Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 & 2
17.0Kg CO2e
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 Grand Hotel de la Muse et du Rozier.
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Our walking base is the stylish Grand Hotel de la Muse et du Rozier, located on the banks of the river Tarn, near the confluence of the rivers Tarn and Jonte. It's a tranquil spot, with wooded hills behind and gardens leading down to the river.
The hotel itself is modern, light and airy, with big picture windows and conservatories, and with each room carefully decorated to maximise peace, calm and tranquillity. The hotel benefits from lots of sitting areas - ideal for that after dinner drink or relaxing with a book after a day's walking.
The bedrooms at the Muse et Rozier are tastefully designed, with each boasting fantastic views over the river Tarn, as well as a small sitting area where you can drink in those views.
In addition, the hotel boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool and private riverside beach, and trout fishing is possible in the Tarn.
Room upgrades and extra nights: Contact us for details.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Le Senat, Paris; Hotel Pere Leon, Toulouse.
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The 4 star Le Senat is simply stunning! There are just 41 rooms, all stylishly furnished and a couple of suites with terraces, if you really fancy splashing out! All have satellite television, mini bar, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer, plus Internet access.
The hotel has its own small bar - adorned with photographs of eminent artists, being in the heart of the artists' quarter - plus a reading room with complimentary internet access.
Breakfast is taken in the basement, where you'll find a copious buffet of viennoiseries, cereals, fruit salad, ham, cheese, bread, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit juices, tea or coffee. If you prefer, you can have a continental breakfast served to your room at no extra charge.
Le Senat is perfectly located on a quiet side street just a stone's throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens and metro, and a five-minute walk from the vibrant Latin quarter, where you'll find a plethora of restaurants to suit all budgets.
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The Hotel Pere Leon is ideally situated just a short walk from the historic centre of Toulouse, with the main sights just a short walk away. Just 50 metres from the metro, there is easy access to the rest of the city. The hotel is in Place Esquirol, a bustling, lively square and in close proximity to many bars and restaurants.
The hotel itself has a modern contemporary feel, which has been recently renovated. The ensuite rooms have soundproof windows and all mod cons. Breakfast is a buffet affair with a good choice of French staples, and a hot section.
The hotel has its own bistro restaurant with seats outside where you can enjoy a drink or dinner.
Room upgrades: Deluxe room.
The deluxe room is larger than the standard room.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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 our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 & 2
17.0Kg CO2e
