French
| country: | France |
| location: | French Pyrenees |
| trip type: | Introductory hiking holidays |
| departures: | 2008: 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct |
| price: | From £695 (7 days) including flights from the UK plus optional £6 for CO2 offsetting. This trip can also be booked without flights. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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introduction to French
A week long guided walking holiday in the Southern French Pyrenees. We are based in Can Llouquette, situated in the Vallespir valley in the French Pyrenean mountains, literally a stones throw from the Spanish border. It is in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon, which is the most southerly region in France, and with sunshine through the summer and winter averaging over 300 days a year, it is also the sunniest!
This holiday is designed for anyone who is relatively active and who enjoys discovering new places on foot, while sharing these experiences with other like minded people. Included in a one week holiday is up to five days of guided walking with the resident guide – Gustav.
There are a range of walks available in the area through a variety of landscapes. Generally these are slightly less challenging than those in the Alps, although they still require a good level of fitness. Much of the walking takes place on the Canigou Massif, and there is also a chance to spend a day exploring the coastline, where the Mediterranean meets the foothills of the Pyrenees.
The biggest challenge of the week, which is only suitable for certain groups, may be an attempt on the summit of Mount Canigou itself, which stands at 2,784 metres high and although not technical, requires a good level of fitness, as well as a head for heights. However, it is worth the effort as the summit offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains in both France and Spain.
The landscape surrounding Mount Canigou varies as you travel inland from the coast. Secluded coves and picturesque bays give way to undulating vineyards laid out like a carpet before the impressive mountain massif. The views are exceptional as you travel from the coast up towards the mountains.
The village of Tech is only a few minutes away, where you can have an excellent lunch at the Café Union, a genuine French café. The resident guide and host will be happy to take guests to the local villages. From Tech you can proceed to the impressive small town of Prats de Mollo in about ten minutes.
Itinerary: There is no set itinerary for the week. Each day’s walk will be decided the evening before, in consultation with the guests, depending on their preferences. With a maximum of only eight guests per week, you will have plenty of opportunity to get to know everyone well.
Highlights include:
Small groups (max 8 people) provides for a more intimate holiday experience Off the beaten track easy walking in the foothills of Mount Canigoun in the French Pyrenees High quality chalet style accommodation & meals An optional attempt to walk to the summit of Mount Canigou – 2,874 metres 5 days dedicated guide service Stay in an old fruit farm in a haven of peace and tranqulity set in 11 acres of forest and gardens No local payment
Accommodation: We stay at an old fruit farm in an idyllic location, half way up Mount Canigou (2,784 metres) and situated just 1.5 miles from the nearest village - Montferrer. It is a haven of peace and tranquillity, set in 11 acres of forest with gardens running down to its own stream and plunge pool, all of which is set in a national park. It also has a swimming pool within the grounds. Guest accommodation is in either the main house or the gîte.
Price details: Price includes 5 days of guided walking/trekking, 7 nights accommodation, return flights from London, transfers, 7 breakfasts, 7 packed lunches and 6 evening meals with wine and beer. Excluded are dinner on one evening, all other drinks and snacks, personal travel insurance and personal expenses (laundry, telephone, camera film etc).
This holiday is designed for anyone who is relatively active and who enjoys discovering new places on foot, while sharing these experiences with other like minded people. Included in a one week holiday is up to five days of guided walking with the resident guide – Gustav.
There are a range of walks available in the area through a variety of landscapes. Generally these are slightly less challenging than those in the Alps, although they still require a good level of fitness. Much of the walking takes place on the Canigou Massif, and there is also a chance to spend a day exploring the coastline, where the Mediterranean meets the foothills of the Pyrenees.
The biggest challenge of the week, which is only suitable for certain groups, may be an attempt on the summit of Mount Canigou itself, which stands at 2,784 metres high and although not technical, requires a good level of fitness, as well as a head for heights. However, it is worth the effort as the summit offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains in both France and Spain.
The landscape surrounding Mount Canigou varies as you travel inland from the coast. Secluded coves and picturesque bays give way to undulating vineyards laid out like a carpet before the impressive mountain massif. The views are exceptional as you travel from the coast up towards the mountains.
The village of Tech is only a few minutes away, where you can have an excellent lunch at the Café Union, a genuine French café. The resident guide and host will be happy to take guests to the local villages. From Tech you can proceed to the impressive small town of Prats de Mollo in about ten minutes.
Itinerary: There is no set itinerary for the week. Each day’s walk will be decided the evening before, in consultation with the guests, depending on their preferences. With a maximum of only eight guests per week, you will have plenty of opportunity to get to know everyone well.
Highlights include:
Accommodation: We stay at an old fruit farm in an idyllic location, half way up Mount Canigou (2,784 metres) and situated just 1.5 miles from the nearest village - Montferrer. It is a haven of peace and tranquillity, set in 11 acres of forest with gardens running down to its own stream and plunge pool, all of which is set in a national park. It also has a swimming pool within the grounds. Guest accommodation is in either the main house or the gîte.
Price details: Price includes 5 days of guided walking/trekking, 7 nights accommodation, return flights from London, transfers, 7 breakfasts, 7 packed lunches and 6 evening meals with wine and beer. Excluded are dinner on one evening, all other drinks and snacks, personal travel insurance and personal expenses (laundry, telephone, camera film etc).
traveller reviews for French
The accommodation and food was amazing. The ambiance was very relaxing in the evening with piped music, candles and comforting fire. (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
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Located in a locally owned converted fruit farm, this holiday - located in a remote part of the Pyrenees helps provide an income for the owners and local community during Spring and Autumn.
With a maximum number of guests of 8 at any one time we keep environmental impact to a minimum. Where possible the owners actively recycle waste and only environmentally friendly cleaning products (washing powder, dishwasher tablets, toilet cleaners etc) are used. All water comes from a local source. We aim to start and finish our daily hike from the farm, so vehicle use is kept to a minimum. Our qualified guide will conduct a nightly briefing including measures to limit our impact on the local environment. All produce is sourced locally ensuring income is spread through the local community.  As a company, we support a variety of charities that strive for better conditions for staff who work in ‘off the beaten track’ tourism. In the Indian sub-continent and South America we help to provide better conditions for porters, and the protection of indigenous peoples in remote and fragile places such as rainforests and the sub-polar regions. All our trips are operated and planned in line with PATA and Green Globe 21 principles. We equally expect our clients to be committed to sustainable tourism. We offer you the chance to contribute to Climate Care. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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