Dordogne Self Guided Walking Tours
Provence Self Guided Walking Tours
Loire Self Guided Walking Tours | Burgundy Self Guided WalkingTours
These
tours are a fully organized vacation for the independent traveler who
wants the freedom to walk at his or her own pace. You'll
have complete support behind the scenes. Our France representative will
meet you at the beginning of your tour for an orientation. You will receive
a packet with detailed route instructions, maps, suggestions for sights
to visit along the route and emergency support phone numbers. You can
take a spontaneous detour and always feel secure that your hotel room
will be waiting for you. You will be able to travel at your own
pace without a guide or support vehicle to hurry you along or to slow
you down. Your luggage will be transported each day to the next accommodation,
which will be reserved and prepaid. You don't need to worry, as emergency
support is just a phone call away. Below are sample itineraries that you
can choose your exact dates between mid April to mid October. Just let
us know if you would like to make any changes or add additional days and
we'll do our best to accommodate your requests.
FRANCE - SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR IN THE DORDOGNE
 Some of the most charming villages of France are found in the Dordogne region. The opulent Dordogne valley is rich with countless grandiose and spectacular sites such as castles and fortresses, villages built into the cliff and caves with amazing rock formations.
Day 1 : Arrival in Montignac
Montignac is a lovely small town alongside the Vezere River. The river splits the town in two and on each side of its banks have sprung fountains, washing places, houses and half timbered buildings. On looking up, you will see the castle, former haunt of the Counts of Perigord, perched on its rocky spur and overlooking the town nestling below. Montignac is home to a masterpiece of renown, the Cave of Lascaux, whose facsimile opened in 1983. Dinner included.
Day 2 : Montignac to St. Amand de Coly via Lascaux 16 km
Walk to the well-known prehistoric Lascaux cave. Recent research has placed the iconography of Lascaux at the beginning of the Magdalenian Age, that is, 17,000 years before today. After this journey in Prehistory continue your walk by the chateau de la Grande Filolie, crossing some hamlets before reaching the small village of St Amand de Coly, with its lovely fortified Romanesque church. Return to Montignac by taxi. Dinner included.
Day 3 : St.-Leon-sur-Vezere to Les-Eyzies 21 km
Transfer by taxi to Saint Leon, which boasts of one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Perigord and two chateaux ! Walk through the Vezere Valley or along the heights of the village of Peyzac and La Roque Saint Christophe, an imposing cliff dominating the river whose caves were inhabited as a troglodyte fortress since the earliest traces of man! Continue through the villages of Moustier and Tursac, with its steepled church, before reaching Les Eyzies de Tayac, where you will pass the evening in an ancient windmill along the banks of yet another river, the Beune. Dinner included.
Day 4 : Les Eyzies de Tayac loop 12 km
The morning is open and you can choose to spend it visiting the National Prehistory Museum or one of the many prehistoric grottos located in the area. You can continue your immersion in prehistory by walking to the Font de Gaume caves and the Grotto of Combarelles (reservations required), or if you feel like being more active, take our loop walk, following the Vezere River and returning through chestnut and pine forest back to Les Eyzies for the night.
Day 5 : Beynac to Domme 19 km
Transfer this morning back to Beynac. This cliff-side village houses an intimidating square and chateau overlooking the Dordogne You head to the chateau, following the “Caminal del Penieraires”, a paved, sloped street lined with beautiful, small old houses. Then down to the banks of the Dordogne and follow the river towards Castelnaud and its chateau, a rival to that of Beynac. Across the river to La Roque Gageac, a beautiful village built against the cliff, and then again to climb up to La Bastide de Domme, a lovely fortified city built on the top of a steep cliff, where you can visit the town and the cavern. Dinner included.
Day 6 : Domme to Sarlat 17 km
From Domme, you will walk to the village of Montfort and its fortified castle standing in a grandiose setting, highly-coveted for centuries. From the top of the Cingle de Montfort ( a bend in the Dordogne ), you have a lovely view onto the Tursac Peninsula and the Montfort Chateau. From there on to Sarlat. We invite you to discover this UNESCO rated medieval town, with its narrow streets, restored Gothic and Renaissance town houses, the Saint Sacerdos Cathedral and its famous open-air market (open Saturdays).
Day 7 : Departure - Bon Voyage!
TOUR DATE: April - Oct. dates available. (July and August can be hot.)
