8
15 950
Start at the Hotel des Alpes, Greoux-les-Bains. 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. **
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
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
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
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 6
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 **
Distance in Km: 8
Distance in Miles: 4
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. **
After a private transfer in the morning to Moustiers St Marie we climb up to the craggy ridge of l’Ourbes 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
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 6
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 Randonnée). Ascent: 434m
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
* 5 days centre-based walking
* Well marked trails and paths
* Altitude maximum 1300m, average 700m
All breakfasts included in the trip. Each day we will stop at a bakery or
store for you to buy your lunch. There is a great variety of restaurants to
choose from in Greoux les Bains for evening meals and your leader will be
able to provide recommendations.
* 5 days centre-based walking
* Well marked trails and paths
* Altitude maximum 1300m, average 700m
This trip is graded Leisurely/Moderate - Level 2. Although the pace of the
walks is leisurely and there is plenty of time to rest and enjoy the views,
we place this itinerary at the tougher end of the leisurely/moderate scale
due to several of the walks heading to or descending from hilltop villages.
You should expect some ascent and descent and we recommend reading the daily
itinerary carefully. The terrain and type of path track will vary from
manmade paved tracks to tarmac. All walks take between 4 and 6 hours
including lunch stops and require a moderate level of fitness. If you wish to
take an extra day out of the programme you can choose to relax by the hotel
pool or explore the shops and cafes of Greoux les Bains.
All walks are optional so should you choose to have an extra day relaxing by
the pool or exploring the area independently this will not be a problem.
Download our Fitness Training Guide [1] for more information on our Activity
Levels.
[1] https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/exodus_wt_fitness_training_guide_1.pdf
Hotel des Alpes - 3 Star
The Hotel des Alpes is a family-run hotel is ideally located in the pretty
Provencal village of Greoux-les-Bains. All rooms have en suite facilities,
air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity and hairdryer. The hotel has an outdoor
heated swimming pool with an adjacent restaurant serving delicious local
specialties. Single supplement from (double room for single use) available on
request.
Throughout the week you will be accompanied by a local French leader,
although they will not be staying in the hotel they will coordinate the
airport transfers, guide all walks and will join the group for a farewell
dinner in the hotel at the end of the week.
All breakfasts included in the trip. Each day we will stop at a bakery or
store for you to buy your lunch. There is a great variety of restaurants to
choose from in Greoux les Bains for evening meals and your leader will be
able to provide recommendations.
All transport mentioned in the itinerary is included, except for optional
excursions or where a client may choose to curtail a group walk. Airport and
daily transfers will be by private coach (some days will involve walking
directly from the hotel and transport will not be needed).
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of EasyJet (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
Due to Easyjet's booking system, we can only purchase flights 6 months
before the date of your departure. If you book your trip before this date, a
booking confirmation will be sent to you advising that flights are subject
to confirmation. We will then secure the flights as soon as they become
available. In the case that flights are not available at the original
budgeted cost once they are released for sale, a flight supplement will be
charged. If the supplement exceeds 10% of the original holiday price,
you will be given the right to cancel.
Please note that many destinations now require Advanced Passenger
Information (API), such as your passport number, date of birth and
nationality, to be added to your booking before departure. When booking
Easyjet flights through Exodus your sales consultant will do this for you.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in Greoux les Bains*
Your trip normally starts at the hotel in Greoux les Bains on Day 1 of the
itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided it the Final
Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure.
*This Trip can be combined!*
With so much to see and do in the world we know how hard it is to settle just
on one destination. That's why we have put together a handy guide of trips
you are able to do back‐to‐back.
This trip aligns with several departures of the *TEK: Walking the French
Riviera*. To transfer between the 2 destinations: For logistical ease we
suggest you join the Provence trip first. You will then be able to join the
return group transfer to Marseille airport from where you can take a bus
(they run every 20 minutes) to the train station. From here you can take the
train to Menton (the hotel is a short walk from the station). If you do the
Provence trip second you will need make your own way to the start point
independently (the group flight arrives into Marseille at 10:55). You will
need to take a train to Marseille where you can take a bus directly to
Greoux.
Please note: both departures need to guaranteed for these trip combinations
to be confirmed.
If you are interested in combining this trip, please call us, email us or
start a Live chat for further details.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
If you wish to book alternative flights wish do not tie in with the group
transfer times you can make your own way to the start point on public
transport: On arrival at Marseille airport there is a shuttle bus from the
airport to Aix en Provence bus station. Buses depart on the hour and every
half hour throughout the day. It takes approximately 30 minutes and prices
start from €8.20 payable at the airport at the bus station desk. From here
you will need to take Bus 27 ‐ Line 'Marseille‐Gréoux‐Castellane' ‐
there are 3 buses per day leaving Aix en Provence at 9h30 arriving at 10h30;
leaving at 14h50 arriving at 16h30; leaving at 17h30 arriving at 18h45. You
will need to get off in front of the 'Sumian' office in Gréoux (this is the
bus terminal). The Hotel des Alpes is a slightly up hill 10 minute walk from
here. If you wish to take a taxi directly from the airport it will
be approximately €150.
Taxi du Thermalisme: 0033 4 92 78 02 42
Taxi Claude Auric 0033 6 07 04 93 58
Weather in Aix-en-Provence is good throughout the year thanks to its mild
Mediterranean climate. The region welcomes hot, dry summers (June to
September) averaging around 30 °C, whilst winters (December to February) are
cool around 12 to 15 °C but rarely cold, with lows rarely below 10 °C.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are cool and balmy and
perfect for trekking.
Traditional or lightweight walking boots with good ankle support and a strong
sole
Waterproof/windproof jacket (preferably Gortex) and over trousers
A warm 2 season jacket or sweater/fleece
Water containers or Thermos Flask to contain 2 litres of liquid
Day sack of 25/30 litre capacity
Sun hat, sun screen and lip salve
We also advise using dry flow wicking clothing rather than cotton as it dries
much quicker and is more comfortable when trekking
Walking poles
Swimwear
Tupperware and penknife for the packed lunch
You will need spending money for the meals that are not included in the
itinerary. We recommend approximately €5-10 for lunch and €20-€30 for
dinner, of course you can spend as little or as much as you choose.
Although optional a tip for the leaders at the end of the trip is greatly
appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of between €16-
€20 per client for the leader. Smaller groups may wish to give a little
more per person. It is customary and appreciated to leave a small tip when
settling your drinks bill at group meals.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.