RUSTIC TRAILS HOLIDAYS - Trip Notes - Spring Panoramas

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

Five days easy guided walking of up to 5 hours per day including breaks, experiencing the most dramatic day-walks the area can offer, with minimum ascents. There will be just limited uphill sections, the walking grade is easy, distance up to 8km, maximum height gain 300m.
Stunning mediterranean and alpine scenery, spectacular views towards the Alps, Provence and the Rhone valley.
Eagles, vultures, chamois and other wildlife, plus many wild flowers and butterflies.
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.

Our location in the Drome valley lies at the apex of three climatic zones: Alpine, Mediterranean and Continental European. To the north and east lies the Vercors National Park, France’s largest nature reserve, a vast mountainous area a mile above sea level, cut by deep limestone gorges among meadows and moorlands, forests, peaks and ridges. It’s a perfect area for walking. To the south is ‘Les Trois Becs’ (see below) , a superb location for walkers.

Example Itinerary

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

Days 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7: After meeting your guide and collecting your picnic lunch on Sunday morning, we 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 the areas we are most likely to visit include:

Le Col du Rousset, in the Vercors National Park, is a ski resort in winter, offering several excellent circuits. A highlight here is the griffon vultures soaring overhead on calm days, and the views of the Vercors and la Glandasse.

Le Col de la Bataille, also in the Vercors National Park offers incredible views to the north and south, as well as good walking, and is renowned for gentians and elder flowered orchids.

Font d’Urle, a beautiful location with excellent walking, wildlife and flowers.

Col de Grimone, to the east, offers some great circuits and unique views.

Rimon et Savel, very easy walking, stunning 360 degree views.

Combeau, a shortened circuit with snow capped peaks.

(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. The Drome river is a few metres from the hotel; you can see beavers there at dawn and dusk. 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. A 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 or in the large lounge. 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 meals of four courses, including unlimited wine, 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