RUSTIC TRAILS HOLIDAYS - Trip Notes - Wine and Walking

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

-Five days guided walking of between 3-6 hours per day excluding breaks. There will be some uphill sections but the pace is easy.
-Provencale towns, villages and markets.
-Spectacular views; mediterranean and alpine scenery.
-Eagles, vultures, chamois and other wildlife.
-Learn about the way of life and heritage of the region.
-Visits to wine producers and vineyards
-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

We put together the 'Wine and Walking' holiday following requests from several of our clients who were keen walkers but who wanted to take the opportunity to sample wines from the Rhone valley and other French regions. We were happy to oblige - it's still a walking holiday, but with very informal wine tasting, plus some winemakers and vineyard tours thrown in.

Through the week, between the walks, we visit a couple of wine producers and taste some delicious wines. And each evening we sample a few different examples: silky syrahs from St Joseph and Cornas, surprisingly complex wines from Cairanne and Rasteau, powerful examples from Chateauneuf du Pape and Gigondas, and of course the very local wines from our valley. We are confident that your interest in French wine will be rekindled, you may even learn something! And of course for those of you who've driven here, there is the bonus of taking your new found treasures home. All this is within the context of a walking holiday of course; please therefore study the itinerary below to get a feel for the walking. ( The itinerary is a guide and will vary depending on the weather and other factors )

Itinerary

Day 1, Saturday

Arrive at your accommodation in time for dinner on the terrace.

Day 2, Sunday (breakfast from 8.15 to 9.30)

We take a walk around the local village market, the local goat’s cheese and charcuterie are worth a try. We then head off for a short minibus trip to the start of the first walk, La Vallee de la Gervanne and Gigors. Highlights of this area include the restored village of Cobonne and the market town of Beaufort, as well as stunning views towards the Vercors, the Drome valley and the Rhone.

Day 3, Monday

We take a short walk today, leaving time for a vineyard visit. We drive 15 km to Bezaudon, via a spectacular col. A delightful three hour walk leads us to the ruined tower of the old village, a magnificent spot for lunch, offering gorgeous views south to Provence and Mont Ventoux. We spend the afternoon visiting a wine producer in the area.

Day 4, Tuesday

We travel to the Col du Rousset, in the Vercors National Park, a winter ski resort. In spring it’s a carpet of wild flowers., and in autumn it’s about the clear skies and the griffon vultures soaring overhead, and of course the views of the Vercors and the Drome valley a mile below, from the edge of the plateau. This is one of the best places in the region for walking, and we probably won’t see anyone else. If time permits, we stop in the market town of Die (pronounced ‘Dee’) for a look round. This is the town after which the local wine is named – Clairette de Die and Cremant de Die, both sparkling whites; very unusual this far south and almost unheard of in Britain.

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 6, Thursday

We head south today towards Nyons and Cotes du Rhone country. There is some excellent walking here; the scenery is more mediterranean in feel, more olive groves and rolling countryside. We should have time to look round Nyons; as well as a very big market, the ancient streets provide hours of fascination. We visit a wine producer in the afternoon, and find out more about the local wine. It is more or less grape harvest time, the ‘vendange’, we might be able to see them at work.

Day 7, Friday

An incredible walking day, we head east up the valley and then north towards Combeau, the most spectacular high level (but flat) walking in the region. The views towards the alps are superb, and there is abundant wildlife here.

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.

As well as a camera and binoculars, we suggest you bring a memory stick so that you can take a copy of digital photographs taken either by the guide or any other members of the group.

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, 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 is served on your return from the day's walking.
Dinner; six home cooked dinners of 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 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