RUSTIC TRAILS HOLIDAYS - Trip Notes - Heritage Tour

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

Five days guided walking, touring and sightseeing of up to 6 hours per day excluding breaks. The walking pace is very easy.
Provencale towns, villages and markets.
Spectacular views; mediterranean and alpine scenery.
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 summer and autumn. In the surrounding hills and mountains, there are many trails for walkers offering glorious views, abundant wildlife and beautiful flowers. We take several very easy walks to explore the area; the pace is quite sedate to allow you to take photographs and savour the views.

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 breakfast on Sunday morning we can either take a quick tour of the busy Sunday market in the village, or start the first day’s touring. There are many superb locations in the area. Our guide will choose the best area on which to concentrate each day. It is not possible to be precise about the exact itinerary, but an example itinerary is given below:

Sunday: Short drive to the small town of Crest to visit its 12th century tower, highest of all medieval dungeons in France, with a walk down to the Drôme river, and then the scenic hilltop village of Mirabel with beautiful views of the valley and mountains. In nearby Saillans, we visit the excellent organic Raspail vineyards and cellars, including a tasting. Learn all there is to know about our unusual local Clairette wine, naturally sparkling, fruity, and either sweet or dry. Guided tour of Saillans village, with a 2000 year old history. A leisurely walk through its narrow streets, described by your local guide, including a visit to the old church and the council hall.

Monday: Scenic drive on small country roads down to the Provence area of the Drôme. First stop among the rocky hills of Aleyrac, to visit the romantic ruins of an ancient priory. Further down in the plains, we stop in Taulignan village to see its well preserved medieval walls. Travelling onward to Grignan, listed as one the most beautiful towns of France, we will visit its castle, one the most impressive Renaissance-style palaces in southeast France. The return roads will lead us through the wild hills once more, to Dieulefit and the village of Poët-Laval, founded by the Knights Templar. Then onto Bourdeaux village and its medieval quarter, before cutting across the Saou mountain range.

Tuesday: The entire morning will be dedicated to visiting the ‘Grotte Chauvet’. Discovered in 1994, and studied for 20 years, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, due to its amazing figurative cave paintings dating back 36,000 years, which are to date some of the oldest, best preserved, varied and artistic in the world. The afternoon will be taken up by the panoramic Ardèche canyon drive, with many stops to gaze at the jaw-dropping views, as we make our way through the nature reserve.

(Wednesday : rest day, you can explore the local area or visit one of the local market towns, or choose a walk from our extensive collection of itineraries. Evening meal in local restaurant. )

Thursday: Driving up the valley and through four narrow passes among the Diois (pronounced ‘deewah’) mountains, we arrive in Die, ancient capital city of the Voconces, part of the Celtic Ligurian people of southeast France. Towering high above the town is the majestic Glandasse ridge and plateau, part of the largest nature reserve in France. Via the medieval village of Châtillon, we will stop to admire the Cirque d’Archiane mountain. Further south, we will also walk across the ‘Claps’ near Luc en Diois, the result of a colossal mountain slide, over which the Drôme river cascades. Driving up to the mountain pass of Pennes, we will venture into the very remote Roanne area, to undertake a 2 hour easy walk to the Aucelon ridge, and enjoy some of the best views in the Diois.

Friday: A day to explore one the most wonderful parts of the French alps. Starting by the Gervanne Valley and its hilltop villages, the deep Omblèze canyon, followed by the Vellan promontory and panorama. Driving up among green mountain pastures, a short stop to visit Léoncel cistercian abbey. Scenic roads will take us from there onto the heart of the Vercors massif, through the dark forests of Lente, and down the famous Combe Laval carved out from the cliffs. A stop in Pont-en-Royans village, with houses built on the vertical cliffs of the Bourne Gorges, and visit of the acclaimed Choranche caves. Back on top of the Vercors plateau, your guide will tell you about the French Résistance, stopping in front of historical sites. Return journey through the Col de Rousset mountain pass.

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

Practical information

Minimum group size is 4, maximum 8. Minimum age: 18 years. We provide one guide per group who will guide all the walks and tours 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 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