Itinerary Expand all Fly to Marseille; transfer to Greoux-les-Bains. From Marseille airport we take a private bus directly to Greoux les Bains under 2 hrs transfer time. In the evening our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions. Day 1 Start Greoux-les-Bains. Start at the Hotel des Alpes, Greoux-les-Bains. In the evening our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions. Day 2 Walk direct from the hotel to the Valensole plateau, a spectacular area in summer for seeing fields of lavender. Leaving on foot directly from our hotel we head to the Valensole plateau. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, especially in the spring when the almond trees are in bloom. In the summer, aromas of lavender and thyme waft through the air confirming the fact that Valensole is one of the most important producers of lavender in Provence. Valensole comes from the Latin 'vallis' and 'solis' meaning the valley of sun. We return to Greoux following a pleasant track alongside the 'Laval' stream.Ascent: 281m Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Bus transfer to Forcalquier, known for having the best outdoor market in Provence. Ascend from town with views across the Mourres plateau, a site of geological interest with its mushroom shaped limestone. In the morning we take a private transfer to the bustling hilltop town of Forcalquier. One of the largest of its kind in France, the weekly market is bursting with both new and traditional French goods including olive oil, breads and cheeses. After time for exploring the myriad of stalls, we head on to see the Mourres Plateau. A site of geological interest the plateau is covered with strange limestone concentrations that sometimes look like faces, which is how the area earned its name, 'Mourres' meaning faces in Provencal.Ascent: 372m Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Transfer by private bus to the lovely village of Quinson. Follow a walkway along the lower Verdon Gorge with views of the sparkling turquoise waters. After a private transfer in the morning to the lovely village of Quison, today's walk will take us to a superb walkway along the lower Verdon Gorges. This walkway follows an old canal previously used to carry drinking water to Aix en Provence. The views of the Turquoise Verdon are truly amazing. The walk continues up to the chapel Saint Maxime, an ideal spot for lunch. Distance: 9,5 km Ascent: 400 m Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Free day in Greoux-les-Bains; optional visit to Aix-en-Provence. Today is free to either relax by the pool, visit the nearby shops or take a bus trip to the beautiful town of Aix en Provence. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Take the bus to Moustier-Ste-Marie. Climb the ridge of L'Ourbes with views over the lake of St Crois. After reaching the top descend via old Roman road. After a private transfer in the morning to Moustiers St Marie we climb up to the craggy ridge of l’Ourbes with great views over the lake of St Croix. After crossing the summit and descending to a dry riverbed the terrain becomes more open before the final descent to Moustiers on an old Roman road. On our return journey we take a slight detour to enjoy an alternative view of the Verdon Gorge.Ascent: 505m Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Follow the Verdon River and ascend hill for views over Lake Esparron. Arrive for lunch in village of Saint Martin before walking to the plateau of Pauron. Today we walk directly from the hotel following the banks of Verdon River before gently climbing a hill to follow the ridge with spectacular views of the turquoise waters of the Esparron Lake. From here we head to the pleasant village of Saint Martin de Bromes where we stop for lunch. Leaving the village we will climb up to the plateau of Pauron on a good GR track (Grande Randonnée).Ascent: 434m Meals included: Breakfast Transfer to Marseille; fly to London. A relaxing morning in Greoux les Bains before a transfer to Marseilles airport to match group transfer flight. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End Greoux-les-Bains. Following breakfast we say our goodbyes. Meals included: Breakfast
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France No visa required for British passport holders. For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.
Hotel des Alpes - 3 Star The Hotel des Alpes is a family-run hotel is ideally located in the pretty Provencal village of Greoux-les-Bains. All rooms have en suite facilities, air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity and hairdryer. The hotel has an outdoor heated swimming pool with an adjacent restaurant serving delicious local specialties. Single supplement from (double room for single use) available on request.
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Reviewed September 2019 Simon Fox Trip: Highlights of Provence A wonderful trip to Provence A wonderful week spent exploring the varied landscapes and villages of Provence. The hikes are a little challenging at times but our leader Isabelle was fantastic at pacing the group and ensuring everyone was able to enjoy each walk. The scenery is stunning, especially the hike through the Verdon Gorge. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Thursday walk from Moustiers-Ste-Marie. The first 4 km of the walk is a steep uphill climb but the views at the top are worth the climb. The walk back down the old Roman Road is very rocky and quite a challenge but I felt so proud of myself for completing it. What did you think of your group leader? Isabelle is absolutely amazing. She looks after each and every member of the group and ensures everyone is happy, well and enjoying themselves. She has a wonderful knowledge of the local area, from flora and fauna, food, history and all aspects of the Provencal culture. Her passion for Provence helped us all fall in love with the area. She provides dried fruits and nuts to keep up your energy on the walks, paces the group well and even brings treats to share (local sweets, biscuits and cakes). Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Some of the hikes can be quite challenging at times, quite steep in parts and often rocky. This means you have to concentrate on your footing and take your time. I wouldn't say trekking poles are essential, but they certainly help and make it easier. Good hiking boots / shoes are a must. Be prepared with snacks to keep up your energy and plenty of water (at least 1.5 litres for each walk). Is there anything else you would like to add? An amazing trip which gets you out into the real countryside of Southern France, away from touristy areas.