TOUR PRICE: €1,320 Euros(Double Occupancy)
TRIP COST INCLUDES:
- 6 nights in charming hotels of the comfort level of your choice: CLASSIC, or CLASSIC +
- All breakfasts and 5 dinners
- Luggage transfers
- Taxi transfers as described in the itinerary
- A set of detailed maps with the route marked on and detailed notes describing the trail
- Route notes and regional advice
- Emergency phone assistance 7 days a week
TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: 1 dinner, lunches, alcoholic beverages.
FRANCE - SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR IN PROVENCE
The Alpilles Mountains rise in the heart of Provence, between Arles and Avignon. The lower part of the slopes are covered with olives and almonds. Lovely picturesque villages and small Provencal towns nestle in these hills. With their centuries-old homes and mansions, their tiny public squares with fountains and their welcoming terraces shaded by vast linden trees, you won’t be able to resist sitting down to relax with a pastis and olives at the end of your day . Indulge in the carefree pace of Provencal life!
 Day 1 : Arrival in Arles
Located in the heart of the Provence, Arles is a town rich with two thousands years of history. It is appreciated for its Roman and Medieval monuments, some of which – including the amphitheatre, the Alyscamps, Saint Trophime Cloister, and the beautiful portal of the Saint Trophime Church – are designated as UNESCO world heritage sites. Stroll through this city of art and history, boutiques and cafes.
Day 2 : Tour of Arles and its surroundings approx 15 km
Transfer by taxi to the abbey of Saint Pierre de Montmajour. This Benedictine abbey was built in the 12th century on a rocky spur in the midst of marshy land. The 12th century buildings – the Church of Notre-Dame and the cloister have been restored. After a visit, head back to Arles through the plains and along the canals that were so often painted by Van Gogh, a long-time resident of the city. Spend your evening wandering the narrow streets of Arles.
Day 3 : Fontvieille to Maussane approx 20 km
Transfer by taxi to the Saint Gabriel chapel, a beautiful Romanesque building at the foot of Alpilles. Walk forest paths to Fontvieille. The small town center is charming and spotted by ancient wells. A gentle climb towards the famous Alphonse Daudet windmill gives a lovely view of the Alpilles landscape and the Montmajour Abbey. The hike continues to the ruins of the Aqueducts of Barbegal, built by the Romans. Continue across the Alpilles and through the olive groves to Maussane les Alpilles. Dinner included tonight.
Day 4 : Maussane to Saint Remy approx 20 km
Walk through vineyards and olive trees up to Les Baux de Provence, a stone fortress that dominates the whole of the valley. Take time to stroll the narrow streets, admire Saint Vincent’s church, Penitents Chapel and the château. There is a breathtaking panorama from the château over the Camargue. Leave the village by way of the Val d’Enfer, a narrow valley framed by abrupt cliffs, and walk through the Alpilles via Lake Peirrou to the outskirts of Saint Remy. Enjoy its narrow streets, lovely residences and cafes, and fountains of its shaded squares.
Day 5 : Eygalieres to Saint Remy approx 20 km
Transfer by taxi to the Saint Sixte Chapel, just outside the charming village of Eygalières. Follow the Alpilles range along the Vallorgue Pass and the Pas de l’Aigle to reach the Caume Plateau. The landscape is beautiful! The environment is wild, rocky and covered with a few small Mediterranean bushes that fragrance the air. Your walk continues back to St Remy via the ancient city of Glanum and ends paying homage to Van Gogh, via the monastery of Saint Paul where he was housed for one year and completed numerous paintings.
Day 6 : Villeneuve les Avignon to Avignon approx 10 km
Transfer by taxi to Villeneuve. This charming city, facing Avignon, owes its origin to the Saint Andre abbey founded in the 6th century. Walk from there, crossing the Rhone river to admire the St Benezet bridge,(the famous Pont d’Avignon into Avignon itself, where you will spend the afternoon touring the historic centre. Avignon was already important by the 12th century, but with the arrival of the Popes in the 14th century, the city became a second Rome. Going through any of the seven doors of the superbly preserved ramparts, you will discover the city of the Popes. The Palace of the Popes (a UNESCO Heritage site, as is the Avignon bridge), is the largest Gothic palace in Europe. Nearby is the Petit Palais Museum which houses an outstanding collection of Italian and Provencal paintings from the late 13th to the early 16th centuries.
