Overview
A guided walking holiday through one of the most beautiful regions of France
A stunning part of Provence and relatively untouched by tourism, Greoux les
Bains offers the perfect base for a walking holiday. We stay in the
comfortable Hotel des Alpes in the heart of the town, allowing us to enjoy
the variety of restaurants, cafes and shops on our doorstep. During the week
we explore the region with a mixture of walks directly from the hotel or
following a short private bus transfer. With the bustling market town of
Forcalquier, the dramatic Verdon Gorge and depending on the season, fields of
lavender or poppies just a short drive away, there is much to be explored.
Highlights
* The beautiful Verdon Gorge
* Local markets and villages
* Relaxed daywalks
Itinerary
Day 1 Fly to Marseille; transfer to Greoux-les-Bains.
From Marseille airport we take a private bus directly to Greoux les Bains
under 2 hrs transfer time. In the evening our guide will hold a welcome
meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer
any questions.
**
Day 2
Walk direct from the hotel to the Valensole plateau, a spectacular area in
summer for seeing fields of lavender.
Leaving on foot directly from our hotel we head to the Valensole plateau. The
surrounding countryside is beautiful, especially in the spring when the
almond trees are in bloom. In the summer, aromas of lavender and thyme waft
through the air confirming the fact that Valensole is one of the most
important producers of lavender in Provence. Valensole comes from the Latin
‘vallis’ and ‘solis’ meaning the valley of sun. We return to Greoux following
a pleasant track alongside the ‘Laval’ stream.
Ascent: 281m
Day 3
Bus transfer to Forcalquier, known for having the best outdoor market in
Provence. Ascend from town with views across the Mourres plateau, a site of
geological interest with its mushroom shaped limestone.
In the morning we take a private transfer to the bustling hilltop town of
Forcalquier. One of the largest of its kind in France, the weekly market is
bursting with both new and traditional French goods including olive oil,
breads and cheeses. After time for exploring the myriad of stalls, we head on
to see the Mourres Plateau. A site of geological interest the plateau is
covered with strange limestone concentrations that sometimes look like faces,
which is how the area earned its name, ‘Mourres’ meaning faces in Provencal.
Ascent: 372m
Day 4 Transfer by private bus to the lovely village of Quinson. Follow a walkway
along the lower Verdon Gorge with views of the sparkling turquoise waters.
After a private transfer in the morning to the lovely village of Quison,
today’s walk will take us to a superb walkway along the lower Verdon Gorges.
This walkway follows an old canal previously used to carry drinking water to
Aix en Provence. The views of the Turquoise Verdon are truly amazing. The
walk continues up to the chapel Saint Maxime, an ideal spot for lunch.
Distance: 9,5 km Ascent: 400 m
**
Day 5 Free day in Greoux-les-Bains; optional visit to Aix-en-Provence.
Today is free to either relax by the pool, visit the nearby shops or take a
bus trip to the beautiful town of Aix en Provence.
**
Day 6
Take the bus to Moustier-Ste-Marie. Climb the ridge of L’Ourbes with views
over the lake of St Crois. After reaching the top descend via old Roman road.
After a private transfer in the morning to Moustiers St Marie we climb up to
the craggy ridge of lOurbes with great views over the lake of St Croix.
After crossing the summit and descending to a dry riverbed the terrain
becomes more open before the final descent to Moustiers on an old Roman road.
On our return journey we take a slight detour to enjoy an alternative view of
the Verdon Gorge.
Ascent: 505m
Day 7
Follow the Verdon River and ascend hill for views over Lake Esparron. Arrive
for lunch in village of Saint Martin before walking to the plateau of Pauron.
Today we walk directly from the hotel following the banks of Verdon River
before gently climbing a hill to follow the ridge with spectacular views of
the turquoise waters of the Esparron Lake. From here we head to the pleasant
village of Saint Martin de Bromes where we stop for lunch. Leaving the
village we will climb up to the plateau of Pauron on a good GR track (Grande
Randonne).
Ascent: 434m
Day 8 Transfer to Marseille; fly to London.
A relaxing morning in Greoux les Bains before a transfer to Marseilles
airport to match group transfer flight.
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