Dramatic mountains, deep valleys, vast limestone plateaux and plunging gorges - it's little wonder that the awe-inspiring scenery of the Causses and the Cevennes is a UNESCO-recognised Cultural Landscape. On this seven-night holiday you'll discover the natural beauty and fascinating geology of this incredible region - traverse the imposing plateaux of the Causses, picnic above plunging gorges as vultures swoop and circle overhead, cool your feet in fresh mountain streams and visit the amazing rock formations of Montpellier-le-Vieux. A short drive leads to other regional highlights including the Tarn Gorge, Aven Armand, the caves of Dargilan, the Cirque de Navacelles and the unique village of Roquefort.
We provide fully detailed route notes for a wide variety of walks this week, ranging from level 1 to level 2, with many ranking amongst the most popular in France. Each showcases a different aspect of this dramatic region - choose a rewarding ascent through pine forest and beech woods to the lofty summit of Mont Aigoual (1565m) or a tranquil stroll alongside the crystal-clear waters of the River Tarn; you can even potter around the region's charming towns and villages such as Roquefort whose underground labyrinth of cellars harbours 5,000 tons of the famous cheese! Some of the best walks start directly from the hotel and with a hire car included you have even more flexibility, with the Cevennes National Park an easy drive away.
Your base for the week is the very stylish 4 Star Grand Hotel de la Muse et du Rozier, situated in a wonderfully tranquil spot against a backdrop of wooded hills with gardens leading down to the river. Watch herons and kingfishers as you relax on the terrace, take advantage of the private riverside 'beach', enjoy a dip in the heated swimming pool* or fish for trout on the River Tarn.
The paths are well made and maintained, but usually stony and/or rocky, so walking boots are essential. The majority of walks involve sharp climbs from the valley to the causse, and given the nature of the landscape you need to be a reasonably fit and confident walker with a fair head for heights. Walking poles are recommended.
Arrive at our 4-star hotel in Le Rozier in time for dinner which is included this evening.
You stay at the Grand Hotel de la Muse et du Rozier (breakfast and evening meal included)
A perfect way to start your week with a leisurely and totally flexible walk alongside the River Tarn. There are little river beaches and ideal picnic spots looking down on the crystal-clear waters. Griffon vultures, reintroduced in 1978, glide effortlessly on the thermals.
You stay at the Grand Hotel de la Muse et du Rozier (breakfast included)
This walk takes you through open pine woods interspersed with box and juniper and up to the amazing ruins of the C11 St Michael's Hermitage and the extraordinary prehistoric Mushroom Rock. There are fantastic views of the Jonte Gorge, and from the Point Sublime (a great picnic spot) you'll enjoy a spectacular panorama. You'll also catch your first glimpses of the unique rock formations known as the 'Vases' across the valley on the Causse Mejean.
You stay at the Grand Hotel de la Muse et du Rozier (breakfast included)
Today's highlights include stunning views of the Tarn Gorge and also long-distance views south west as far as Millau. Your first stop is the fascinating semi-troglodyte village of Eglazines, from where you climb on to the open causse - it's a big sky up there! Marvel at amazing formations such as the 'rock garden' on the descent to the quaint village of Liaucous.
You stay at the Grand Hotel de la Muse et du Rozier (breakfast included)
What a spectacular day, as you set off on one of the most dramatic walks in France, with stunning views across the Tarn and Jonte Gorges. You'll see griffon vultures soaring overhead - at over 8ft, their wingspan is colossal - and you'll discover amazing natural wonders such as the Anvil, the China Vase and the Vase of Sevres.
You stay at the Grand Hotel de la Muse et du Rozier (breakfast included)
Drive south, perhaps stopping first to explore the small towns of Le Rozier or Peyreleau before taking a path to the impressive Rochers des Roques-Altes. Stop for a picnic and enjoy panoramic views over the idyllic waters of the winding Dourbie Gorge, before heading back to the car and on to the atmospheric chaos of Montpellier-le-Vieux, a sprawling mass of dolomite limestone which locals once believed to be an ancient, forgotten city, hidden in the woods!
You stay at the Grand Hotel de la Muse et du Rozier (breakfast included)
Drive up onto the Causse Mejean to the hamlet of La Bourgarie. A gentle stroll across the plateau past traditional caussenade farm buildings and through the woods takes you to the amazing Cinglegros Rock. Then it's on to the Baus del Biel, a 40m-high natural limestone arch - a superb work of nature. If you've made an early start, why not drive across the causse to visit Aven Armand, a remarkable cavern containing a 'petrified forest' of 400 stalagmites and stalactites.
You stay at the Grand Hotel de la Muse et du Rozier (breakfast included)
This single-centre holiday is based at the following hotel. If you'd like to extend your stay here, or upgrade your room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Room upgrades and extra nights: Contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades: Deluxe room.
The deluxe room is larger than the standard room.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
The above tour-only prices exclude flights.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. Below is a small selection of reviews we've received from our satisfied customers.
Megan dealt with my requests efficiently and promptly, making the changes required.
Good overall. Very prompt service and comprehensively covered everything, except that I had requested a quote for travel insurance, and the contact details weren't provided until I chased for them.
Megan is excellent
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Single-centre accommodation in a hotel
All buffet breakfasts and 1 evening meal is included
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Europcar Group B air-conditioned hire car (if booking inclusive flights)
Choice of walking levels
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Minimum group sizes
No minimum group size, however transfers are subject to at least 2 people (in total) booked on each departure.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Meals
All buffet breakfasts and 1 evening meal is included
Other details
Tour only: The above tour-only prices exclude flights.
Tour only
The above tour-only prices exclude flights.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