Day 7 : Departure - Bon Voyage!
TOUR DATE: April - Oct. dates available. (July and August can be hot.)
TOUR PRICE: €1,100 Euros(Double Occupancy)
TRIP COST INCLUDES: 6 nights lodging in 3 star B & B's, hybrid rental bike, 1 dinner, 6 breakfasts, luggage transport, detailed maps and route suggestions, suggestions for where to eat and side trips to take, emergency support.
TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: 5 dinners, lunches, alcoholic beverages.
FRANCE - SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR IN THE LOIRE 
Enjoy a week of the best the Loire has to offer; magnificent castle after elegant chateau, great food, and medieval villages.
Day 1 : Arrival in Amboise
Arrive in time for a stroll through the city. Amboise is one of the cities of the Loire region with the most ancient history because of its particular geographic location. The large island that separates the Loire into two branches, made crossing the Loire River easier here than in other places...
Day 2 : Visit of Amboise
Today we have planned time for you to visit the royal château that sits on the banks of the Loire, the first château built in the renaissance style as well as the château of Clos Luce, where Leonardo de Vinci lived, and the Musee de l’Hôtel de Ville. We encourage you to wander through the streets of the city and investigate its rich architectural heritage.
Day 3 : Chenonceaux and Vouvray to Tours 12 km
Transfer to Chenonceaux. Built on the river Cher, the unique architecture of this chateau is reflected in the mirror-like water. Chenonceau is one the most beautiful chateau in Loire valley, owing a large part of its charm to women: it was built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, and made even more attractive by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis, both competing for the love of the same King. Early afternoon transfer to Vouvray The village is known for its natural and sparkling white wines, which are recognized as among the best of Touraine. You will also see a few of the remaining troglodytic dwellings nestled into the hillsides. Cross through the vineyards and pass the château of Montcontour, before returning to the banks of the Loire, and on to Tours.
Day 4 : Visit of Tours
Transfer to the Priory of Saint Côme in the morning. Begin your day with a tour of the priory, once the dwelling place of Ronsard, one of the greatest French poets of the Renaissance. Afterwards, follow the Loire back into the old neighborhoods of Tours and visit the ancient streets that lie around the Place Plumereau, the cathedral and Saint Julien Church. You will see wonderful old homes and mansions, each one more beautiful than the last, some of which now hold within their walls museums that are open to the public, such as the Musee des Beaux-Arts and the Musee du Compagnonnage. A full afternoon awaits you in the city of Tours!
Day 5 : Villandry to Langeais 14 km
Transfer by taxi to the château of Villandry. This château holds a collection of treasures, such as a variety of Spanish paintings, 18th century furniture, and – most notably – lovely Renaissance gardens. You will find five magnificent gardens await you: the vegetable garden, the garden of fountains, the ornamental garden, the garden of medicinal plants, and the labyrinth. You will then walk to the banks of the Cher and Loire rivers and follow them to Langeais. The town sits beneath the imposing structures of a 15th century fortress and a 10th century keep, which remain from the fortified castle that once defended the Loire Valley from western invasions. Dinner included.
Day 6 : Sache to Azay-le-Rideau 15 km
Transfer by taxi to the château of Sache on the banks of the Indre River. Dating to the 16th and 18th centuries and surrounded by a pleasant park, this château now holds a grand museum dedicated to the famous 18th century French writer Balzac. He came here often to escape his creditors and find the tranquility necessary for writing. Make your way towards Villaines-les-Rochers, where many artists work with wicker, and continue on to Azay-le-Rideau. Here, you will find one of the most beautiful Renaissance chateaux of the Loire valley. Built on the banks of the river Indre, the structure stands tall in grace, and the interior staircase is a masterpiece of its kind. It is home to a lovely collection of 16th century furniture and tapestries. Dinner included.
Day 7 : Departure - Bon Voyage!
We’ll transfer you to the Tours train station this morning after your breakfast
TOUR DATE: April - Oct. dates available. (July and August can be hot.)
TOUR PRICE: €1,250 Euros(Double Occupancy)
TRIP COST INCLUDES:
- 6 nights in charming hotels of the comfort level of your choice, CLASSIC, CLASSIC + or DELUXE
- All breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Luggage transfers
- Transfers as described in the itinerary
- A set of detailed maps with the route marked on and detailed notes describing the trail
- Route notes and regional advice
- Emergency phone assistance 7 days a week
TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: 4 dinners, lunches, alcoholic beverages.
