d'hotes of real character en route in order to reduce driving time to a minimum. Your walking then starts and finishes from your hotel, or after a short drive in your car, for greater convenience.

These are your three overnight stops and the nights you stay in each one:
1. Montclus area - two nights;
2. near St Martin d'Ardeche - two nights;
3. Uzes - three nights.

4. What's Included

• 7 nights B & B in '3-star-standard' accommodations and local hotel taxes - leaving you free to purchase your meals according to your personal preferences and budget:
  relevant information is available in your dossier;
• One week’s small car hire;
• Tailored walks to suit your needs and capacity;

• Walking France Insight Notes™ that make orientation simple;
• Themed holiday dossier;
• Comprehensive travel notes & logistical information;
• Cultural ‘What’s on’ information;
• Emergency telephone help-line service delivered by British nationals.

Click to go to Booking and Costs