RUSTIC TRAILS HOLIDAYS - Trip Notes - Classic Drome

We put together the 'Classic Drome' holiday following requests from several of our clients who were keen walkers but who wanted to take the opportunity to find out more about the heritage and way of life in the area.

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

-Five half days guided walking of up to 3 hours per day, the pace is very easy.
-Spectacular views, fields of vines, sunflowers and lavender; mediterranean and alpine scenery; abundant wildlife and flowers.
-Five half days guided touring, visiting sites of historical or current importance; museums, buildings, wineries, villages.
-Learn about the way of life, the history and heritage of the region, discover the local wines.
-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

From the arrival of the Romans two thousand years ago, through to the present day, south east France has experienced many changes - the region has had it's fair share of invasion and conflict, disease, famine, floods and drought. The Drome was part of the 'Dauphiné' and was independent from France until the 15th century. Conflict continued to define the Dauphiné during the French Wars of Religion from the end of the 16th century, through the Revolution and beyond. The 19th century brought industrial change; railways and road networks were built, and eventually electricity arrived, but did nothing to prevent depopulation and reforestation in the Drome valley.

Despite it's difficult past, the Drome is one of the most unspoilt and beautiful areas in France, the people are welcoming and kind, and the way of life is stress free and simple. The dramatic mountains to the north and rolling countryside to the south offer fabulous walking opportunities. The walking is easy, the minibus does the hard work, taking us to spectacular viewpoints. We explore the region at a wonderful time of year, when the sunflowers and lavender are coming into flower, the village markets are bursting with fabulous fruit and vegetables, and the long sunny evenings are perfect for al fresco dining.

We visit sites of historic interest, such as the town of Die with it's ramparts, museum, and nearby cistercian abbey. There are ancient or rebuilt villages where we learn about religious conflicts and the Huguenots, and about the second world war and the French Resistance. We also discover the wines of the region, the local specialities, and find out about the current way of life.

Below is a sample itinerary which could vary, but overall the holiday is half walking and half touring and sightseeing.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Saillans in time for drinks and dinner on the terrace.

Days 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7: We take a number of walks, visits and tours normally from the selection given below:

We take a short minibus trip to the start of the morning's walk in the foret de Saou, an ancient forest within the amazing perched syncline which defines the landscape in the western Diois. We also explore the village and look round the Auberge des Dauphins, and then head to Bourdeaux to tour the village and it's ruins, and admire the views.

We visit Plan de Baix, an agricultural village at the foot of the Vercors. Protestants sheltered in the caves here during the wars of religion. We take a walk either here or nearby in Beaufort, with views of the Drome valley and the Vercors. Later, we visit the Domaine Peylong wine estate, where high quality ancient and modern wines are made, and sample their wines.

We concentrate on the heart of the Diois (pron. 'deewah'), we visit Die, with it's superb ramparts, museum, roman mosaiic and fine buildings, and visit the Abbaye de Valcroissant nearby, a 12th century building in a beautiful setting. We travel to Marignac en Diois for a glorious ridge walk offering 360 degree views of the Vercors and valley.

We travel towards Dieulefit (='God made it'), a beautiful market town in Drome Provencale, and have the opportunity to visit several places of interest nearby: the village of Poet Laval with it's Protestant museum, the Eglise de Comps, and the town of Dieulefit itself, famed for it's pottery. We take a walk in nearby Crupies or Vitrouilleres, and there is a small goat's cheese producer nearby where we visit and sample, time permitting.

We travel to the Vercors plateau, stronghold of the French Resistance in the second world war. It's a beautiful area for walking, with magnificent views of the mountains and the Drome valley. We visit the 'Musee de la Resistance' and learn about the 'Maquis' and their struggle.

The Abbaye de Leoncel, at 900m altitude, is in an extraordinary setting. We look round the abbey and learn about it's origins and the way of life here, and tour the village. Afterwards, we travel north to the Col de la Bataille, a high altitude location in the Vercors, with exceptional views and easy walking. Time permitting, we visit the 'Jardin Botanique' in Beaufort.

We travel ten minutes upstream to the Roanne valley, the enchanting village of St Benoit en Diois, with it's tiny church and views over the river, and then on to St Nazaire le Desert, another Protestant stronghold. We take a walk in the area in the afternoon.

We take a trip to Combeau, a high altitude alpine meadow with stunning views over the alps, tour the beautiful village of Chatillon, and visit the local wineries.

We visit the thriving town of Nyons (='newmarket'), there is a busy market here on Thursday mornings, and a tour of the old town is highly recommended.

The Cirque d'Archiane is a beautiful and completely unspoilt location offering diverse flora and fauna and lovely views of the cliffs of the Vercors.

Day 5, Wednesday

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 visit one or more of the local winemakers, and do some free sampling. Evening meal in local restaurant.

Day 8, Saturday

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

There is the possibility an airport transfer to and from Lyon St Exupery or to and from Valence TGV if you coordinate your flight or train travel to coincide with it. 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 of 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 (nominal charge), and a fridge/freezer for any food items. Free wi-fi isavailable.
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 (subject to signal strength) 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