FRANCE - SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR IN BURGUNDY
 Day 1 : Arrival in Beaune, capital of the Dukes of Burgundy
Upon your arrival in Beaune we will pick you up at the train station and transfer you to your hotel. Our Trip Manager will meet with you and go over your week and your package with you, before your dinner in Beaune. Bon Appetit and Welcome to Burgundy.
Day 2 : Beaune to Meursault 15 Km
Your walk leaves from the centre of Beaune and quickly takes you out into the vineyards, on small roads and paths. You are heading south, into the Cote de Beaune, where great reds are made, but whose fame is based more on the fabulous Burgundian Chardonnays. Your walk is partly in the sea of vineyards, partly through small villages that seem untouched by time, and partly in the forest paths just above the slopes of vines. At the end of the day your hotel in Meursault awaits you, with dinner included tonight.
Day 3 : St. Romain to Puligny via La Rochepot 14 km
Wander out to the edge of the village, where you’ll find the ruins of a chateau, and then head down into the centre of town; don’t make that word “down” make you too cocky today, as you have a couple of nice uphills ahead of you too! But the efforts are rewarded with one spectacular view after another. Your route takes you past the beautifully restored 14th century Chateau de la Rochepot, perched on a cliffside above the village of the same name. Stop for some lunch there if you like, and then continue through St. Aubin, Gamay, Blagny and finally into Puligny-Montrachet, home to the best Chardonnay white wines in the world, and for tonight, also for you! You’ll taste some of these great wines over your winetasting dinner tonight, at the famous Domaine of Olivier Leflaive, in the centre of town.
Day 4 : The Hautes Cotes de Beaune 12 km
A short transfer after breakfast this morning leaves you again up high. Your first view opportunity on today’s walk is a stunner: the “Pas St. Martin, was apparently where Saint Martin took a leap off the cliffside as he was fleeing a dragon; legend has it that you can see his footprint in the stony path, but you may not notice it as you soak in the view down into the valley below. Continue your walk as it brings you along trails through forest and via a 14th century Benedictine rest home before arriving in the vineyards just above Beaune. This evening, enjoy wandering Beaune; we will give you a list of restaurants that we recommend – there are many!
Day 5 : Beaune
After a relaxing breakfast, you’ll be ready for your private historical tour, including the renowned Hospices de Beaune, an astounding medieval building, built by the Chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy, to buy his ticket into heaven. Free time in Beaune awaits you after that, to explore the many cobblestoned streets, enticing boutiques, and cafés of the town. To help, we give you notes for a self-guided walking tour of the historical centre. Dinner again in town this evening with our recommendations.
Day 6 : Gevrey Chambertin and the Route des Grands Crus 14 km
You will be transferred north this morning, to the small town of Nuits St Georges. After your transfer we attack some wine names in earnest; the walk, a nice variety of vineyard and forest path, takes us parallel to all the great red Grand Crus of the Cotes de Nuits. You pass by the most expensive of them all: Romanee Conti, Richebourg, La Tache… and on via the impressive Cistercian Chateau de Clos de Vougeot, Chambolle Musigny, and into Gevrey Chambertin for your final night. Your dinner tonight is included.
Day 7 : Departure - Bon Voyage!
Transfer by taxi after breakfast to the Dijon railway station.
TOUR DATE: April - Oct. dates available. (July and August can be hot.)
TOUR PRICE: €1,150 Euros(Double Occupancy)
TRIP COST INCLUDES:
- 6 nights in charming hotels of the comfort level of your choice: CLASSIC, CLASSIC +, or DELUXE
- All breakfasts, 4 dinners
- Private tour of the Hospices de Beaune
- Luggage transfers
- Taxi transfers, as described in the itinerary
- Transfer to the start and from the end of the tour
- A set of detailed maps with the route marked on and detailed notes describing the trail
- Route notes and regional advice
- Emergency phone assistance 7 days a week
TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: 2 dinners, lunches, alcoholic beverages.
Dordogne Guided Bicycle Tours | Provence Guided Bicycle Tours | Loire Guided Bicycle Tours | Burgundy Guided Bicycle Tours | France Guided Bicycle Tours | France Guided Walking Tours
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