Reviewed September 2019 Jillian Hassett Trip: Highlights of Provence Highlights of Provence Excellent experience of Provence. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The walk through the Verdon Gorge was scenery unparalleled. What did you think of your group leader? Isabelle was a true gift to us, in our experience of Provence. She had a passion for and great knowledge of the culture ,history, flora and fauna of Provence. She was kind and considerate to each individual,enabling the group to work as one.She provided assistance and guidance as required,both on the walks and afterwards. Additionally she had a great sense of fun and provided welcomed treats along our fabulous journeys.Our Provence dream was realised with Isabelle's guidance,even a swim in the Verdon ! Thank you so very much. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared to enjoy ! Some of the rocky/ pebbly terrain may be be a new experience for some but very manageable with trecking poles,good hiking bootsand taking time.The leader will guide you.
Reviewed June 2019 Sue Kos Trip: Highlights of Provence Amazing My husband and I did this tour for our anniversary and it was better than expected. We experienced local markets, local food and adorable little towns each day. Each hike had very difference scenery too. It’s was surprising. Our guide Isabelle was amazing as well. We called her Mary Poppins because every day she pulled something new out of her nap sac for us to try and it was always local. It was wonderful. She even baked us a cake for our anniversary. The hikes themselves were rated well. There were some inclines that put you slightly out of breath and declines on rocks so you just have to be careful and take your time. But I wouldn’t call this strenuous. We loved it and can’t wait for our next one! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? When Isabelle pulled a home baked cake from her nap sac for our anniversary What did you think of your group leader? Isabelle was outstanding. She was very kind and patient and knowledgable about the area. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Follow the trip notes and bring everything it recommends. Don’t leave anything out. They are all listed for a reason and we needed it all
Reviewed June 2019 Tim and Therese Passlow Trip: Highlights of Provence Walking in Provence...Amazing! This was our first Exodus experience and it exceeded our expectations. The accommodation in Greoux les Bains was very comfortable, staff friendly, breakfast great. Great dining experiences there and other restaurants within close proximity. The walks were all unique and different and not too challenging. The scenery was unbelievable and our guide Isabelle was first class. She was super knowledgeable, passionate, friendly with a great sense of humour. She was also very patient and nothing was ever too much trouble. Our picnics under her guidance were always a highlight. To our delight, we had a lovely bunch of like-minded hikers on our tour. We would have no hesitation recommending this trip to others. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We loved the all the walks, but our favourites were the Verdon Gorges and the hike from the village of Moustiers Ste Marie. Scenery was breathtaking! What did you think of your group leader? As alluded to above, our guide Isabelle was first class. She was super knowledgeable, passionate about the local culture and the environment, friendly with a great sense of humour. She was also very patient and nothing was ever too much trouble. Our picnics under her guidance were always a highlight. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you are considering doing this trip make sure you pack your bathers as the swim in the pool each afternoon was a great way to finish the day, before dinner.
Reviewed October 2018 Andrea SULLIVAN Trip: Highlights of Provence Wonderful trip of discovery and friendship. My first trip to France and walking tour with Exodus the trip exceeded my expectations having the most amazing time ! We were a small group of 5 and lead by our lovely guide Isabelle tracked through such beautiful countryside , up and down hillsides to reach our destination of which was always a breath taking view! It did rain , and I'm glad it did because our alternative excursion ( Botanical museum with medieval gardens & Abbey) was just perfect ! Beautiful villages, great Autumn colors, wonderful food, great company, laugher, picnics and more ! Now to decide which tour to do next ....... What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were many !! the day trip to the Verdon Gorges will certainly remain as a highlight ! Picnic at the chapel of Sainte Maxine de Callian high on the mountain. What did you think of your group leader? I cannot say just how lucky ( Exodus too) to have Isabelle as our guide. Friendly, considerate of everyone's needs and her lively stories gave us a wonderful insight into the history of France and her people. Her passion and love of Provence was infectious!!! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I thouroghly recommend adding plenty of steps into your daily routine before the tour, of course good walking shoes well worn in ! Take a travel journal and maybe pencils or painting kit ( small travel watercolor) to record your memories!
