RUSTIC TRAILS HOLIDAYS - Trip Notes - Drome Explorer

Based in the village of Saillans, the highlights of this walking holiday include:

Five days guided walking of between 4-6 hours per day excluding breaks. There will be some uphill sections but the pace is easy to moderate.
Provencale towns, villages and markets.
Spectacular views; mediterranean and alpine scenery.
Eagles, vultures, chamois and other wildlife; beautiful wild flowers in May and June.
We leave one day and evening free for you to explore further or relax.
Luxurious accommodation with private swimming pool.
Delicious home cooked cuisine, and a broad selection of superb local wines

You will discover the amazing diversity of the Drome in this week long holiday. From our luxurious accommodation in Saillans we are perfectly placed to explore areas of outstanding beauty to the north and east, and ancient villages, markets and vineyards to the south and west. The Drome valley is a beautiful place in May, June and early July. Before the scorching summer heat takes hold, the landscape is green and lush, and the crystal clear rivers, home to beavers and kingfishers, are fast flowing and teeming with fish.In the surrounding hills and mountains, there are many trails for walkers offering glorious views, abundant wildlife and beautiful flowers. We take several easy to moderate daywalks from Saillans or nearby to explore the area; the pace is quite sedate to allow you to take photographs and savour the views. The south of our region has a completely different feel; provencale markets, ancient villages with cobbled streets and stone arches, rolling countryside and fields of lavender.

Example Itinerary

Day 1:Arrive at your accommodation in time for drinks and dinner on the terrace.

Days 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7: After meeting your guide and collecting your picnic lunch on Sunday morning, we can either take a quick tour of the busy Sunday market in the village, or start the first walk. There are many superb walks in the area. Our guide will choose the best area in which to walk each day. It is not possible to be precise about the exact itinerary, but some of the areas we are likely to visit include:

La Vallee de la Roanne, with the lovely perched village of St Benoit-en-Diois. La Roanne has superb rock pools and is also an excellent area for wild flowers, we will see an enormous variety along the river bank on the June walks.

La Vallee de la Gervanne, highlights of this area includes the restored village of Cobonne and the market town of Beaufort as well as stunning views towards the Vercors and the Drome valley.

Le Col du Rousset, in the Vercors National Park, is a ski resort in winter. In spring we don’t need to walk far to find a great variety of wild flowers. Another highlight here has to be the griffon vultures soaring overhead on calm days, and the views of the Vercors and la Glandasse, and the French Alps.

Le Col de la Bataille, also in the Vercors National Park offers incredible views to the north and south, as well as easy walking.

Les Trois Becs, the highest perched syncline in Europe; there are several different access points all offering different views and wonderful walking and not as taxing as it looks from the terrace!

La Foret de Saou, rich with wildlife and distinctly mediterranean flora.

Le Petit Pommerol, an amazing moderate grade walk offering an exceptional view of Les Trois Becs, La Foret de Saou, and the Vercors National Park.

Le Combau, a beautiful alpine location : golden eagles, chamois, a huge variety of wild flowers in June, and views over towards Mont Blanc in the distance.

Bezaudon, a lovely area fifteen kilometres south over the col. Very easy walking with lovely views south towards Provence and Mont Ventoux. An amazing number of different orchid species can be found here in spring.

Gorges d'Ombleze, a narrow and steep sided gorge that defies belief, superb waterfalls, cool air and excellent walking, especially on a hot day.

Rimon, high altitude but easy walking; great views of the valley and northern Provence, ancient villages .

Le Grand Delmas, a moderate grade climb to a high peak and ridge, offering splendid views of the Vercors and the distant French Alps.

Cirque D'Archiane, a terrific mid altitude walk with a distinctly alpine feel, and home of the elusive Lady's Slipper orchid. Expect to see eagles, vultures and chamois.

Dieulefit, a thriving market town surrounded by rolling hills offering wonderful walks and views of Provence.

Saillans, the GR9 and GR95 (national marked trails) pass through our village, and there are several circuits to the north and south, each offering excellent views. Vineyards and truffle oaks gradually give way to more rugged terrain and forests, climbing to a number of superb viewpoints.

(Day 5: Rest day. A non walking day to relax or visit one of the nearby market towns of Die or Crest. Alternatively, we have some prepared routes that you can do on your own if you would rather walk, or you could try canoeing, cycling or visit some of the local vineyards. Evening meal in local restaurant.)

Day 8: Saturday: We say our goodbyes; transfers to Valence TGV and Lyon airport.

Practical information

Minimum group size is 4, maximum 10. Minimum age: 18 years. We provide one guide per group who will guide all the walks in the area. The guide will not be provided for anyone walking on a route other than with the group.

What to bring

In addition to your usual clothes, you will need the following:-

-Lightweight walking boots with good ankle support
-Waterproof / windproof jacket
-Sun hat and sun cream
-Water bottle
-Day rucksack (for your belongings and picnic lunch)
-Walking poles if you like to use them.

Joining the trip - transfers

Included in the cost of your holiday is an airport transfer to and from Lyon St Exupery or to and from Valence TGV. If you are taking this option you will be given further details with your joining instructions. Alternatively you may prefer to make your own arrangements, in this case please arrive at your accommodation from 4pm onwards on your arrival day.

Passports

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents.

Insurance

It is a requirement of our terms and conditions that you have taken out appropriate travel insurance in respect of your holiday.

Extra expenses and spending money

Allow about 30 euros for the evening meal on the rest day, plus money for drinks etc in bars and cafés. There is a cashpoint in the village.

Transport

A mini-bus is normally used as your support vehicle throughout the week, and all transport costs for the normal programme of guided walks are included. Transport is not usually provided on the rest day.

Accommodation

Your accommodation has three double and two twin bedded rooms with en-suite facilities. You will have full use of the large sitting room, dining room, terraces, swimming pool and garden. The house is a short walk from the centre of the village and two minutes from the river Drome.

Meals

Breakfast will be provided each morning on the terrace. It is self-service and comprises cereals, yoghurt, seasonal fruit, boiled eggs, croissants, baguettes and wholemeal bread, jam, marmalade and honey, selection of teas and coffees.
Lunch: five picnic lunches are provided consisting of filled baguettes of your choice, salad, fruit, cakes, snack bars and soft drinks.
Afternoon tea; tea, coffee and biscuits are served on your return from the day's walking.
Dinner; six home cooked evening meals with aperitifs plus four courses, including unlimited wine, mineral water, tea or coffee.
We do not offer a choice of meals but if you have a food allergy or are vegetarian please discuss your requirements with us.

Facilities

A washing machine is available (there is a nominal charge), and a fridge/freezer for any food items. Free wi-fi is available.
The library contains a broad selection of books; there are also maps and guidebooks to borrow.
The swimming pool is open from 8 am each day.
Most UK terrestrial channels can be viewed on the satellite television in the lounge.
Drinks with meals are free and unlimited; a minibar and wine list is available for drinks at other times, for which a nominal charge is made.

Rustic Trails Holidays, 124 City Road, London.

enquiries@rustictrails.co.uk

+44 (0)845 680 0475

Trip Notes