Wandering in Provence
This scenic part of France traces the steps of the Roman legionnaires and Christian crusaders, marching between the high Alpine passes bordering Italy and the grand centres of lower Provence. On this trip we traverse the famous Grand Canyon du Verdon - Frances most spectacular gorge and explore by foot the many historic villages and towns of Provence. Our route crosses the open landscape of the Plateau de Valensole, visiting hot baths, Roman fortifications and the haunts of past crusaders. It is a terrific mix of uninhabited terrain and the quaint towns of lower Provence.
This is an ideal tour for spring and autumn, as the summer months can be very hot.We traverse the hills high above the Lac de Castillon and spend a night in Castellane, a remote town with echoes of Napoleon's march on Paris, as well as battles between maquisards and retreating German occupiers in 1944. A full day is spent traversing the best section of the Grand Canyon du Verdon - France's most spectacular gorge, with 1500 feet high cliffs towering above the river. We explore the alleyways of the historic ceramic town of Moustiers, where our hotel, indeed the whole town, is built on the edge of a ravine with waterfalls. Beyond Moustiers, the scenery abruptly changes; you are suddenly out of the Alps. Across the Plateau de Valensole, you walk through fields of lavender and cereals with truffle oak plantations. Our next night is spent in the historic town of Riez. You will admire the group of Roman columns at Riez, and be impressed by the opulence of the hot baths at Greoux. At St Martin de Bromes and Greoux there are fortifications associated with the medieval Knights Templar, while the medieval town centre of Manosque takes hours to explore fully. Depending on your flight times you can spend much of your final day in the town of Aix en Provence, with it's flower markets and Cezanne Museum, or take a stroll down the wonderful Cours Mirabeau. Everywhere along the tour you will be amazed at the contrast between the narrow streets and tall, densely clustered houses of the Provencal villages and the virtually uninhabited, almost empty landscape in between.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS: Is on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis in country inns and 1 chambre d'hote. On two nights you dine out at your own expense.
ARRIVAL: First hotel at St Andre Les Alpes. Airport bus to Nice railway station (30mins) then by train to St. Andre. Journey time 2 hours.
END OF TOUR: Manosque after breakfast on day 8. Train to Aix en Provence, then airport bus for return flight. Journey time 2 hours.
Self Guided Inn to Inn 8 days
CODE: SWP
GRADE:
* This tour is also available as an ESCORTED DEPARTURE
CODE: SWPE
P I P E S T O N E...T R A V E L
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