Reviewed October 2018 Grant Howell Trip: Highlights of Provence Great Time in Provence A wonderful week hiking in Provence, headquartered in the lovely village of Greoux-les-bains, with a great guide taking us to various interesting and walkable places. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Most inspirational to me was our day in Moustier- Ste.- Marie, where we hiked into the edge of the Alpes and had lunch behind the mountain in a lovely meadow. We then descended down an old Roman road to the town. What did you think of your group leader? Our guide Isabelle was not a very good leader.........she was terrific! A lovely person, thoughtful, kind, joyful, very competent and a great story teller with lots of topical stories. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for the heat. We took a spray bottle of water to mist ourselves and cool things down in 30+ degree hiking weather. Is there anything else you would like to add? Our second Exodus tour and we're 2 for 2! Two great hikes with great leaders.
Reviewed September 2018 Patricia Alton Trip: Highlights of Provence TEA180915 I enjoyed the week in Provence.It was my second trip with exodus and I found the hiking challenging especially Thursdays hike it was exhausting in the heat.I loved visiting and hiking through Forcalquier and the village of Moustiers Ste Marie and our guide Isabelle made the holiday as she is so knowledgeable about the plants and trees and looked after all of us so well. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I loved hiking around the Verdon Gorge and visiting Forcalguier and Moustiers Ste Marie.I enjoyed eating out at different restaurants but with a large group trying to get separate bills was always a problem. What did you think of your group leader? Isabelle is an excellent group leader.she gave each of us a detailed and photographic account of what was in store for us for the week.All the walks and terrain the surrounding areas etc.she had put in booklet form in a folder for us.She had a box of dried fruit and nuts and seemed to know when to distribute them when are blood sugar was low due to the hiking in the heat.She is kind and had other treats for us native to the area.I personally think Isabelle makes this trip by her knowledge of the trees and plants her enthusiasm and knowledge. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I would tell potential travellers that the hikes are challenging especially when it’s 30degrees and above.Thursdays hike the steepest is a real killer not for the faint hearted. Is there anything else you would like to add? There is one thing that spoilt my trip and it’s when someone who was willing to share and no one wants to share with him and he ends up with his own room and didn’t pay the single supplement.This guy has done other trips with exodus and knows the score a total chancer he was grinning ear to ear.The single supplement for France was 350pounds which I found hard to raise so feel this is very unfair and has put me off doing more trips with exodus.
Reviewed September 2018 Susan Sargeant Trip: Highlights of Provence Highlights of Provence A beautiful part of France, and varied walks taking in local village life, markets, river walks and gorges plus some very steep hillsides over difficult terrain What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The trip to Quinson and the Verdon lower gorges What did you think of your group leader? Isabelle was delightful, friendly, knowledgeable and looked after us so well Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for some very steep ascents and descents over very rough terrain Is there anything else you would like to add? Lovely and comfortable hotel in a delightful, castle topped small hillside town with a choice of good local restaurants. Restaurants were not cheap, but excellent food. The swimming pool was such a treat on hot days
Reviewed September 2018 Carol E Trip: Highlights of Provence Walking in Provence Had a wonderful walking trip with local guide Isabelle, who enthusiastically shared her vast local knowledge of the area, villages, and way of life in Provence. Hiking enjoyable ( rated 2, poles not essential, not exhausting or steep), excellent breakfast at hotel, various group dinners suggested that were delicious, wonderful day off with bus ride to Aux-en-Provence followed by thermal bath spa visit.... I highly recommend this trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Of course the beauty of the area, the variety of hikes, and delicious meals were well appreciated, but the most “ inspiring “ was the generosity of our guide Isabelle, who made the trip so special with her humor, stories, extra local treats during hikes, and genuine concern for the group participants. What did you think of your group leader? Like I said, Isabelle was a gem! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you are a REGULAR walker/ hiker, this trip will be enjoyable, easy paced, not very physically challenging. The walks are paced for enjoyment, stopping to “ smell the lavender “, take in the views.... Good hiking shoes advised. Poles were helpful at some brief downhills, but not essential ( like they were for Corsica rated 3 hike!). Is there anything else you would like to add? I highly recommend this trip. Went in September, weather great, but lavender fields already harvested.
Reviewed November 2017 Anne-Marie Bennett Trip: Highlights of Provence The highlight was Provence Excellent hikes in beautiful countryside and scenic villages, lovely food, and a great group of like-minded and good humoured travellers made this trip special. But it was our joyful and good humoured guide Isabelle who ensured our journey flowed everyday, offering generous food and restaurant tips, extensive knowledge of each village, combined with a generosity of spirit which enabled us to immerse ourselves in the gems around every corner that Provence has to offer. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Hiking up above the village of Moustiers Sainte Marie and looking back towards the village. What did you think of your group leader? Our guide Isabelle was great. She ensured our journey flowed everyday, offered generous food and restaurant tips, extensive knowledge of each village, combined with a generosity of spirit which enabled us to immerse ourselves in the gems around every corner that Provence has to offer. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is a great and diverse trip for people who like to have a base and do day trips. The diversity of the area really lends itself to centre based trips.
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