From Epernay to Paris, cruise on the majestic Marne canal lined with cities full of character. You will discover charming and timeless Paris and its famous monuments, but also Reims, the City of Art and History, home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Do not miss out on Hautvillers and its beautiful surrounding vineyards.
Discover the authentic Provence combining style and refinement, a cruise brimming with splendid scenery and great food as well as a once-in-a-lifetime evening at a Paul Bocuse restaurant.
A taste of Paris linked with the history of France: discover the castles of the Loire between Chambord and Chenonceau before boarding the river boat for a cruise on the Royal Loire river whose beautiful landscapes are legendary. Visit Nantes and The Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a gallery that recreates the imaginary world of the famous writer Jules Verne. Discover Saint-Nazaire and admire its shipyard and the Escal'Atlantic which immerses you in the world of steamships from the beginnings of their gigantic construction to life on board. Soak up the magical castles of the Loire such as Brissac, the highest castle in France whose monumental facades rise up from its large landscaped park.
I really enjoyed this trip. It provided the right blend of organisation and flexibility to suit my preferences. All of the hotels were excellent and everyone was friendly and helpful. When I needed support, the response was swift. The walking instructions were usually clear and the downloaded GPX files allowed me to double-check when I was unsure. For me the estimated times were more than enough for breaks and photos. I would happily use them for any other walking holidays. Thanks!
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Avignon, St Remy De Provence, Ma
Avignon, St Remy De Provence, Maussane, Chapelle Saint Gabriel, Arles
Discover a land of medieval chateau, ancient monasteries, vineyards and charming villages. A great trip for food and wine buffs, with walking that is gentle to start with and progressing to moderate grade as the week unfolds. Burgundy's natural riches and its complex history bear testimony to its fine heritage. It is a beautiful and fertile land where farmers, foresters, and above all wine growers skills have nurtured the landscape for more than a thousand years. The reputation of Burgundy's cuisine has travelled the world and the very word Burgundy is synonymous with the finest wines. Burgundy is a multifaceted landscape just waiting to be explored, and, as elsewhere in France, the best way to savour it, is to explore on foot its peaceful lanes and byways. Travellers will discover a fabled land of mediaeval chateaux, ancient monasteries and fragrant breezes where the art of living is pursued to near perfection at a gentle unhurried pace. Beaune is the hub of Burgundy’s wine industry, at the heart of a cluster of prestigious vineyards such as the Cote d’Or, Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits and is the obvious place to start our trip. The first walking day is just 3 hours on foot to Meursault; a gentle start allowing time to visit the sights in Beaune and sample some wine in the village of Pommard on route. Don’t miss the imposing mansion of the Dukes of Burgundy, the basilica of Notre Dame and the most famous of all the sights in Beaune, the steep pitched patterned roofs of the Hotel Dieu. A circular walk to Saint Romain includes a ruined chateau and a 12th century church as well as some beautiful scenery and a great restaurant for lunch. A steady climb from Meursault, to join the ‘Grande Randonnee’ paths, takes in mature oak forests before descending to the village and stunning chateau of La Rochepot, unfortunately closed at the present time. From there you will be walking on to Nolay, a village of fine mediaeval buildings, narrow streets and half-timbered houses. The second half of the week is a little more taxing and involves walking an average of just over 18km per day and ascents of about 500m climbing onto the escarpment and hilltops for glorious views as far as the Alps. There is still time however to enjoy the delights of Rully, the ancient Chateau of Montaigu, the produce of the Cotes Chalonnaises and many more sleepy hamlets and villages. The landscape is a mix of vineyards on the lower slopes, woodlands on the edge of the plateau, and pastures and arable land above 380m on the plateau. Conditions underfoot are good with many of the tracks through the vineyards surfaced even though there is little or no traffic; lightweight boots are all you will need.